Inclusive, Neuroaffirming Coaching & Therapy for late-identified Autistics, ADHDers & AuDHDers
unmask. heal. rise.
coaching & root cause therapy
for neurodivergent minds,
emotional wellbeing
and authentic growth.
In-person in Chelmsford, Essex - and online, worldwide.
Hi, i’m DeAnna
(you can call me dee)
Your AuDHD coach / therapist, DeAnna Avis, in her natural habitat - surrounded by books like a nerdy hamster.
If you’re navigating the crossroads of neurodivergence and emotional wellbeing, this is a space to unmask and live as your whole, authentic self - not the version you were conditioned to be.
is this for you?
You might be:
Exploring whether you’re neurodivergent - or adjusting to a late-diagnosis
Ready to unlearn years of masking, people-pleasing, or overperforming
Reframing coping patterns that once helped you survive, but now hold you back
Processing the impact of trauma, stress, or feeling misunderstood - and finding new ways to move forward
Questioning old stories, beliefs, or identities that no longer fit
Rebuilding relationships and learning how to show up more authentically in them
Reconnecting with your creativity, purpose and personal power
Shaping a life that finally works with your brain, not against it
Wherever you are in your journey, this work is about meeting yourself with honesty and compassion.
unmask· heal · rise
unmask
Let go of the masks you’ve worn to survive - the habits of fitting in, pushing through, or holding it all together. Here, you can finally breathe and just be yourself.
heal
Together, we’ll explore how past experiences shape your present - not to dwell there, but to free yourself from what no longer serves you. This is the work of reclaiming your story and your strength.
rise
You’ve done the deep work.
Now it’s time to live it - to own your truth, honour your needs, and create a life that feels like freedom.
working together
-
My approach is neurodiversity affirming and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that you don’t need fixing. Working with me is about creating a safe, spacious environment where you can unmask, process and release old patterns, and begin to live in a way that feels honest and sustainable.
As an neuroaffirming coach-therapist, I see the past, present, and future as interconnected - and we’ll move between them as feels most useful to you.
Sometimes our work will be purposeful, goal-directed, and practical; other times, it will be slower, more reflective, and exploratory. Either way, the real magic happens between sessions - in the moments when you integrate, reflect, and begin to live what we’ve explored.
I don’t believe in the ‘detached expert’ approach. I’m not analysing from afar, nor telling you what to do - I am walking alongside you. Together, we’ll build an authentic, collaborative relationship where your own inner wisdom can surface and be heard.
My background and lived experience as an autistic ADHDer and trauma survivor inform how I show up - with empathy, curiosity, and honesty - but our work will always centre your story and perspective.
I draw from a wide range of approaches - including somatic and parts therapy, CBT/DBT, existential ideas and coaching - but everything is adapted to you, not squeezed into a formula. Some people benefit from a slower, more reflective process; others want actionable strategies or deep inner-child and somatic work. Often, we’ll move between these depending on what you need in the moment.
I am a registered member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Association of Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH), and I uphold their standards of ethical, professional, and client-led practice.
Above all, my work is person-centred: led by your pace, your truth, and your goals. I’m not here to fix you, but to walk alongside you as you uncover who you are beneath the old stories - and reclaim the freedom to live as your whole self.
specialisms
-
Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, whether you’re late-diagnosed, self-identifying, or still exploring your neurodivergence
Masking, burnout & emotional exhaustion from years of people-pleasing, overperforming, or hiding parts of yourself
Identity exploration, navigating late diagnosis, unlearning old stories, and reconnecting to your authentic self
Emotional regulation & wellbeing - working through anxiety, low mood, or patterns of coping that once helped you survive but no longer serve you
LGBTQ+ support - creating an affirming space for clients exploring gender, sexuality, and identity
Faith and spiritual transitions - exploring spiritual wounds, unpacking belief systems, and rebuilding trust in yourself and what you believe
Liberation-focused, culturally responsive support - recognising systemic oppression and honouring diverse lived experiences
Relationships & connection - exploring patterns in family, love, friendship, and work, and learning to build safer, more authentic connections with others
Inner child work: healing shame, self-worth wounds, and early patterns that still shape life today
Life transitions: rediscovering purpose, navigating change, and building a life that feels aligned and true to you
FAQs
-
Being neuroaffirming means recognising that there’s no single “right” way for a brain to work. Instead of pathologising difference, I aim to understand and create space for you to recognise and appreciate who you are. That means working in ways that honour your natural rhythms, needs, and processing style - rather than asking you to change who you are to fit the world.
-
Root Cause Therapy uses guided relaxation, visualisation, somatic awareness and breathwork to help you explore your inner landscape - past, present, and future. Together, we gently revisit memories, release emotional blocks, and connect with the wisdom of your future self.
It blends techniques from somatic therapy, parts work, and emotion-focused therapy to help you understand and heal the patterns that have shaped your life - so you can move forward feeling lighter, grounded, and more yourself.
-
While traditional talk therapy often focuses on conscious thought, discussion, and insight, Root Cause Therapy works more directly with the subconscious and emotional body. It’s a guided process that combines relaxation, meditation, and gentle regression techniques to access the deeper layers where beliefs and patterns are formed.
Rather than simply talking about past experiences, Root Cause Therapy helps you safely process and release the emotions held within them - creating change at the root, not just the surface. It’s less about analysing and more about transforming what’s been stored, at your pace and with full awareness.
-
Yes. I am autistic and ADHD. (Late-diagnosed autistic, early diagnosed ADHD - but I’m so ADHD, I forgot until I was diagnosed again in adulthood!)
I also have lived experience of trauma, complex PTSD and recovery from BPD - journeys that have shaped both my compassion and my belief in the possibility of healing.
-
No - while I often work with late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults, I also work with anyone navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, or life transitions. Neuroaffirmative simply means I approach everyone with curiosity, respect for difference, and an understanding that there’s no single “right” way to think, feel, or be.
-
I offer face-to-face sessions from my therapy room in Chelmsford city centre. Remote sessions are online via Zoom. I see clients from all across the UK - and the world - via my online practice.
-
We’ll start with a free introductory chat by phone or video call to explore the possibility of working together and so you can decide if therapy feels like a good next step for you.
Sessions are 60 minutes and cost £60. Sliding scale is available for anyone experiencing financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Making therapy more accessible is very important to me. Alongside my private practice, I also provide therapy through local charities to help widen access to support.
-
Most clients find they make the best progress when we meet weekly or fortnightly, as it helps build momentum and continuity. However, there’s no set commitment or minimum number of sessions. You’re welcome to book a single session, take time to process, and return when you’re ready. You’re in control of the pace and frequency of your therapy.
-
Accredited member ACCPH (Association of Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists)
ICF Member (International Coaching Federation)
Root Cause Therapy Level 1 and 2 (2023)
Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) (2023)
Certificate in Understanding Autism (2023)
Trauma-Informed Coaching (2022)
Diploma in Counselling Skills (2021)
Life & Executive Coaching (ICF) (2021)
Trauma-Informed Practice - nurturing our children in everyday life or during a crisis (2021)
Strengths-Based Coaching (2019)
Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology (2017)
Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling (Ongoing: 2024 - 2026)
I’m fully insured and engage in regular clinical supervision. Supervision is a confidential space where I meet with a senior practitioner to reflect on my work, develop my practice, and ensure I’m offering the best possible support in line with ethical and professional standards.
That said, research consistently shows that the biggest factor in meaningful change is the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist or coach. In other words, you need to feel supported, comfortable, safe, and free to speak openly.
I offer a free 20-minute connection call so you can get a feel for how I work, share what’s bringing you here, and ask any questions before deciding to book.
You can book a call, or feel free to get in touch via email or WhatsApp if you have any questions.
reaching out for support takes courage
And finding the right fit matters.