About me .....
My name is Lauren Amey, and I am the founder of Affirmation Therapy.
I have extensive experience working within the NHS, supporting children, young people and families with a range of strengths and needs. Over the years, I have developed specialist knowledge in autism, ADHD and co-occurring conditions, alongside a strong foundation in child development and emotional wellbeing. I have also provided therapeutic support within local primary and secondary schools, working collaboratively with families and education settings to ensure children feel understood and supported across environments.
My work is grounded in a neuro-affirmative, compassionate approach. I believe children do well when they feel safe, accepted and genuinely seen. Many of the young people I work with have experienced pressure to mask or hide parts of themselves in order to cope. I offer a space where they can gently unmask, reconnect with who they are, and build confidence in their own strengths. I have undertaken specialist training in working therapeutically with children and young people.
Alongside supporting children and teenagers, I recognise that parenting a neurodivergent child can bring a wide range of emotions- pride, uncertainty, grief, protectiveness, and deep reflection on your own experiences. I provide a warm, non-judgemental space for parents too, because when caregivers feel supported, children thrive.
Above all, my aim is to create a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, respectful and empowering where children and families feel understood rather than assessed, and affirmed rather than changed.

My philosophy and approach
Individuality
I respect and value the uniqueness of each person and therefore adapt my therapy to individual needs.
Responsibility
I take my responsibility as a psychotherapist seriously and am committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need. I am a registered member of the BACP - My membership number is 00980893.
Appreciation
My work is neuro-affirmative and identity respecting, strength based and compassionate.
Competence
Level 3 certificate in Counselling Skills (September 2021)
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (February 2024)
Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling working with Children and Young People (February 2025)
Previous experience includes working within an SRP at a large academy school in East Kent as a school based counsellor alongside working within a small primary setting in North Kent.
Structure
I structure therapy sessions clearly and transparently to ensure that we can achieve therapy goals together and measure progress. Sessions are creative, flexible and child-led.
Transparency
I am transparent in my work and communicate openly and honestly regarding progress, challenges and goals
I do not use compliance based or behaviourist approaches. Therapy is always grounded in relational safety, consent and respect for autonomy.
Finding the right therapist
Finding the right therapist is deeply important. The relationship matters more than anything else. If you decide not to work with me I genuinely hope you find someone who feels like a good fit for your child and family.
When looking for a therapist for a neurodivergent child or young person you may wish to ask the following:
What is your approach to autism and ADHD?
Do they view neurodivergence as something to be "treated" of "reduced", or as a natural variation in human development that deserves understanding and accomodation?
How do you feel about masking?
Do they recognise that masking can be protective but often leads to anxiety, exhaustion and burnout? Will they support your child to understand themselves, rather than encouraging them to simply fit in?
What is your stance of behaviour and compliance?
Do they prioritise connection, nervous system safety and understanding behaviour as communication? Or is their approach primarily compliance based?
How do you adapt therapy for sensory and communication differences?
Will sessions be flexible? Are they comfortable with movement, silence, alternative communication styles, or the childs interests benig part of the work?
How do you involve parents and carers?
Do they offer a space for you to process your own feelings and gain understanding?
Above all...
It is okay to ask direct questions
It is okay to want alignment
You deserve a therapist whose values feel safe to you.
The right support should feel collaborative, respectful and affirming not corrective or pathologising.
Let's work together on the future.
I am open about my position. I do not use ABA or compliance based models and I do not work from a framework that aims to make children more "typical". My work is grounded in relational safety, autonomy and neurodivergent identity affirmation. Every family deserves support that aligns with their values. Asking questions helps ensure the therapy received is not only evidence informed but ethically and emotionally aliigned with your hopes for your child and family.
If you are ready to take the first step in a new direction, get in touch with me.
I will support you in gaining more clarity, understanding your feelings and needs better and developing new paths for your life situation.