That’s a woofing good question!
I will pass you on to my colleague Dylan at TMH to answer this one.
Highly Qualified Professionals: The Expertise Behind Teenage Mental Health
At Teenage Mental Health (TMH), we understand that when it comes to seeking therapy, qualifications and experience matter. Mental health support should be delivered by professionals who are not only highly trained but also experienced in working with a wide range of individuals. This is especially important when considering the diverse needs of our patients, including those who are neurodivergent.
That’s why we take great pride in ensuring that every therapist at TMH meets the highest professional standards, because we know that finding the right therapist can make all the difference.
As part of my role at TMH, I have had the privilege of interviewing nearly every therapist who has joined our team with TMH’s Clinical Director Fiona Hannah. Whilst handling standard HR responsibilities such as DBS checks, accreditation validation, and insurance approvals, I also help ensure that all therapists meet our minimum qualification requirements too.
These means, we know, all our team hold at least a Master’s degree (MA/MSc) in counselling/therapy from a reputable university with a strong therapy or counselling department.
We make sure to familiarise ourselves with the qualification content, to ensure its quality and coverage enables therapeutic work with a wide range of mental health struggles we see at TMH, which includes suitability and competency to work with patients who are considered neurodivergent or have other diagnosis commonly seen in therapy and counselling. This may include, but is not restricted to:
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD/Trauma
BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)
and many more
This ensures that our therapists are highly skilled in supporting clients of all ages, allowing us to remain accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their struggles or diagnosis. At TMH, we provide therapy for individuals from as young as 2 years old to well into adulthood, even up to 102 years of age.
My First-Hand Assurance of TMH’s Excellence
When I first joined Teenage Mental Health (TMH), I was already amazed by how therapy can create lasting, positive change in mental health, not just offering support in the moment but fostering long-term well-being. Working closely with our therapists deepened this understanding, as I was deeply impressed by their skill, dedication, and knowledge.
In fact, witnessing their expertise first-hand inspired me to continue my own academic journey, progressing beyond my Foundation Degree (FdA) in Psychodynamics to completing a BA in Psychodynamics, and now undertaking a Master’s in Psychotherapeutic Counselling at the University of Essex. This is particularly meaningful, as many of our therapists have also gained their qualifications through the same esteemed institution over the years.
Because of this, I can confidently assure potential clients, parents, and organisations seeking support that TMH is home to a team of exceptionally well-rounded, highly qualified therapist professionals, fully capable of working with a wide range of presentations and needs. With some furthering their continued professional development in working with autism and other diagnosis.
Professionalism in Practice
Every therapist at Teenage Mental Health (TMH), as both an employee and a member of external professional bodies, is required to undertake Continued Professional Development (CPD) each year to stay up to date with the latest research and best practices.
At TMH, we support neurodivergent patients, carers, and parents every single day. Ensuring that our knowledge and practice remain current, inclusive, and effective is a priority, just as it is for the individuals and families we work with. This commitment is reflected in our CPD planning, which includes specialist training, internal reviews, and reflective practice to continuously enhance our therapeutic approach to neurodivergence, whether or not a patient has a confirmed diagnosis.
Additionally, we integrate Groupervisions into our CPD—team meetings and workshops designed for collaborative professional development. These sessions emphasise the importance of professional discussion, shared expertise, and evolving therapeutic strategies, including in relation to neurodivergence. This ensures that our therapists are never working in isolation, but instead benefit from the collective insight, experience, and support of the entire TMH team.
ASD, ADHD, and the Role of Therapy
There is now greater recognition of neurodivergent conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While modern therapy training increasingly incorporates education on these conditions, it is not always covered in sufficient detail.
One key aspect that is often overlooked is that therapy and supportive training for caregivers are the first recommended approaches, rather than immediately turning to medication. This is particularly relevant for ADHD, which is often misunderstood as primarily requiring medication. While medication can be beneficial, especially when symptoms become more urgent or disruptive, therapeutic interventions play a crucial role in long-term support, both for ADHD and ASD.
At Teenage Mental Health (TMH), we believe in tailored therapeutic approaches that recognise each person’s unique needs and experiences. Whether someone has a formal diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, or presents with traits that suggest they may be neurodivergent, we ensure that they receive the best possible support for their individual journey.
Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to:
✅ Understand oneself and explore unique ways of thinking
✅ Develop positive coping strategies and perspectives
✅ Improve relationships and communication skills
✅ Enhance social understanding and interaction
✅ Feel seen, heard, and supported in a non-judgmental environment
At TMH, our therapists are experienced in working with neurodivergent clients, and if needed, their support networks to create a personalised, empowering therapeutic experience.
A Therapeutic Space Built for Everyone
Beyond the expertise of our therapists, we’ve also worked hard to ensure that TMH is a welcoming and adaptable environment. Our therapy spaces are designed to be as comfortable, calming, and accommodating as possible, with resources available to support clients with sensory sensitivities or communication differences.
Additionally, our highly skilled team carefully assesses and recommends approaches tailored to the needs of each individual, ensuring that therapy is delivered in a way that is truly beneficial to the client.
TMH: Here to Support Anyone Who Needs Us
We understand that autism and ADHD present differently in every individual. What we can say with certainty is the TMH team is made up of professionals who are not only well-qualified on paper but experienced in practice, ensuring that every client receives the best possible support.
Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child, a young person navigating challenges, or an adult looking for mental health support, you can trust that at TMH, you’ll be met with understanding, expertise, and a genuine dedication to helping you.
For more information on our services, visit:
🌐 www.teenagementalhealth.com
