1. What does “neurodivergent-affirming” actually mean in your therapy approach?

Being neurodivergent-affirming means we respect and support how your brain works — rather than trying to make you fit into neurotypical norms. We tailor therapy to honour your communication style, sensory needs, and emotional experience. Our approach focuses on building safety, identity, co-regulation, and practical strategies that work for you. No masking. No fixing. Just authentic, respectful support — in ways that make sense for neurodivergent people and their families.

2. What’s the difference between counselling, behaviour support, and developmental practice?

At Jade Louise Behaviour Support and Therapy, both counselling and behaviour support are offered. Each has a unique focus, yet they often work hand-in-hand to support the whole person.

Counselling:

Counselling is a talk-based, relational therapy that supports emotional wellbeing, mental health, and self-understanding. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore feelings, thoughts, relationships, identity, stress, grief, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.

Counselling sessions are tailored to your communication style and emotional needs, and are particularly effective for building insight, processing experiences, and developing coping strategies.

Behaviour Support

Behaviour Support focuses on understanding the “why” behind behaviours of concern and developing proactive, positive strategies to support change. This service includes Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) and the development of Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs), particularly for NDIS participants.

Using trauma-informed, neuro-affirming approaches, behaviour support helps reduce behaviours of harm and increase skill-building, emotional regulation, and engagement in daily life, while also working to reduce or eliminate restrictive practices where appropriate.

These services can be accessed individually or integrated, depending on your goals. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, behaviour guidance, or both, my practice is here to meet you with compassion, clarity, and care.

3. Can you work with both the neurodivergent person and their partner or family?

Yes. I specialise in working with family systems and offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy for couples, parents, and siblings. Whether you’re a neurodivergent person seeking to improve communication with your family or a loved one wanting to build a stronger connection and understanding, we create a safe space for everyone to be heard and respected.

4. What’s involved in a Behaviour Support Plan, and how long does it take to complete?

A Positive Behaviour Support Plan includes:

• Referral and intake

• Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

• Interviews with the participant, carers, and other stakeholders

• Development of proactive strategies, visual supports, and environmental adjustments

• Comprehensive written report and plan handover

We offer two types of Behaviour Support Plans:

• Interim Plan – Developed within 30 days. Focuses on urgent needs and interim strategies, often required when restrictive practices are in use.

• Comprehensive Plan – Developed over 3–6 months with in-depth consultation, observations, and long-term strategies for skill-building and support.

Timelines may vary based on complexity, participant needs, and stakeholder availability.

5. Can you still be involved if I’m already working with a psychologist or OT?

Absolutely. I frequently work alongside psychologists, OTs, speech pathologists, educators, and support coordinators. Our work complements other therapies by focusing on supporting emotional, behavioural, and relational aspects. We believe in integrated, wraparound care and are happy to join your multidisciplinary team.

6. Do you support children who don’t “act out” but are very anxious, withdrawn, or shut down?

Yes. I understand that not all behaviours of concern are loud or disruptive. Many children and teens internalise distress, presenting as anxious, withdrawn, perfectionistic, or shut down. I work gently and respectfully with these presentations, using quiet, neuro-affirming strategies that build safety, confidence, and co-regulation.

7. Can you help with school meetings or advocacy?

Yes. I regularly support families in navigating school systems, including attending student support group meetings, contributing to IEPs/ILPs, and providing tailored recommendations for classroom accommodations. I aim to help your child feel safe, regulated, and successful at school, while empowering families and educators to work together positively.

8. Do you provide reports or documentation for the NDIS?

Yes. I provide Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs), Behaviour Support Plans, progress reports, therapy summaries, and supporting documentation for NDIS reviews, plan reassessments, change-of-circumstance, and initial applications. All reports are written in participant-friendly, evidence-based language to strengthen your NDIS goals and outcomes.

9. What makes Jade Louise different from other providers?

I’m not just a professional, but also a passionate advocate for neurodivergent people and families. What makes me different:

• Neurodivergent-led and lived-experience-informed

• Specialised in both counselling and behaviour support

• Relational, not compliance-based

• Trauma-informed and emotionally safe

• Collaborative, ethical, and genuinely person-centred

• Experienced with children, teens, adults, couples, and families

I create support that makes sense — and makes a real difference.