Laura Pattison

Online and in person in Leeds West Yorkshire

I am an autistic therapist with extensive experience working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is thoughtful, relational, and grounded in respect for your autonomy and pace. I do not see therapy as something that is “done to” you, but as something we think about together. Sessions are collaborative and reflective rather than directive. I am interested in how your difficulties make sense in the context of your history, relationships, neurotype, and the wider systems you live within. There is space for complexity, ambivalence, and uncertainty, without pressure to arrive at quick solutions or fixed narratives. I work in a way that values clarity, boundaries, and emotional safety. I aim to create a calm, contained therapy space that feels steady and predictable, particularly important for autistic clients who may have had experiences of being misunderstood or overwhelmed in previous support settings. While my work is trauma-informed and integrative, it is not focused on symptom-reduction alone. Instead, therapy often involves developing self-understanding, reducing self-blame, noticing patterns of over-responsibility, and gently experimenting with different ways of relating to yourself and others.

Who I work with

I work with autistic and other neurodivergent adults, including those who are late-diagnosed or self-identified, who are seeking a thoughtful space to understand themselves and their relationships more clearly.

I also work with couples and families where one or more members are autistic or neurodivergent, particularly where differences in communication, expectations, or emotional needs are creating tension or uncertainty. This may include couples navigating diagnosis, burnout, parenting, or periods of change or stress.

Alongside neurodiversity-informed work, I support adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, relational difficulties, life transitions, and the emotional impact of complex or prolonged stress.

About Me and How I Work

I am an autistic therapist with extensive experience working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is thoughtful, relational, and grounded in respect for your autonomy and pace. I do not see therapy as something that is “done to” you, but as something we think about together.

Sessions are collaborative and reflective rather than directive. I am interested in how your difficulties make sense in the context of your history, relationships, neurotype, and the wider systems you live within. There is space for complexity, ambivalence, and uncertainty, without pressure to arrive at quick solutions or fixed narratives.

I work in a way that values clarity, boundaries, and emotional safety. I aim to create a calm, contained therapy space that feels steady and predictable, particularly important for autistic clients who may have had experiences of being misunderstood or overwhelmed in previous support settings.

While my work is trauma-informed and integrative, it is not focused on symptom-reduction alone. Instead, therapy often involves developing self-understanding, reducing self-blame, noticing patterns of over-responsibility, and gently experimenting with different ways of relating to yourself and others.

Qualifications & Professional Background

I am a qualified systemic family psychotherapist and clinical lecturer, with many years’ experience working across NHS, academic, and private practice settings. Alongside my therapy practice, I teach and train professionals at postgraduate level in systemic and family therapy, neurodiversity, and mental health.

My core training is in systemic and family psychotherapy, and my work is informed by systemic, relational, trauma-informed, and person-centred approaches. I have particular expertise in working with neurodivergent adults, complex family dynamics, and the impact of social and cultural systems on mental wellbeing.

I am a registered member of the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and I work in line with their ethical frameworks. I hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance and engage in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.

Next Steps

If you think my way of working might be a good fit, the next step is to get in touch via my website or email to enquire about availability. I offer a brief initial contact to help you decide whether you would like to proceed with therapy.

I work with a limited caseload to protect the quality and sustainability of my work, so availability can vary and waiting lists are sometimes in place. I aim to respond to enquiries within a few working days.

Individual therapy sessions are £80 per 50-minute session.
Payment details and cancellation terms are provided before therapy begins.