About Equally Different therapy

At Equally Different Therapy we offer a mixture of different psychological therapies. We are trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based therapy as well as other modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Each persons therapy can be tailored to their needs and preferences and we will work closely with each person to ensure they receive the best care.

We are Neurodiversity specialists with both lived experience and years of professional experience, we can offer a range of Psychological Therapies to support children and adults who have autism, ADHD or other Neurodiversity.

Meet the Founder

Meet Sarah, the Equally Different Therapy Founder, in our intro video.

Our Mission

At Equally Different we recognise that we are not all the same and for some that means limited access to support, not all differences are visible, which is why we are dedicated to helping our clients overcome mental health challenges. We pride ourselves on our approachable, confidential, and sympathetic approach to communication and treatment.

Our Vision

We strive to create a world where everyone can receive assistance for their mental health and lead a fulfilling life. Our goal is to provide support for those that can struggle with accessing mental health because they might think and perceive differently.

Our Values

Compassion

We prioritise the needs of those who access our services, keeping their experiences and aspirations in mind.

Accountability

We hold ourselves to the highest standards in every interaction, maintaining transparency at all times.

Collaboration

We believe that working together allows us to achieve the best outcomes for individuals, communities, and society.

Pride

We are proud of what we stand for – serving those who access our services, our people, and changing lives

Meet the Team

Sarah Wellaway

The Founder and Child & Family Psychology Practitioner (BSc Psych, MSc Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology, MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology)

Autism has been a huge part of my life for 30 years! I have four grown up children, three of which have a diagnosis of Autism as well as other co-occurring conditions. I have also worked with children within specialists provisions such as CAMHs and in private mental health. Over the years I have extended my learning and practice to include adults, particularly those on the spectrum and those recieving a late diagnosis.
I like to tailor my approach to support how the individual processes information and communicates, we are not all the same and may communicate or understand things differently, this should not mean we cannot all access support.

I am a psychology practitioner and BPS member. I am not HCPC-registered and do not currently practise in the CAP role or claim WPW registration. I have submitted an application to the British Psychological Society’s Wider Psychological Workforce (WPW) Register—a register for practitioners working in specified, supervised roles within stepped-care services (e.g., NHS settings)—and I am awaiting the outcome. I receive regular clinical supervision from an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and signpost to regulated services when a stepped-care pathway is indicated.

sarah@equallydifferenttherapy.co.uk

07375793091

Sarah Wellaway

Anna Rigden

After graduating Loughborough University with a degree in Psychology, I have had various roles throughout CAMHS and the NHS. I have trained to be a Psychological Well-being Practitioner and so have lots of experience delivering CBT based interventions. Going on from this I have studied for an MSc in Clinical Associate in Psychology with Sarah.
Working with those who are Neurodivergent is an interest of mine and I have lots of experience in adapting therapy for Neurodiversity. Outside of this I can treat all anxiety disorders, depression and sleep concerns. Running groups is another passion of mine and I can offer a wide variety of groups alongside Sarah.

I am a psychology practitioner and BPS member. I am not HCPC-registered and do not currently practise in the CAP role or claim WPW registration. I have submitted an application to the British Psychological Society’s Wider Psychological Workforce (WPW) Register—a register for practitioners working in specified, supervised roles within stepped-care services (e.g., NHS settings)—and I am awaiting the outcome. I receive regular clinical supervision from an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and signpost to regulated services when a stepped-care pathway is indicated.

anna@equallydifferenttherapy.co.uk

Dr Stella Christofides

Clinical Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist is a mental health professional with doctoral level training in evidence – based assessment and therapies, bringing together psychological theory and each individual’s story. I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2007, and have a broad range of post qualification experience working in Adult and Child Mental Health, Youth Offending and Social Care services in East London. While working in CAMHS I trained in Autism assessment as part of a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary team. This hugely influenced my future practice, helping find new perspectives and acceptance for children, adults and their families. Currently I work part time in the NHS Bristol Child Autism Assessment Team providing assessments for children with complex presentations, alongside independent practice offering therapy and Autism assessments for adults, clinical supervision and consultation.
During my career I have worked as an Expert Witness, presented at conferences, taught trainee psychologists, published research and written a book chapter. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), British Psychological Society (BPS) and British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and am on the BPS Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors.

Becky Ledden

I have been working in the mental health sector for over ten years in a variety of roles and settings including inpatient settings, Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS), physical health hospitals, research departments, pain services and Psychological Therapies services. I have completed a BSc in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology with Bournemouth University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with Reading University. I am also a Registered Scientist with The British Psychological Society.

I have been working as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for four years. This work involves working with individuals that are experiencing a range of psychological difficulties. The theory behind Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) suggests that it is not events or situations that impact our emotions, it is the way in which we interpret these events that impact our emotions and therefore how we behaviourally respond to situations. As a CBT therapist I work with individuals in the here and now to explore how their thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact – and how different techniques and strategies can help us to think and cope differently. The thing I love most about CBT is that the goal of treatment is to help an individual to be their own therapist. I am very passionate about my work and love what I do!

becky@equallydifferenttherapy.co.uk

Sam Blackmore

I am a humanistic integrative counsellor who offers a safe space to explore areas of your life that you may be struggling with. Unresolved emotions that haven’t been processed, can create unhelpful thought patterns which can impact on our behaviours and influence our sense of self.

Within a trusting and non judgemental relationship you can safely explore your thoughts and feelings which helps build your self awareness. Talking therapy can be a way of sharing your concerns, making sense of them so that you can find better ways to manage your emotions.

I have experience working with children and young people, ages 5-18 as well as adults with a range of issues including anxiety, bereavement, self harm, suicide and relationships to name a few. I also have experiences working with people who have ADHD, ASD, those who have experienced trauma and children and young people who are in care or have been adopted.

sam@equallydifferenttherapy.co.uk

Hannah Powell

For the past ten years have been working with people who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition. I have worked both in the NHS as well as privately and currently work predominantly diagnosing ASC as part of a multidisciplinary team.
I am conscientious, optimistic and open-minded and enjoy working with people of all different ages and backgrounds. I enjoy creating a safe, judgement free space during sessions and particularly love hearing all about my client’s specialist interests.

Catherine Henderson

With over a decade of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to working with children and young people diagnosed or in the pre-diagnosis stage of autism. My journey has taken me through the NHS, specialised schools, and private settings, enriching my understanding of the unique challenges faced by children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory sensitivities. I’ve actively contributed to diagnostic processes as a crucial part of multidisciplinary teams.

Passion, empathy, and conscientiousness define my approach to my work. I consistently go the extra mile to support these individuals in overcoming challenges, guiding them towards community engagement and meaningful activities. Crafting sessions and imparting knowledge to parents, caregivers, and fellow professionals about ASD and sensory processing is not just a job but a calling. My aim is to empower these children and young people to navigate their environments safely and thrive.

On a personal note, my love for exploring different cultures has led me to travel extensively around the world. Outside of work, you’ll find me on the netball court, indulging in my passion for the sport, or enjoying the company of my spotty Dalmatian.

Emilie Hannam

Dedicated Occupational Therapist

I qualified in 2001, I have over 20 years experience of working in the NHS, main stream and private schools, and within the private and medico legal sector. My work for the past 15+ years has been with people with different neurological conditions both acquired and organic/from birth, helping them achieve what is meaningful and purposeful to them.

I am an advanced Sensory Integration (SI) practitioner with a post graduate diploma in SI and I love working working across the age ranges. I work with Children, adolescents and adults. I can carry out full sensory assessments as well as doing sensory integration therapy, alongside Occupational Therapy Intervention.

I am passionate about seeing people in their own environments (Home/school/work) because it helps me understand the person I am working with, the challenges they are facing and the impact this is having on their lives. Together we plan the right way forward.