A sensory-friendly space to meet in
For in-person sessions, my therapy space is based on the first floor or Burslem Enterprise Centre, Stoke-on-Trent (ST6).
What to expect from the room
I've thought carefully about the space because the environment matters just as much as what we talk about.
Lighting: I usually keep lighting quite low and warm, lots of dimmable lamps but there is also the option to have the overheard fluorescent lighting on if you prefer a brighter space.
Comfort: There are plenty of fidget tools around the room to choose from, weighted and fluffy blankets to help yourself to during session and plenty of cushions to cosy up with.
Space: The room is kept clutter free and I'd describe it as cosy and calm, without unnecessary visual noise.
Drinks: Hot and cold drinks available to help yourself too but I'll always offer at the beginning of the session too.
Things that are welcome in my therapy room...
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Fidgeting, doodling
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tears or completely dry eyes
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No eye contact, half-formed thoughts
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Changing your mind halfway through a sentence
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Info dumping about your special interest
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Forgetting what you were going to say
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Laughing at the wrong moment
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Taking your shoes off, sitting on the floor
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Not knowing where to start
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Showing me the screenshots, the pictures, the videos
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bringing your own fidget tools or comforts from home
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the boring bits
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saying 'I don't know' as a whole answer
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messy timelines
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Not knowing what to talk about every session
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swearing
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explaining something three different ways until it lands right
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correcting yourself
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correcting me
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not making an effort to seem 'fine'
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turning up in pyjamas
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wearing headphones if the room feels too much
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dark humour
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Jumping between three different topics
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using a script, notes or bullet points if that helps you to say the thing
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going quiet mid thought and needing a minute
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not wanting to be here today and saying so
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Feeling nothing in particular, not just the big emotions
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cancelling if you need to
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coming back after a gap, zero explanations needed
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asking me to rephrase something
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not being able to explain why today feels really hard
Getting here
Located on Moorland Road in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
My office is based on the first floor of the building which is accessed via 2 small flights of stairs. There is currently no lift - however online or phone sessions are an option.
Free, on-site parking at both the front and side of the building.
When you arrive
I usually wait downstairs for you at the white entrance doors with the small overhead roof, 5 minutes before your session time and we walk up to the room together.
Alternatively, there is a small waiting area at the reception of the Enterprise Centre with a couple of seats if you arrive early and want to wait inside.
