Jan Livesey

Joining us in 2022, Tony is a welcome addition to our team. Like us, he regards autism as a difference, not a disorder. His interest is in supporting adults who are struggling to come to terms with what it means to be autistic. 

NCS Accredited Counsellor 

BA (Hons) Counselling (2017) Postgrad Cert in Autism & Asperger Syndrome (2019) Certified online Therapist (2019)

Ongoing study:
​Msc Autism & Neurodevelopmental Conditions

BSc Speech (1977) 
HCPC Reg No: SL22513

Jeni’s personal experience of autism in the family meant she was already well placed to deliver autism specific counselling. She is especially interested in the educational experience of autistic children and adults. Jeni works closely with local schools, improving the educational experience of autistic children and helping staff better understand, accept and support them. Jeni has extensive autism specific counselling experience with all age groups. 

Child & Family Specialist
​BACP Reg Counsellor

Dip Theory and Practice of Counselling in (2012)
Postgrad Cert Therapy with Children & Families (2014)
Postgrad Cert in Autism & Asperger Syndrome (2015)
BA (Hons) Children, Schools & Families (2020) 

We believe the autistic community should feel safe and understood in their therapeutic experience at UANW.

We therefore demand professionalism and extensive knowledge and experience of autism from all therapists. ​​

Sandra Youlden 

We were grateful to be joined by Sandra in 2022. Sandra has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist for many years and has a wealth of experience from her work with the Together Trust, where she supported autistic pupils, parents and support staff with training and intervention plans.

​Anna Bailey .

Jan and Jeni are the founding members of UANW, 

establishing this dedicated professional therapeutic service in 2012 for the autistic community.

​​​​UNDERSTANDING AUTISM North West

Tony first trained as a counsellor almost 20 years ago and has since worked with and managed projects for organisations including National Schizophrenia Fellowship, Hearing Voices Network and Mind. He has run city centre drop-ins, telephone support lines and has worked on in-patient psychiatric wards.

Jan’s interest in autism began in 1996 when her son, then 4 years old, was diagnosed atypical autistic. Since becoming a qualified counsellor in 2001 she has welcomed anyone with or without a diagnosis of autism to her counselling room, seeing many hundreds of autistic clients throughout those years and learning from them about the specific skills, abilities and challenges that autism brings.

BSc (Hons) Psychology
Integrative Psychotherapy Diploma
Postgrad Cert in Autism (2022)
Dip Counselling
Mentoring Cert

Ongoing study and training:
MSc Autism Spectrum

Jeni Young

We are pleased to be joined by Amy in 2023. Amy is our Trainee Counsellor and is completing her counselling placement with us before qualification. Her personal experience of Autism and ADHD have been the catalyst for her current studies, which will qualify her to work as an integrative therapist.  Her experience lends itself to working creatively and effectively with a diverse range of clients. 

 ​​

Amy Leeds 

​Ongoing Study FdA Counselling and psychotherapy (level 4 & 5)
Level 3 Counselling studies 2022
Level 3/4 Art and design foundation studies 2018
Level 3 Childcare and education 2016

​BACP Reg Counsellor
​No:  00988705

A valued member of our team since 2019, Rachel previously worked with autistic clients for several years in the Manchester area with the charity Respect for All. Along with her personal experience in autism she has also gained experience through working in her private practice with clients from all different age groups and backgrounds.

​​​Rachel Nelmes 

BA Hons Psychology (2008)
Dip Therapeutic Counselling (2014)
Postgrad Cert Autism & Asperger Syndrome (2017)
Advanced Dip Clinical Supervision (2023)​

Anna became aware of autism at an early age, sparking an interest which has developed and been built upon by both personal and professional experience. She

studied psychology and always felt
drawn to the counselling profession. She first worked in a number of support roles; with young people and families affected by autism; supporting vulnerable young people; and as an advocate for adults with mental health issues.  Anna has worked as a counsellor since qualifying in 2014, and is committed to helping clients to find their way through their difficulties, using a primarily person-centred approach. Anna was delighted to join UANW in 2017.

BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor

BSc (Hons) Sociology (1990)
Dip Counselling (2001)
     Postgrad Cert in Autism & Asperger Syndrome (2008)                        Postgrad Cert in Supervision of Counselling & Helping Professionals (2009)​

Sandra has also worked in schools with learners of all ages with a variety of communication difficulties associated with their autism. As well as providing support plans for learners, she has trained staff and supported parents with home programmes.

Tony Hall

Rachel is an integrative therapist, which means
she is trained in different models such as person-centred counselling, CBT, solution focused & NLP. She prides herself on being able to tailor her model to suit your needs.