New Online Counselling Service

Hi, I'm Joseph.

I've just launched my counselling website – Joseph Oakes Counselling – and I wanted to write something real about how I work and who I'm here for.

I'm an autistic person. I live in the world as neurodivergent. That's not a label I put on for effect, it's just my life. And because of that, I know how hard it can be to find a counsellor who actually gets it. Someone who won't try to teach you to make eye contact, sit still, or talk in neat little circles.

That's not how I work.

If you need to stim, fidget, pace, go quiet, talk in loops, or use pictures instead of feelings-words, that's all fine here. I won't try to fix you. I won't teach you to mask. You get to be exactly as you are. Same warmth, same respect, just without the assumptions that don't fit.

What I offer

I'm a counsellor based in the Peak District, but my work is online. That means you can access therapy from wherever feels safe – your living room, your car, a quiet corner at lunchtime, even on a walk if that works for you. For neurodivergent people especially, leaving your comfort zone to sit in a room with someone new can feel enormous. So why make that the first hurdle?

Online therapy removes that barrier. You stay somewhere you feel safe. I meet you there. Simple.

I've got years of experience with online therapy. Not just doing it – really understanding why it works. For some people, online feels more private. For others, it's more practical. No travel. No waiting rooms. No worrying about bumping into someone you know. And honestly, being somewhere familiar often means you can go deeper, faster, because your nervous system isn't on high alert.

Who I help

I work with all kinds of people, but three areas are close to my heart.

First, neurodivergent individuals – autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or still exploring. I know first-hand what it's like to go through life feeling misunderstood or exhausted from pretending. I'm not here to study you. I'm here to walk alongside you.

Second, men's support. Let's be honest – most men weren't raised to reach out. You might have been told to "man up," crack on, or keep it to yourself. But carrying things alone gets heavy. I offer a quiet, private space to talk about work stress, anger, anxiety, or just feeling rubbish without knowing why. No fixing. No fancy words. Just a proper conversation.

Third, gender affirming counselling. I've spent years working with some of the biggest gender clinics in Europe. I support trans, non-binary, and gender-questioning people with respect, privacy, and no gatekeeping nonsense. You know who you are. I'm just here to help you carry it. No jumping through hoops. No proving yourself.

So if you're thinking about reaching out…

I know it can feel like a big step. Especially if you've had bad experiences before. Or you're not even sure what's wrong – you just feel stuck, heavy, or off.

You don't need to have all the words. You don't need to know how to 'do therapy properly'. You just need to show up as you are, somewhere private, and we'll talk.

No fixing. No faking. No judgement.

Get in touch

If any of this sounds like what you've been looking for, head over to my contact page. You can book a session or just send a question – no pressure, no obligation.

Most people tell me the hardest part is sending that first message.

You've already done the hard bit by reading this.

Autor: Joseph Oakes