Experienced Adolescent & Young Adult Counsellor in Tunbridge Wells | Paula Aguiriano

Hello and a warm welcome!

Hi, I'm Paula, and I am an integrative, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming counsellor working exclusively with young people aged 12 to 25.

Working in an integrative way means that I adapt my approach to fit each young person's personality and concerns, drawing on a variety of therapeutic theories.

Through creativity, connection, and careful attention, I strive to provide a space and a relationship that feel safe enough to explore what may be holding the young person back or causing distress.

In our sessions, I facilitate a process that helps young people connect with themselves through a variety of methods, always led by the young person's preferences.

How I work

I work to build a relationship in which young people feel listened to, accepted and able to express themselves. I bring warmth, curiosity and clear boundaries, adapting the pace and level of support to each young person’s needs.

Sessions may include talking, expressive arts, play, games, visual resources and sensory activities. Creative activities can help young people explore experiences that are difficult to put into words. There is no need for artistic skills. I choose activities with a therapeutic purpose, guided by the young person’s interests, communication style, sensory needs and emotional development.

Where helpful, we may also explore how emotions and neurodivergence affect everyday life, alongside practical support with planning, organisation and coping with demands. Throughout the work, I help young people understand their needs, recognise their strengths and have a voice in decisions that affect them.

Neurodiversity

I offer an inclusive practice that respects identity, culture, beliefs, and personal choices. I am committed to working inclusively with individuals of different cultures, neurotypes, genders, sexual orientations, and ages.

One of my key interests is working with issues around identity and self-esteem, exploring the life experiences that have led young people to develop certain defenses and judgments about themselves and the world. A particular area of interest is neurodiversity. As a neuro-affirming counsellor, I strive to help young people understand and accept their own unique place in the world, empowering them to make the decisions and choices that are right for them.

I am deeply committed to creating an environment where all neurotypes are respected and understood and I embrace the social model of neurodiversity, which values differences rather than viewing them through a medical lens.

This commitment is more than just simply about offering physical accommodations like fidget toys or not expecting eye contact; it’s about being humble and continuously educating myself, advocating for neurodivergent young people and helping them advocate for themselves.

Issues I often work with

  • Abuse

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Attachment concerns

  • Bereavement and loss

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Confidence issues

  • Conflict resolution

  • Depression and low mood

  • Emerging mental health conditions

  • Emotional regulation

  • Family relationships inc. separation and divorce

  • Identity

  • Illness

  • Neurodiversity (autism and ADHD)

  • Relationship and friendship difficulties

  • Self-harm

  • Self esteem

  • Sleep issues

  • School attendance difficulties

  • Suicidal ideation and behaviours

  • Trauma

Qualifications & Further Training

  • Dip. Counselling Adolescents (Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, London), Distinction

  • Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools Practitioner (TISUK, London), Distinction

  • Certificate in Person Centred Counselling (CPCAB, Tunbridge Wells)

  • Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling (The Counselling Centre, Tunbridge Wells)

  • Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice (The Link Centre, East Sussex)

  • Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Autistic Clients

  • Certificate in Understanding Adolescence (The Tavistock and Portman, London)

  • Certificate in Understanding Autism (Wakefield College, West Yorkshire)

  • Certificate in The Application of The Polyvagal Theory in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Temenos Education)

  • DNA-V (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents, DNA-V International)

  • Developmental Trauma for Professionals (Beacon House, East Sussex)

  • Internal Family Systems, Brighton Therapy Partnership

  • Numerous CPD particularly on neurodiversity

  • I abide by the code of practice and ethics of the BACP.

  • I attend regular professional training to stay current with relevant developments in psychotherapy, neuroscience, and neurodiversity.

  • A clinical supervisor oversees my work regularly.

  • I have a full, up-to-date, enhanced DBS check for child and adult workforce.

  • I undertake yearly safeguarding training.

  • I am a member of the ICO.

  • I am GDPR compliant.

  • I am fully insured.

  • Privacy Policy

Contact and other info

  • Email: contact@paulaaguiriano.co.uk

  • Enquiries: Please email about availability, to arrange a free phone consultation, or to ask questions about my practice.

  • Ages: I work with young people aged 12 to 25.

  • Session fee: £65 per 50 minute session. Reports and meeting attendance are charged separately.

  • Format: Individual, face to face counselling in a dedicated ground floor room at my home, with a toilet available.

  • Location: Tunbridge Wells, TN4.

  • Waiting facilities: There is no waiting room for parents or carers.

  • Parking: Free on street parking is available and finding a space is usually straightforward.

  • Languages spoken: English and Spanish

  • Pets: I have a friendly ginger cat called Nip, who is kept out of the counselling room.

  • Anonymised feedback from parents of young people I have worked with is available on request.