Areas of expertise or specialisation
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I’m Abi Raymond (she/her/ai), a Neurodivergent Arts Therapist, Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand).
I specialise in advocating for Neurodiversity-affirming support of takiwātanga (autistic), ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals. I work alongside whānau, schools, and professionals to develop their understanding and capacities to affirm, support, include and empower those who are autistic, ADHD or neurodivergent.
My practice is centred around the lived experience of neurodivergent individuals and complemented by professional training, up-to-date research and two decades of professional/ clinical experience. I’m passionate about advocating for the unique contributions neurodivergent minds bring to our world. I do this by creating a greater understanding of neurodiversity, autism and ADHD and dyslexia in an affirming way on individual, whānau, community and systemic levels. By embracing and celebrating diversity of all kinds and increasing understanding, we reduce barriers and increase wellbeing and growth for all.
As a parent myself, my approach is grounded in strength-based methods, whānau -centered strategies, and practical solutions tailored for busy families.
As someone proudly affiliated with the rainbow community, I am committed to establishing safe, inclusive, and queer-affirming spaces, services, training, and communities for all members of the rainbow community and our allies.
I hold a Full Professional Membership of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), and the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). In addition, I am an approved Professional Supervisor with each of these organisations.
As Tangata Tiriti, I uphold Tiriti o Waitangi principles and remain dedicated to the ongoing process of reflecting my practice.
For professionals, I offer Clinical Supervision and Neurodiversity-affirming professional development. For parents raising takiwātanga (autistic) children, I provide Neurodiversity-affirming autism parent support online. For adults age, I provide Neurodiversity affirming counselling and arts therapy online.
Nāku nā.
Abi Raymond (She/her/ia)
Counsellor | Arts Therapist | ANZACATA / MNZAC approved Supervisor
BVA, Cert. Counselling Theory, MA(ATh) (Clinical), AThRNeurodiversity affirming and Queer affirming support
Autism, Neurodiversity, ADHD, developmental delay, and intellectual disability
Working with families
Group Facilitation
Parent Education
Clinical supervision
Parent Support
Professional Development Training
My services are provided through one to one sessions, group work, family work, education and supervision.
I also have interest and experience working in the area's sexuality and gender diversity and the intersection of neurodiversity and queerness.
