Paul Frew

Ever feel burnt out from masking and trying to fit other people’s expectations of how you “should” be? You don’t have to face that alone.

I’m a CBT therapist offering online and face-to-face counselling, specialising in neurodiversity, anxiety, and phobias. I believe therapy should fit you – not the other way around. My approach is tailored to your individual strengths, needs, and goals, drawing on the latest evidence-based practice within Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and neurodiversity-affirming, strength-based frameworks.

Together, we can explore emotional regulation techniques, practical coping strategies, social skills development and more. I also support clients in adapting their environment, routines, and expectations in ways that honor sensory differences, support your nervous system, and work with how your brain functions best.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from trying to “keep up,” therapy can be a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive as yourself.

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from the Glasgow Cognitive Therapy Centre. I also hold a COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate and am an Individual Counsellor Member of COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). In addition, I have an Open Honours Degree in Science and an SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. I am registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the regulatory body for the social services workforce in Scotland.

Alongside my formal qualifications, I have completed extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in areas including neurodiversity, inclusion, professional standards, and GDPR, ensuring that I provide safe, ethical, and high-quality care.

I bring both professional expertise and lived experience of neurodiversity to my practice. This means I understand, both personally and clinically, the impact of masking, burnout, sensory overwhelm, and navigating environments that are not always designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind. I integrate evidence-based CBT with a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach tailored to each individual.

I have many years of experience working with young people on the autism spectrum across a wide range of needs and presentations. I have also supported high-functioning individuals in high-pressure professional roles who may be managing anxiety, performance stress, burnout, or the cumulative impact of long-term masking.

This combination of accredited training, regulatory registration, lived insight, and ongoing professional development enables me to offer thoughtful, personalized, and compassionate support.