Elizabeth de Mello
Occupational Therapy, Work coaching, and Vocational guidance in the UK
Hello, I’m Liz de Mello, occupational therapist and vocational specialist with a wealth of experience from over 30 years working with adults & young people with additional needs.
Specialist Occupational Therapist.
MSc Occupational Therapy; PG Cert Careers Guidance, HCPC registration: OT70256
contact: [email protected]
Being neurodivergent myself, I'm well aware of the barriers and prejudices faced by those with autism, ADHD and associated neurodevelopmental conditions. I feel passionate about enabling neurodivergent people to participate fully in mainstream life. We can thrive in almost any setting given appropriate support and necessary adaptations.
Many of us have co-occurring conditions - Autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia; sensory sensitivities or alexithymia; health issues such as chronic pain and fatigue, gastrointestinal problems; sleep problems and anxiety disorders. I work in collaboration with you to understand your specific challenges, abilities and priorities, helping you modify activities and adapt the environment to meet your needs.
My own journey as an autistic person has involved navigating the pressures of demanding workplaces: clinics, colleges, schools, prisons, charities & community outreach. I have learned that a diagnosis is just the starting point. It can be a springboard to self-understanding, self-compassion, self-advocacy and self-actualisation.
Working in an NHS adult autism diagnostic service from 2018-2026 I became concerned about how little post-diagnostic guidance is offered. As an independent occupational therapist I aim to provide holistic autism-specific 1:1 specialist coaching & vocational guidance to enable you to live your life to the full.
My approach is solution-focused and adapted to your unique needs. For example we may focus on overcoming everyday or workplace difficulties; energy management and how to avoid burnout; managing sensory issues; dealing with change - starting work or uni, retiring, moving home, starting a family or embarking on a new relationship.
Do you have difficult time communicating your needs to medical professionals, or within the family, at work or in education? We can work on strategies to help you access the right kind of support, to enable you to form realistic, achievable plans for a positive future.
Email for further details, current prices, T&C's, and to arrange an initial chat. NOTE: reduced rates for people on means-tested benefits and clients aged 18-24.
- I work remotely by video call or phone on a one to one basis with clients who live anywhere in the UK.