Sally Agobiani
I have been privileged to work with adults with various neurodiverse conditions for over 30 years. My interest in dyslexia began when teaching in the prison system. I was meeting bright people for whom written words made no sense and the impact of this on their lives was all too apparent.
This led me to qualify as a dyslexia tutor and also a diagnostic assessor. I worked at City College, Plymouth as the dyslexia co-ordinator and later at the University of Plymouth as a dyslexia assessor and a disability advisor. Alongside this, I set up ‘Optimus Dyslexia Assessment Services’ in 2007. I also completed an MSc in Developmental Conditions (autism, ADHD and SpLD) from the University of South Wales.
Whilst undertaking my MSc I researched and published a paper on ADHD, dyslexia and self-esteem. From the beginning of my career I have been very aware of the profound impact neurodiverse conditions can have on so many aspects of a person’s life and my work on self-esteem deepened this awareness. I am also very interested in the day to day effects of a condition called aphantasia, the inability to visualise.
In 2019 I qualified as a counsellor so that I could work alongside clients wanting to feel confident and comfortable being themselves. Whilst I have a background in neurodiversity, I welcome all clients.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Registered member: NCS19-08764 ACCREDITED
Edward Agobiani
As an integrative counsellor, I work with my clients to bring together and restore an authentic sense of themselves and their lives. Drawing from several counselling approaches, I facilitate the awareness, understanding and expression of genuine, present-moment thoughts and feelings. In my experience, an environment which encourages a person to be fully who they are is one in which, paradoxically, meaningful change can occur. Counselling is not a form of treatment, but rather offers each of us the opportunity to be met with unwavering attention, free of judgement. It is a process which cultivates our innate potential for growth, inviting us to put down past opinions, attitudes and expectations which are no longer of benefit. Accepting the invitation, we gradually return to a sense of ourselves, and others, as being of unique worth, deserving of acceptance, warmth and respect.
