My name is Oran Blackwood (BA, PGCE, NASENCo, MA, MSc) and I am an accredited counsellor with over 10 years of experience supporting adults through emotional, psychological, and life challenges.

I founded The Inside Me to create a therapeutic space where people can feel genuinely understood, accepted, and supported. Too often, individuals seeking help encounter long waiting lists, inaccessible services, or professionals who focus on changing who they are rather than understanding their experiences. I wanted to offer something different: a safe, compassionate, and neurodiversity-affirming environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges without judgement.

I specialise in working with autistic and ADHD adults, including those who are newly diagnosed, exploring the possibility of neurodivergence, or trying to better understand themselves after years of masking and adapting to the expectations of others. Many of the people I work with experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or a persistent feeling of being misunderstood.

My approach is primarily person-centred, meaning I believe you are the expert on your own life and experiences. Therapy is not about fixing who you are. It is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself, recognising your strengths, and finding ways to navigate life that feel authentic and sustainable.

I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of each individual, including Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Practice. Rather than following a rigid model, I tailor therapy to the person sitting in front of me.

The values that guide my work are acceptance, compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves and supported enough to explore the challenges they face.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, identity, or the impact of autism or ADHD on your daily life, I aim to provide a space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.