Who is guiding me through?
Our facilitators combine professional expertise with a compassionate, neuro-affirming approach to help parents make sense of what they're experiencing, explore practical next steps and feel less alone in the process.
Sophie Cole
Experienced Counsellor & Parent Mentor/Advocate
Sophie has over 20 years' experience supporting neurodivergent children, young people and their families through counselling, parent mentoring, advocacy and education.
A significant focus of Sophie's work is supporting parents navigating autism, ADHD, School Can't, emotional distress and the many challenges that can arise throughout a family's journey.
She works alongside parents to better understand their child's unique needs, strengthen family relationships and identify practical strategies that create greater confidence and connection.
She works alongside parents to better understand their child's unique needs, strengthen family relationships and identify practical strategies that create greater confidence and connection.
As an AuDHD parent who has raised three neurodivergent children into adulthood, Sophie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She understands that every family follows a different path and is passionate about helping parents make sense of the often overwhelming world of diagnoses, services, education and daily life, while recognising and building on each child's strengths.
At the heart of Sophie's approach is a commitment to creating a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space where parents feel heard, understood and empowered. She values the power of shared experience and works collaboratively with families to reduce isolation, build confidence and support lasting, meaningful change.
Parents working with Sophie can expect compassionate support, practical guidance and someone who genuinely understands the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child.
Bel Fin
Registered Counsellor & Psychotherapist (Level 3).
Bel has extensive experience supporting parents, young people and families through a wide range of emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges.
A significant focus of Bel's work is helping families navigate situations where a young person is experiencing distress, disengagement, anxiety, school attendance difficulties or increasing conflict within the family. She works alongside parents to better understand what may be driving their child's behaviour and identify practical ways to strengthen connection, reduce stress and create more sustainable pathways forward.
Bel has experience supporting neurodivergent young people, LGBTQIA+ clients and culturally diverse families. She brings a calm, grounded and practical approach to complex situations, helping parents make sense of what is happening beneath the surface while building confidence in their ability to respond effectively.
Bel helps families move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed toward greater understanding, stability and connection. Her focus is always on creating a safe, supportive space where parents feel heard, respected and equipped with practical strategies they can apply in everyday life.
Parents working with Bel can expect compassionate support, honest conversations and guidance that balances understanding with practical next steps.
Sophie Nicoll
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Sophie has a particular passion for supporting families navigating School Can’t, school distress and neurodivergence.
A significant focus of Sophie's work is supporting parents and carers of children experiencing Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA), often referred to as School Can’t.
She understands the profound impact school attendance difficulties can have on the whole family and works collaboratively with parents to better understand what may be contributing to their child's distress, strengthen family relationships and identify practical supports and next steps.
She understands the profound impact school attendance difficulties can have on the whole family and works collaboratively with parents to better understand what may be contributing to their child's distress, strengthen family relationships and identify practical supports and next steps.
Drawing on experience across both educational and counselling settings, Sophie brings a deep understanding of the many factors that can influence a young person's wellbeing, including sensory needs, regulation, communication differences, burnout and the broader challenges often experienced by neurodivergent families including PDAers.
Sophie's work is grounded in neuroaffirming and trauma-informed practice and is influenced by the work of Ross Greene, Mona Delahooke, and Stephen Porges. She brings a compassionate understanding of the connection between the brain, body, emotions, and behaviour, helping families move beyond blame and toward understanding.
Sophie's work is grounded in neuroaffirming and trauma-informed practice and is influenced by the work of Ross Greene, Mona Delahooke, and Stephen Porges. She brings a compassionate understanding of the connection between the brain, body, emotions, and behaviour, helping families move beyond blame and toward understanding.
At the heart of Sophie’s approach is a commitment to creating a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive space where parents feel heard, understood, and empowered. Knowing the value of shared experiences.
Our mission for Green Cardigan
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose which counsellor I attend sessions with?
Yes. Each of our counsellors facilitates their own weekly Group Support session, so you're welcome to attend the sessions that best suit your needs and schedule. Many parents choose to regularly attend the same counsellor's group, while others attend both sessions throughout the week. If you book a 1:1 session, you can absolutely choose which counsellor you would like to work with.
Will these counsellors understand my situation?
Yes. Our counsellors have extensive experience supporting families navigating School Can’t, school distress and neurodivergence. You won't need to convince anyone that your child's distress is real or justify the decisions you've made along the way. You'll be met with understanding, compassion and practical support from professionals who recognise the complexity many families are carrying and are committed to helping you find a way forward.
Does my child need to be neurodivergent for this support to be helpful?
Not at all. Families join Green Cardigan with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. While many are navigating neurodivergence, others are simply trying to understand why school has become difficult for their child. What brings families together is not a diagnosis, but the experience of supporting a child who is struggling. Our focus is on helping parents better understand what may be driving that distress and identify practical ways forward for their family.
Copyright © 2026