Clinical Psychologist for Neurodivergent Families | Dr Rosie Gilderthorp
I’m Dr. Rosie Gilderthorp a Clinical Psychologist, business coach, military spouse and mum to three neurodivergent children.
I work with families and mental health professionals and can be relied upon to:
Challenge the “broken brain” narrative:
I am here to shine a light on the fact that, even on the days you don’t feel it, you are probably doing more than enough. Working with me is about building a life that supports your mental health rather than labelling or blaming yourself for the things you cannot control (like the school and healthcare systems).
Ask the difficult questions:
I’m not afraid to speak out about the things others shy away from. I create safe spaces where we can be truthful about the harm caused by systems that don’t respect humanity, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Innovate to do better, not more:
I suspect “You Are Doing Enough” already, that’s why I gave my book that title. Whether you are looking to move past a traumatic pregnancy or birth, thrive as a neurodivergent family or build a therapy practice that allows you to live your values, I am committed to helping you break the cycle of “doing more” and focus instead on the simple actions that actually matter.
Why do I believe struggle is not a personal failure?
I believe that when we struggle, it is rarely a personal failure.
Usually, we are simply responding in the best way we know to failing systems, healthcare, education, or work cultures, that don’t work for us.
Whether I am helping a parent process birth trauma or coaching a clinician to create a sustainable business, my mission is to help you move from “just getting through” to building a life you love.
What experience do I bring as a clinical psychologist and business coach?
What experience do I bring as a clinical psychologist and business coach?
A doctorate in Clincial Psychology, ten years of qualified clinical practice and eight years of running my own business alongside the high-energy demands of raising three Autistic/ADHD children have given me a first-hand understanding of the delicate art of protecting your own well-being while caring for others.
I studied an MBA (masters in business) to help me better understand why the systems that seemed to be harming the families I support have strayed so far from their purpose. What I learned helps me to see realistic but innovative ways to improve mental wellbeing, from small things we can do as individuals to big ambitious changes to policy.
How has lived experience shaped the way I work?
How has lived experience shaped the way I work?
We have a lot of labels in my house (Autism, ADHD, DCD, PDA). None of the labels define my children. None of them have defined my experience either as a Mum with a *pretty unusual* way of thinking. We live in a world that requires diagnoses for access to support but I know from lived experience that a diagnosis never fully represents a person and it certainly shouldn’t define them. In all my work, I seek to understand the whole person (or people). Self-understanding and giving yourself permission to meet your needs is the key that unlocks mental well-being for many, currently forcing themselves into shapes that don’t fit.
When I’m not deconstructing systemic barriers for my clients, I’m usually building new ones in my garden shed by writing dystopian novels. Whether in fiction or reality, I am obsessed with how we thrive in challenging circumstances.