Mentoring FAQs
What is mentoring?
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Mentoring is a collaborative relationship which is focused on self-development and supporting the client to reach their potential. Mentoring is not a substitute for counselling, therapy or mental health treatment, and does not provide medical advice.
I work with neurodivergent adults, whether they are formally diagnosed, self-identified or questioning.
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My mentoring sessions are confidential, one-to-one, person-centred sessions, facilitated by an autistic and ADHD mentor with lived experience of neurodivergence as well as academic and professional training. I support people to understand their neurodivergence and its relationship to their strengths, skills and challenges. All sessions are adapted and personalised to you, and you have full control over what we do, with as much guidance from me as needed.
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During sessions, you have my undivided attention as we work together to address your priorities, whether that be self-improvement, maintaining your current lifestyle or tackling challenges. It's okay if you don't know what your priorities are - we can figure that out together.
Support sessions are typically delivered by video call, as this allows a face-to-face conversation and sharing of my screen, but you can turn your camera off if that makes you more comfortable.
As a trusting relationship is key to mentoring, you can receive support for as long as you need or want to continue (with no pressure or obligation to keep going). ​​​​
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​​What do mentoring sessions look like?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and delivered by video call. It's up to you whether you want to have your camera on or off. The chat function can be used instead of speaking verbally if you prefer.
The structure and content depends on the your wishes, but usually we start with a check-in about how things have been for you since we last spoke. Sessions may also include:
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active listening and reflection
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brainstorming
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sharing of lived experiences
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completing exercises and worksheets sharing of resources such as books, podcasts, music, videos (even memes!)
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setting and working towards goals
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planning time and tasks
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developing skills such as self-advocacy and organisation
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reassurance and encouragement​
​​What topics can we work on?
We can explore whatever topics we agree are appropriate to discuss, depending on our individual comfort levels and the limits of mentoring versus other types of support service. Some of the topics I've supported people with include:
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understanding your diagnosis/neurotype
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identifying needs and ways to meet them
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relationship difficulties including setting boundaries
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exploring sexual orientation and gender identity
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managing household tasks and organisation
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obtaining reasonable adjustments in education or at work
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deciding whether or not to disclose a disability
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forming routines
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self-care
If you're not sure if mentoring is suitable for your situation, please ask! Free consultations are available to explore whether this service is right for you.
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What if mentoring isn't right for me?
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You have no obligation to continue mentoring support and can stop at any time. As effective mentoring relies on the relationship between mentor and client, sometimes a mentoring relationship isn't the right fit, and you may wish to seek another mentor or coach that you relate to better.
We might determine that you need a different type of support, such as specialist mental health treatment, work coaching, occupational therapy or support from other organisations such as Citizen's Advice. I can signpost you to other support services if you're facing challenges outside the scope of mentoring. ​
Is there homework?
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There is no requirement for homework to be completed between sessions. Clients often set their own goals to work towards before our next meeting; some people find the accountability of letting someone else know their intentions motivating.
I may make suggestions of things to think about or exercises that I think could be useful. The purpose of this is to help clients get the most out of mentoring, but there is no judgement or shame if you don't want to or can't do any work between sessions.