About Abi Raymond
Kia ora, I’m Abi Raymond (she/her/ai), a neurodivergent, queer counsellor, arts therapist, and neurodiversity advocate.
My area of focus is supporting Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, Neurodivergent, Queer and Neuroqueer individuals through neurodivergent-affirming practice.
My approach draws on two decades of professional clinical experience, training, and research, alongside my lived experience as a multiply neurodivergent professional and mother.
I provide client/whānau centred, practical support that is both neuro-affirming and rainbow-affirming from an intersectional lens. I advocate for neuro-inclusive practices in my work alongside parents, whānau, schools, professionals and organisations.
As Pākeha and Tangata Tiriti, I uphold Tiriti o Waitangi principles and advocate for restorative systems change and a Tiriti-based Aotearoa .
I hold full professional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), and I am an approved professional supervisor for both organisations.
My Approach
My philosophy is affirming, inclusive and intersectional. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs, diverse identities and strengths of the people and whānau I work with. Core values of compassion, diversity, inclusivity, equality, empowerment, decolonisation and social justice guide my work.
I strive to create safe and empowering spaces, with a particular focus on understanding and supporting Neurodivergent, Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and Neuroqueer individuals to flourish.
Whanonga Pono- Values
Neurodivergent-Affirming
My approach is grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, moving away from pathology-based models that attempt to change or shape a person. Instead, neurodivergent individuals are supported and valued authentically as they are. The aim is to empower self-advocacy and adapt environments to be more accommodating. Distress is reduced by meeting neurodivergent needs and empowering positive neurodivergent identities and supporting wellbeing.
Lived Experience Informed
As a neurodivergent individual, I understand the importance of support that genuinely understands, respects and values neurodivergence.
My approach is informed by theoretical knowledge, training and experience, but also draw on my neurodivergent experience and the lived experiences of the hundreds of neurodivergent clients I’ve worked with over the past twenty years.
Understanding neurodivergence through lived experienced perspectives is essential to safe and affirming practice.
My aim is to develop approaches and strategies that genuinely seek to understand and meet the underlying needs of the neurodivergent people and explore ways to support them to live authentically and sustainably in the world.
Lived Experience Informed
As a neurodivergent individual, I understand the importance of support that genuinely understands, respects and values neurodivergence.
My approach is informed by theoretical knowledge, training and experience, but also draw on my neurodivergent experience and the lived experiences of the hundreds of neurodivergent clients I’ve worked with over the past twenty years.
Understanding neurodivergence through lived experienced perspectives is essential to safe and affirming practice.
My aim is to develop approaches and strategies that genuinely seek to understand and meet the underlying needs of the neurodivergent people and explore ways to support them to live authentically and sustainably in the world.
Creative And Visual Approaches
As both a counsellor and arts therapist, I integrate a variety of visual, sensory, and creative tools to cater to the unique needs of the individuals and whānau I work with.
These tools enrich understanding, allow time for processing, and support engagement and interest.
At the same time they help clients explore their inner worlds, emotions, and experiences in ways that resonate with their personal communication and processing styles.
Practical And Collaborative
As a professional and mother, I understand the importance of strategies that are realistic, practical, and simple to implement.
I collaborate with parents and professionals to develop their skills in recognising the strengths and needs of the children or clients they support.
Together, we build a toolkit of neuro-affirming strategies to meet neurodivergent needs, reduce distress, build skills, develop strong relationships, support co-regulation, and develop positive identities.
Practical And Collaborative
As a professional and mother, I understand the importance of strategies that are realistic, practical, and simple to implement.
I collaborate with parents and professionals to develop their skills in recognising the strengths and needs of the children or clients they support.
Together, we build a toolkit of neuro-affirming strategies to meet neurodivergent needs, reduce distress, build skills, develop strong relationships, support co-regulation, and develop positive identities.
Explore the frameworks and approaches I bring to my work, and read about my journey as a neurodivergent therapist.
Frameworks
Learn more about the neuroaffirming frameworks and approaches I use in my work.
My Journey as a Therapist
Learn more about my background and how this informs my work.
“The neurodiversity paradigm is an identity model that views neurodivergence as an integral part of a person that is not going to be cured or changed. We’ve learned that when you try to cure neurodivergence you hurt the person’s mental health and self-identity.”
Dr Megan Anna Neff, Autistic-ADHD Psychologist
Qualifications
I hold a Full Professional Membership of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), and the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). In addition, I am an approved Professional Supervisor with each of these organisations.
- 2018 – New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Full Membership
- 2015 – New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Provisional Membership
- 2012 – Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZATA) Full Professional Arts Therapist Registration
- 2012 – Whitecliffe College of Art & Design Masters of Arts in Arts Therapy (Clinical)
- 2008 – Massey University Certificate in Counselling Theory
- 2008 – The University of Auckland (MSVA) Bachelor of Visual Arts