Kent Psychologist

24/08/2026

🌿 Training for Mental Health Professionals, Adapting Therapy for Neurodivergent Young People: One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing neurodivergent young people thrive when they have the right support and understanding around them.
When autistic and ADHD young people need therapy, it’s so important that the professionals working with them understand neurodivergence and have the knowledge and skills to adapt their approach to the individual young person. It’s equally important that clinicians have access to high-quality training that is informed by research and by the experiences and feedback of neurodivergent young people and their families.
So I am delighted to be offering this training for mental health professionals in collaboration with Dr Floriana Reikis at Oasis Psychological Services! We’ll be bringing together research, clinical experience and what we’ve learnt from neurodivergent young people and families to explore how therapy can be adapted to better meet their needs.
Really looking forward to this in November!
If you’re a mental health professional interested in joining us, booking details are in the comments below.

12/07/2026

✨ We have made trusted Autism & ADHD assessment information easier to find ✨

I'm really pleased to share something we've been working on behind the scenes!

Over the past few years we've supported so many children, young people, adults and families through Autism and ADHD assessments. As this part of our work has grown, we wanted to make it easier for people to find clear, trusted information about the assessment process and the support available.

That's why we've created a dedicated website focused on Autism and ADHD assessments. Whether you're just starting to ask questions or are ready to book an assessment, you'll find information about our assessment pathways, fees, FAQs and the support we offer before, during and after diagnosis.

Kent Psychologist isn't changing — our original website is still very much here and continues to provide information about our wider psychological services. This new website simply makes it easier for people to find the information they need.

We'll also be adding free resources and practical guides over the coming months, so do keep an eye on the website.

💬 What topics would you most like us to cover? We'd love to hear your ideas in the comments.

🌐 Take a look at our new website - the link is in the comments.

Specialist ADHD and autism assessments for children and adults in Kent, led by Dr Sirja van Zyl. NICE-compliant, neuroaffirmative assessments. Book a free initial call.

12/07/2026

I'm really looking forward to joining this panel discussion on supporting the mental wellbeing of teenagers in an increasingly digital world.

This is a topic that comes up in my clinical work with young people and parents, and with schools regularly. Conversations about phones, social media, gaming, online life - and now of course AI - are rarely straightforward. Over the years I've come to appreciate that there are few simple right or wrong answers. Instead, the most helpful approach is often to stay curious, think alongside young people, and support them to reflect on how the digital world is affecting them —both the opportunities it brings and the challenges it can create.

It's such an important conversation, and I'm really looking forward to hearing different perspectives and contributing to the discussion!

You're warmly invited to our Annual Open Meeting!

Tuesday 22 September
7.00pm
Otford Methodist Hall

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with counsellors, young people and wellbeing professionals as we explore how to support teenagers in today's digital world.

We'll also share highlights from the past year and celebrate the impact of Sevenoaks Counselling's work.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post or our event flyer. We hope to see you there!

21/04/2026

Wondering about ADHD or Autism — for yourself or your child?
We know how important it is to find a service you can trust. One with real expertise and people who genuinely care.
At Kent Psychologist, we take the time to really get to know you. No rushing. No judgement. Just kind, personalised support from experienced specialists who understand.

Book a free call with Dr Sirja van Zyl to find out whether an assessment is the right next step for you.
🌳Book your free call today → www.kentpsychologist.co.uk

09/02/2026

🌿 Have you been wondering about how to find the right Autism or ADHD assessment? You’re not alone! Many adults and families who reach out to us feel the same way. There is now more information than ever out there about Autism and ADHD. Yet, we know that finding the right service for you can still feel overwhelming.

After more than 20 years of working across both NHS and private assessment services, I’ve put together my top tips on what to look for when choosing an assessment service:

🌟 What matters most is finding a clinician you can trust, someone who will take the time to get to know you (or your child) as an individual. A good assessment isn’t just about reaching a diagnosis. It’s about understanding strengths, challenges and most importantly what support would be helpful going forward. We don't want to change people, we want to help them reach their full potential.

🌟 A good assessment should always include experienced and appropriately qualified clinicians. This means finding a team that is experienced not just in assessing Autism and ADHD, but that can also consider any other areas where support may be required. This allows us to see the whole person.

🌟 To ensure assessments are accepted by the NHS, employers and schools, they should follow NICE guidelines, including the use of the right assessment tools. This means keeping an open mind throughout the assessment with the aim of really understanding a person.

🌟 To bring about positive change and a better understanding following an assessment, you should receive a clear, detailed report with practical recommendations and strategies for support.

🌟 An assessment is often just one part of the journey. A good assessment should always offer support that goes beyond a diagnosis to bring about real lasting change. This might involve meeting again after an assessment. It could include other people who are important in your life and learning more about the diagnosis. For children and young people it might mean supporting schools in implementing change.

At Kent Psychologist we have developed an assessment service that is thoughtful, person-centred and designed to give you clarity and confidence about the next steps in your or your child’s life.

📞 To book a free phone call or find out whether an assessment is the right next step, get in touch by email and ask for our free information pack or visit our website — we’d love to support you!

Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist
✉️ [email protected]

Adult Psychology & Therapy, Autism Assessments, Neuropsychogical Services, Child & Adolescent Psychology, Supervision & Training.

25/01/2026

Are you thinking about an assessment for yourself or a family member. Perhaps you are not sure where to start?

In this free one hour talk Dr Sirja van Zyl will provide an overview of common questions:

- How do I know whether I/ my partner/ my child/ would benefit from an assessment?

- What are the pros and cons of seeking an assessment?

- How do I find the right assessment service through the NHS or a private clinic?

- What are NICE guidelines and why are they important?

- What is a 'neuroaffirmative' assessment?

- How do I talk to other people about the assessment?

- Do I need to prepare for an assessment?

- What should I expect during and after the assessment?

- How do clinicians actually decide whether to give a diagnosis?

Come and join us! Tickets can be booked via the link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-autism-and-adhd-assessments-your-questions-answered-tickets-1979622751941?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/01/2026

🌻Did you know we offer free training and support to schools?🌻

I couldn’t have wished for a more rewarding way to come back to work after the Christmas break. This week has been all about working with schools. I was lucky enough to spend time in a number of different schools, contributing to CPD on topics focused on supporting neurodivergent students. It’s become a bit of a tradition that my first days back after the holidays are spent at INSET days, and this has always been one of the highlights of my work.

I know only too well that many neurodivergent young people struggle in education, and that the picture is not always ‘rosy’. I am also acutely aware of the many pressures schools are under. And yet, spending time in schools is a powerful reminder of just how much thoughtful, creative and compassionate work is happening. So much of it is unseen, driven by staff who are deeply committed to doing the best they can for each and every student.

As part of our assessment we also always offer free follow up meetings with schools to jointly discuss how best to support the young people we meet. My experience has been that real change takes place when we work together as a team with parents, young people and schools, rather than simply providing a report that may or may not get read.

Over the years it has been wonderful to witness the difference this support can make to young people’s lives and to hear about their individual achievements. For some, this may simply mean finding a way of accessing education that works for them. For others, it has meant gaining a better understanding of themselves and, with the right support in place, going on to pursue their passions and dreams.

I’m really looking forward to more joint working this year. Current projects with schools include plans for student assemblies, parent talks and staff workshops, and I can’t wait to see what else 2026 holds in store!

If you would like to find out more about our assessments or if you know of a school that would like to find out more about our free school CPD programme, please get in touch via our website.

12/10/2025

Very much looking forward to joining this Q&A on the 12th of November.

27/09/2025

🌟 Free Talk: Supporting Autistic Young People with Becoming Independent 🌟
Are you the parent or carer of an autistic young person who’s preparing to leave home for University, College or independent living? Or maybe you’d like to help your young person grow more independent while still living at home?

It’s natural to feel both hopeful and worried about this transition. This free one hour talk with Dr Sirja van Zyl will give you practical advice and clear next steps to support your young person on their journey.

✨ What we’ll cover:
✔️ Common worries parents have when a young person leaves home
✔️ The key skills to focus on before the move
✔️ Supporting your young person in making friends and settling in
✔️ Managing money and spending
✔️ Understanding what support they’re entitled to
✔️ Staying connected after the move
There will also be time for your questions.
📅 Wednesday, 1st of October. 1pm – 2pm (GMT+1)
📍 online
💡 Open to parents and carers of neurodivergent young people
Booking link in the comments: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1325073774329?aff=oddtdtcreator

25/09/2025

I'm very excited to speak at the Together for Send event tomorrow. Please come and say hello if you are joining us!

“Together for SEND families in Kent” presents:
OUR COMMUNITY EVENT!

Hosted by Laura & Kate in partnership with The SEND Consultancy Group

Join us for an empowering and informative day filled with expert speakers, valuable resources, and supportive connections for SEND families and professionals!

What’s in store?
🎤 6 Incredible Guest Speakers:

📚 Lisa Lloyd – Author, Mum & Influencer: “Raising the SEN Betweeners”

👩‍🏫 Mandy Cook – The Autistic Teacher: “Supporting Autistic Children – Ideas for Home & School including PDA”

🧠 Sirja van Zyl – Clinical Psychologist: “Autistic Burnout”

🗣️ Emily B & Andrew Green – Speech & Language Therapists: “Social Communication, Masking + Live Q&A”

🎓 Shirley Moyse – Educational Psychologist: Live Q&A

When: 📅 Friday, 26th September 2025
Time: 🕘 Doors open 9:15 AM | 🕑 Event ends 2:15 PM
Where: 📍 Lordswood Leisure Centre, ME5 8YE
Tickets: 🎟️ Only £5 – Lunch & refreshments included!

👉 Grab your £5 ticket here:
https://buy.stripe.com/eVa9Bg0kw7f65Nu9AA

PLUS:
🧾 Meet local exhibitors including schools, charities, and SEN-focused businesses.

✨ BONUS: Every attendee gets FREE access to our post-conference EHCP workshop with Laura & Kate!

Come and connect with a community that truly understands.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🎟️ Get your £5 ticket here:
https://buy.stripe.com/eVa9Bg0kw7f65Nu9AA

🌍 www.togetherforsend.co.uk
📧 [email protected]