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Ian Tomlinson, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Ian Tomlinson

Stockport SK8 English
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Ian Tomlinson, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Ian Tomlinson

Stockport SK8 English
Email Therapist
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My Approach

I work with three therapeutic approaches that complement each other beautifully. Transactional Analysis helps clients gently explore their life patterns and understand how they relate to others. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports people in developing flexibility with difficult emotions while staying connected to what matters most to them.
As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist at Advanced Clinician level, I enjoy helping couples move away from patterns that aren't serving them towards greater connection and understanding. This approach focuses on building empathy and communication skills that can truly transform relationships.
I aim to create a warm, safe space where you can explore whatever you're facing without judgment. Having walked my own therapeutic journey, I understand both the courage it takes to seek support and the profound possibilities that can emerge. I believe in working collaboratively, at your pace, to help you discover your own capacity for growth and change.

About Me

I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist and the director of The Affinity Centre. We offer counselling and psychotherapy to individuals and couples in Cheadle, Cheshire. We can support you in all aspects of your life from anxiety, depression and relationship issues to gender identity and couples counselling.

I work with

  • Couples
  • Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

As an autistic therapist myself, I bring lived experience alongside professional expertise to my work with autistic adults. My own late diagnosis fundamentally shifted how I understand neurodivergence - moving away from outdated pathology models toward celebrating neurological diversity as natural human variation. I'm passionate about working from a neurodiversity-affirming approach that sees autism not as something to be fixed, but as a different and equally valid way of experiencing the world. Having walked the journey of late diagnosis myself, I understand the complex mix of relief, grief, and self-discovery that often accompanies adult autism recognition. Specialist Approach for Late-Diagnosed Adults Many of my autistic clients discover their neurodivergence later in life, often after years of feeling "different" without understanding why. I specialize in helping late-diagnosed autistic adults: Process their diagnosis and what it means for their identity and relationships Unpack years of masking and develop authentic ways of being in the world Understand their sensory and emotional needs using practical frameworks like the Sensory Funnel approach Build self-compassion and challenge internalized ableism from years of trying to fit neurotypical expectations Navigate relationships with partners, family, and friends who may not understand autism Develop regulation strategies that work with their unique nervous system rather than against it Creating Neurodivergent-Friendly Therapy My practice is designed with autistic nervous systems in mind: Sensory-friendly environment with adjustable lighting and minimal overwhelming stimuli Clear communication without hidden meanings or social subtext Flexibility with eye contact - you can stim, move, or look away as needed Processing time built into sessions because autistic brains process more, not slower Practical strategies rather than just talking through problems Why This Work Energizes Me There's something profoundly moving about watching an autistic adult recognize that they're not broken - they're just wired differently. When clients stop trying to force themselves into neurotypical boxes and start honoring their authentic needs, transformation happens. They develop better relationships, reduce anxiety, and find ways to thrive that actually work for their unique nervous system. As Pierre Novellie beautifully puts it: "I'm not looking through an autistic lens, I have autistic eyeballs." I bring those autistic eyeballs to my therapeutic work, offering understanding that can only come from lived experience combined with professional training. If you're newly diagnosed, questioning whether you might be autistic, or struggling to understand how your autism affects your life and relationships, I'd love to explore this journey with you.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist

What I can help with

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Couple Issues
  • Relationships
  • Training

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Online Therapy
  • Telephone Therapy

Stockport Office

7A High Street
Cheadle
Stockport SK8 1AX
United Kingdom

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UKCP College

  • Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (HIPC)
Ian Tomlinson

Ian Tomlinson

Stockport SK8
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UK Council for Psychotherapy
York House, 221 Pentonville Road,
London N1 9UZ

020 7014 9955

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