Katherine Arrowsmith

 
 

Contact:katherinearrowsmithmentoring@gmail.com

I offer pre- and post-assessment support, providing a safe space to explore that realisation and find tools and strategies to help move forward.  Whilst my approach is person-centred, I also use coaching techniques where clients want more focused help to achieve their specific goals.

Mentoring can help increase self-awareness, self-compassion and resilience to navigate life more authentically and sustainably.  It can also provide a consistent place of understanding and guidance through significant life changes and times of transition.

My own area of interest is in creativity and its relation to wellbeing, in particular how drawing and visual image-making can help manage anxiety, and process and regulate emotions.

I am the author of the chapter ‘A measure of self-empathy’ in the Double Empathy Reader (edited by Damian Milton).  This reviews the research on autism and empathy from my personal perspective of having gone through an assessment for Asperger Syndrome in the late 1990s to being clinically diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition twenty years later.

I have a Postgraduate certificate in Autism from Sheffield Hallam University and over six years of experience supporting autistic adults.  I am an Autism Specialist Mentor for Clarion UK and Barry Bennett, working with neurodivergent students in higher education.  Before this, I was a peer mentor with Neurodiverse Self-Advocacy (NDSA), supporting autistic adults with their employment goals.  Recent short courses I have completed include:

  • ‘Lost connections: The relationship between interoception and masking’

  • ‘Understanding ADHD: Current research and practice’ (Kings College London)

  • Foundation certificate in art therapy from the British Association of Art Therapists

Areas of support include:

  • Processing an Autism or AuDHD identification

  • University and higher education student mentoring

  • Employment transitions and workplace adjustments

  • Exploring sensory differences and anxiety triggers

  • Identifying strengths, support needs and strategies for self-care

  • Managing energy levels, preventing and recovering from burnout

  • Perimenopause and Autism

  • Childfree/childless and neurodivergence intersection

  • Building confidence, connection and social support

  • Creative practice in relation to well-being

Cost

Sessions cost £55 for one hour, with the option of an initial free 15-minute call.

Katherine’s Testimonials

“Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance in helping me take positive steps since my AuDHD diagnosis. I have found our sessions invaluable. I have always been incredibly anxious and this did increase after my diagnosis. The combination of general anxiety and my newly found knowledge of my brain wiring started to overwhelm me. However, after starting our sessions, I have found my anxiety easier to manage. Work was my main anxiety and this left me little capacity and energy to look after myself. Through your amazing mentoring I have put accommodations in place that allow me a better work/life schedule and structure. These accommodations have been pivotal in freeing up capacity and energy for me to better understand my needs as a human being, and not just as a machine trying to survive day by day. Reintroducing creativity into my life has brought so many benefits; it’s opened my ‘artistic’ eyes to my surroundings, given me a much wanted and enjoyable hobby and, above all else, given me a way to regulate my thoughts and emotions. Genuinely, your mentoring in terms of my business and how to get better accommodation for MY needs has been truly life-changing for me, and I will be forever grateful.” - Trevor

“My sessions with Katherine were transformative. Her warm, supportive presence and empathic listening allowed me to explore how my autism affects my life and helped me gain a better understanding and acceptance. I began to feel more confident within myself, less alone and more able to share with others and explain what I needed to feel more comfortable in day to day life. Katherine provides a very safe space to explore and grow.” – Susie

“As a late-identified autistic ADHDer, first identified as ADHD and 5 years later as autistic, I struggled to understand my needs particularly related to autism, and often felt overwhelmed and alone. Katherine provided a safe, judgment-free space where I could process my new autism realization, make sense of my AuDHD strengths and challenges, and learn practical ways to support my well-being. She helped me navigate the balance between my autistic and ADHD needs—honoring my need for structure and sensory regulation while allowing space for creativity and flexibility. Her empathy and insight have given me the tools to set boundaries, advocate for myself, and embrace who I am with confidence. Thanks to Katherine’s mentorship, warm approach, and validation of my lived experiences, I understand myself much better, can recognize the signs of burnout sooner, and have tools to help me slow down and prioritize my own well-being -without feeling guilty. I also feel far less alone on this journey which has made a big difference and had a positive impact on my life. I am incredibly grateful to have found Katherine and received her support”. – late diagnosed AuDHD entrepreneur