Hello! We are Space 2B You
We believe.
We believe mental health care should be accessible to all ages and all those affected. We want anyone experiencing the impact of mental health and neurodevelopmental issues to be living their ‘best life’.
We support.
Whether you are the person who has the condition, a person living with or caring for someone with these difficulties, or your work is linked to these, we want you to have access to resources and support which work for you.
We care.
Our online space is safe, accessible, and flexible. It is somewhere for individuals and groups to receive high quality and individually tailored care. We provide support when, where and how it is needed.
We offer comprehensive assessments, a range of therapy and support options that meet people’s identified needs and help them to live more effective and fulfilling lives.
Meet the Team – Space 2B You
At Space 2B You, our team is the heart of our service. We are a multidisciplinary group of highly trained mental health professionals who work systemically with individuals, families, schools, organisations and local authorities.
What brings us together is a shared belief: everyone deserves to feel understood, supported and empowered and no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Our clinicians draw on extensive experience across the NHS, education, social care and the private sector. Many also bring lived experience of neurodiversity and mental health challenges, allowing us to offer support that is not only informed and evidence-based, but deeply human.
This combination of professional expertise and personal insight enables us to provide compassionate, joined up care.
Management Team
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Alison Joyce
Director and Therapist
I am passionate about sharing what I know to help people live their best life, no matter what their circumstances. It has been a dream of mine to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ where individuals and families can find the space and support they need to better manage life’s challenges. I am particularly interested in enabling people to take charge of their lives.
I have a long and rich tapestry of professional roles in a variety of mental health settings, theoretical training, and experience within my own family of neurodiversity and mental health challenges. I have an eclectic and compassionate approach as I believe everyone is unique, needing different things to clarify who they are and what they need to achieve their best.
I have children and grandchildren and love spending time with all of them, my friends, and my rescue dog Fibi. You will often find us in the woods, at the beach, on the water in a kayak, or up on the hills and mountains.
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Marie-Anne McKee
Director, Psychotherapist and Supervisor
I love working with families and making a difference in people’s lives. My vision for Space 2B You is of an accessible, efficient, and trusted service.
It is also important to me that our service fits around our clients rather than expecting them to fit in with us. Our therapists have the knowledge and skills to be able to work effectively in this way.
I have been a therapist for 18 years and a passionate champion for Autism and Neurodevelopmental needs. My approach is systemic, person-centred and solution focused putting the person at the centre of their care is very important to me. I see myself as a therapist with the knowledge, skills, and flexibility to help people as quickly and efficiently as possible.
I love animals and have lots of cats and dogs, some of whom you will meet in sessions!! I like anything to do with water and enjoy walking and traveling.
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Dennis Neill
Family Psychotherapist & Supervisor
I work in the NHS and privately. I enjoy working with families, couples and individuals and I’ve learnt a great deal from doing so.
I come from a big family and have two grown up children. I enjoy walking, exploring new places and photography. I recently started doing more gardening and have an interest in herbs and growing vegetables
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Sarah Finnegan
Operations Manager, Psychotherapist & Supervisor
I am an Accredited Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years’ experience working across statutory services, the third sector, and private practice. I work with adults, children, young people, couples, and families, offering support through many of the challenges life can bring.
My work is grounded in client-centred, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. I draw on Systemic Family Practice, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, and integrative models, tailoring my approach to meet your needs.
Therapy, to me, is a collaborative journey. My aim is to offer warmth, care, and genuine curiosity as we navigate challenges, understand your experiences, and explore paths toward positive change. We move forward at a pace that suits you, always honouring your story and individual needs, whilst putting safety, trust, and empathy at the core of our work together.
Within Space 2B You, I plays a vital role in service delivery and quality assurance. Therefore, ensures that every part of the service — from clinical work to communication — remains aligned with our values of compassion, accessibility and integrity.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, swimming, going to the gym and exploring mountains. She values balance, connection and the restorative power of the outdoors.
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Barb Johnston
Admin Manager & PA to Directors
Barb is a highly experienced administrator who has worked in administration since the age of 17. With previous experience in Wirral CAMHS, she brings a calm, organised and compassionate presence to Space 2B You. Barb supports both clinicians and families, ensuring that communication is smooth, timely and reassuring.
She is a mother of two and enjoys cross stitch, gardening, puzzles, crosswords and word games. Barb is often the first point of contact for families — and her warmth sets the tone for the supportive environment we strive to create.
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Nickie Mitchell
Mental health therapist and Assessment Manager
I have been a mental health therapist in the NHS for nearly 20 years, working therapeutically with children and adolescents with moderate to severe mental health needs and their parent-carers.
Prior to this I achieved my Bachelor of Education with English Hons with qualified teacher status. Through my work in primary schools, I discovered my passion for working with young people with autism and ADHD.
This passion led me to focus my career on supporting young people and complete my master’s degree in social work, working with some of the most vulnerable young people in society. This facilitated my understanding of how attachment difficulties and trauma impact on mental health, self-esteem, learning and social relationships.
During my 20 years’ experience as a mental health therapist in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service I have specialised in adapting therapies for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and/or ASC.
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Andy McHugh
Technical Manager
Andy describes himself as a “technical nerd” and is responsible for keeping Space 2B You’s digital systems running smoothly. He enjoys learning new technical skills and is always exploring ways to improve efficiency, accessibility and user experience.
Outside of work, Andy loves gaming, baking and spending time with his wife, children and dog. Family movie nights, camping trips and good food — especially pizza, tacos, curry and sweets — are among his favourite things. His friendly, down-to-earth nature makes him a valued part of the team.
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Lisa Lumley
Media & Marketing Manager
Lisa leads Space 2B You’s media, marketing and communications with clarity, creativity and heart. As a mother of three with lived experience of neurodiversity within her family, she understands the importance of accessible, compassionate messaging that truly speaks to people’s experiences.
Her work includes content creation, social media management, brand development and ongoing engagement with families and professionals. Lisa brings warmth, authenticity and a deep understanding of the communities we support.
Administration Team
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Barb Johnston
Admin Manager & PA to Directors
(Full Profile above)
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Nicky Murrell
Administrator
Nicky works within CAMHS NHS and supports Space 2B You during evenings and weekends. She plays an important role in maintaining continuity of service, supporting communication and ensuring that families and professionals receive timely responses.
Her dual experience across NHS and private settings gives her a strong understanding of the systems families navigate, and she brings empathy and reliability to her role.
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Kate Sharp
Administrator
I am a mother to 2 lovely sons and 1 grown up stepson. I have worked for Wirral Council for over 22 years, having a range of roles from nursery manager, working in children's safeguarding and now I am a commissioning officer for children and young people. I work for S2BU in the evenings. My hobbies are travelling in our campervan, meeting up with friends and taking the boys to theme parks and football lessons. We also have a lot of pets of which we just adore, we have a cat, a dog, a hamster, 2 terrapins, a river cooter, 3 fish tanks with aquatic fish, a gecko and 2 axolotls.
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Andy McHugh
Technical Manager
(Full Profile above)
Clinical Team
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Alison Joyce
Director and Therapist
(Full Profile above)
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Marie-Anne McKee
Director and Psychotherapist
(Full Profile above)
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Sarah Finnegan
Operations Manager and Psychotherapist.
(Full Profile above)
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Sue Horrocks
Systemic Family Practitioner
I'm Sue. I'm a Systemic Family Practitioner. I am the parent to 2 grown-up children and our aging rescue dog, Kaya. I enjoy socialising with family and friends, going on long walks, Tai Chi & Giong, binge-watching Netflix series, TikTok scrolling, jigsaws, painting by numbers, music festivals and Asian cooking. I used to teach in a school with young people who had social and communication difficulties and I am passionate about equality, diversity and inclusivity, with a specific interest in neurodiverse thinking and ways of being.
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Stephen Robinson
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
I am a chartered Counselling Psychologist. I am also trained in Person Centred therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Prior to this I had a long career as a teacher and a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO).
I work in a hospital with clients sectioned under the mental health act and present with various mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges. My specialism is working with clients who experience anxiety and trauma-related symptoms. I am also a University Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am well aware of the power dynamic and the challenges clients face to feel heard and validated. This is one reason as to why it is so important to support the client so they feel safe within the therapeutic space. I am quite open when I say that I am neurodivergent, I have ADHD, and dyslexia. However, I have learnt to embrace my diversity and see the positives in it rather than focus on the things that I struggle do as well as others! In my personal life, I am a cat dad, I love to go for walks with my headphones in (it is my way of switching off from all of the noise we can experience from time to time) and love internet shopping (sometimes too much 😉)
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Shelene Lammie
Systemic Family Practitioner
II’m Shelene, with over 26 years’ experience in mental health, social work, safeguarding, and systemic therapy. I hold a BA in Psychology, an MA in Social Work, and an MSc in Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapy. I practise as a Specialist Systemic Family Therapist within NHS CAMHS and also run a private practice.
My Approach
I take a warm, relational, and culturally sensitive approach. I draw on systemic, narrative, and structural therapy, working integratively to meet your unique needs.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, psychosis, complex family dynamics, and neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism.
I have experience working across diverse communities and bring curiosity and respect to each person’s unique story. In my work with neurodivergent children, young people, adults, and families, I focus on creating a space where differences are recognised and valued. We work together to understand what feels difficult, what feels strong, and what might help things move forward.
My focus is on strengthening relationships, reducing distress, and helping you move toward your preferred future at a pace that feels right.
A little about me personally: I am a mother of four, including twins, which means I understand both the beauty and complexity of family life. In my spare time I enjoy yoga, meditation, and reading — practices that help me stay grounded and reflective in both my personal and professional life.
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Bernie Stiell
Integrative Psychotherapist
I qualified as an Integrative Psychotherapist in 2014 and have worked in a range of NHS, charity sector and private settings. I specialise in working with clients with trauma, ADHD, and other neurodiversities, as well as those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I also combine my clinical role with my work as a qualitative social researcher – in both roles I love listening and understanding people’s experiences and supporting them with the varied challenges they face.
Out of work, I love walking and cycling in the countryside, and enjoy yoga, meditation and cooking.
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Fiona Sneddon
Person Centred / Humanistic Counsellor
Hi, I'm Fiona, a person-centred, humanistic counsellor, late diagnosed with ADHD and autistic traits. I specialise in working with clients who are neurodivergent, or suspect they may be, and can support anyone who is navigating life and what it means for them, after a diagnosis.
My interests include working with trauma, chronic health issues, domestic abuse, the menopause phases of life and workplace stress and bullying; I am passionate about helping people overcome difficult life experiences and find their own way of being.
My core training and Level 7 diploma is in person-centred counselling, but I am also qualified in Internal Family Systems (Level 1), Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping) and Rewind therapy. These therapies can be really effective in addressing complex trauma and flashbacks.
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Helen Raynham
Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Registered Psychotherapist
I’m a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist. I am registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the British Psychological Society (BPS), where I am also an Associate Fellow. Currently. I am working towards my PhD in Psychology at the University of Roehampton.
With over 15 years of rich experience in the mental health field across diverse settings, including education, NHS, and the prison service, I've dedicated my career to providing psychological support to children, adolescents, couples and families. My practice is deeply rooted in neuro-affirmative principles, ensuring a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each client.
Having been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult myself, I specialise in working with individuals who have, or suspect they might have, ADHD. This personal and professional insight fuels my passion for helping clients navigate their experiences, fostering understanding and growth. I also support families - helping parents understand and support their children with ADHD and aiding adults in comprehending and appreciating their partners' journeys.
When I'm not working, and in true ADHD style, you can usually find me trying out a new hobby! I’m currently enjoying a pottery class and learning how to crochet.
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Lesley Dougan
EMDR Practitioner, Counsellor & Supervisor
Hello, I am a neurodivergent person-centred counsellor/psychotherapist/ supervisor and EMDR Practitioner. I have worked in mental health since 1996 and am experienced in working with clients across the lifespan from preschool children, adolescents , and adults. Understably, my experience is wide-ranging, although my passion is working with clients who are often 'othered' this includes neurodivergence, intellectual disabilities, GSRD (gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity). My specialisms include bereavement and trauma. I supervise therapists and teach Counselling and Psychotherapy at masters level.
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Lynne Jones
Hi, my name is Lynne, here is a little bit about me.
I have two grown-up children who I am very very proud of, three little dogs called Lola, Woody and Frank. I love nature and enjoy going for walks in the countryside and camping, but I am at my happiest when I am near the water such as running streams and lakes. I also enjoy swimming and horse riding and family time.
I am a qualified person centred and experiential psychotherapist who has a passion to support people through therapeutic journeys of self-empowerment and growth. I believe we are all unique and individual in our experiences and how we process them is just as unique, therefore therapy should adapt to your needs and desired outcomes, providing you with a sense of feeling safe to explore.
I have a lived experience of neurodivergence, from my own ADHD journey and from caring for my autistic son. I appreciate both perspectives, the individual and their carer/ families’ experiences. It is that very same lived experience that now helps me to work with other neurodivergent individuals and their families.
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Claire Owens
Hi, I’m Claire, and I’m really looking forward to meeting you.
My background is in social work, and I’ve spent many years supporting children, young people, and families with complex needs. I’ve worked extensively alongside Social Services and CYPMHS. I’m a qualified systemic family practitioner with a particular specialism in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parenting support. This blend of clinical experience and frontline practice has shaped a grounded, compassionate approach that focuses on strengthening relationships, restoring connection, and helping families feel empowered again.
I’m also a mum of two teenage boys with additional needs. They’ve been my greatest teachers, deepening my understanding of what it means to parent neurodivergent children and giving me lived experience that informs the way I support others.
Away from work, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand, planning my next sunny getaway, indulging in the occasional shopping trip, or being followed around by my ever-faithful cats.
Life is colourful, let's explore this together.
ADHD/Autism Assessments Team
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Nickie Mitchell
Mental health therapist and Assessment Manager
(Full profile above)
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Marie-Anne McKee
Director and Psychotherapist
(Full profile above)
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Stephen Robinson
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
(Full profile above)
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Sarah Gielty
Speech and Language Therapist
Sarah Gielty is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Neurodevelopmental Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience.
Holding an MA in Critical Autism Studies (Distinction) and a BSc in Linguistics and Language Pathology, Sarah is a certified communication expert with accreditation in diagnostic tools such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, and DISCO. She currently works within an NHS Children’s Foundation Trust and also private practice, contributing to multidisciplinary diagnoses of Autism and ADHD in children and young adults.
As an Accredited Registered Intermediary under the Ministry of Justice (2009-2024), Sarah has supported vulnerable witnesses in legal settings, chaired the North West Registered Intermediary Group, and delivered training for police and court professionals. Her career also includes specialist roles in NHS community health services and specialist education.
Committed to lifelong learning, Sarah regularly engages in CPD, with recent certifications in ADHD, neurodiversity affirming practice, and forensic linguistics. She is HCPC-registered and a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
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Joe Alaimo
Hi! I'm Joe, a qualified mental health nurse and non-medical prescriber with over six years of experience working exclusively in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) across the North West. I’m particularly passionate about supporting individuals with ADHD and autism, offering a compassionate, person-centred approach that values your unique strengths, challenges, and identity.
I offer a calm, confidential approach where you can be fully yourself. My work is grounded in empathy and clinical knowledge, blending professional insight with real human connection.
Outside of my work, I’m a big fan of tennis, reading, and music. Some of my favourite artists are Interpol, Radiohead, and The Smiths. These artists have resonated with me since I was a teenager.
I’m here to help during your time with Space 2B You and look forward to working with you :)
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Ellen Wheller
Counselling Psychologist
I am registered Counselling Psychologist with both the HCPC and BPS. She has over 20 years experience of working with adults, children and families multidisciplinary career. As a Psychologist I have specialised in the field of Trauma and neurodiversity, interventions are drawn from a wide number of modalities, systemic, CBT, EMDR , DDP, sensory, integrative and creative mediums, tailored to an individuals unique needs. Work has included social care and NHS position. More recently I have combined my career and passion for dogs and I working with young people with Animal Assisted Play Therapy.
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Lucy Harness
Occupational Therapist
Lucy qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1994 at Brunel University and has mainly worked in mental health settings in both private, NHS and third sector. She has continued with training and subsequently has a PGDip in Occupational Therapy, PGCert Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and PGDip Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. Lucy has completed training in clinical supervision and has supervised students and clinicians over the span of her career. Lucy has specialism in neurodevelopmental conditions and is trained in ADOS, ADIr, DISCO and 3Di. She has completed the Foundation Level in Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) and has experience with attachment and trauma in children. Her hobbies include kayaking, and walking and she loves the outdoors.
Students
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Holly Duckworth
H ☺️
As someone who was diagnosed later in life as neurodivergent I am passionate about creating spaces where people can feel seen and heard.
Places where people can meet themselves again as agents of change.
I am currently completing a post-grad qualification in person-centred psychotherapy. I am also deeply committed to the effectiveness of somatic enquiry and embodiment techniques, which I will weave into my practice after I gain my Somatic Trauma Therapy certification in 2026.
Taking on a more integrative and holistic approach to best serve my clients on their path.
I have deep and lifelong love of nature, whether it’s looking from a window at the trees or being bundled up in the elements leaning into the wind, my connection to the earth and all her creatures never fails to fill my cup.
I have one cat, and I love anything on tv with a bit of sci-fi and adventure. Currently teaching myself how to make chainmail.
Coaching Team
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David Watkinson
Neurodiversity-Affirming Coach | Behaviour Specialist
With over 20 years’ experience as a transformation coach I specialise in Autism, ADHD, Chronic trauma, and disengagement. I specialise in providing personalised guidance on a one-on-one basis. Communication and behaviour change are at the very heart of my practice, allowing me to facilitate transformative experiences for individuals.
Throughout my extensive career, I have honed my skills in coaching individuals, fostering effective communication, and driving personal growth. By understanding each person's unique circumstances and challenges, I am able to tailor my approach to their specific needs and aspirations. Through one-on-one coaching, I establish a deep connection with my clients, creating a meaningful relationship, empowering them to overcome obstacles, develop new skills, and reach their full potential.
I prioritise the well-being and growth of each individual I work with, ensuring that their unique needs are met. By focusing on behaviour change, and drawing upon therapeutic techniques, I empower individuals to make profound transformations in their lives.
We look forward to meeting you too!
Working with individuals.
Whatever your age, our therapists take a collaborative approach, and Space 2B You is proud to be part of your team. We see you as experts on your own lives and we bring knowledge, experience, and new ways of seeing things to help you discover how to do things differently to get more of what you need.
Working with families.
At Space 2B You it is not necessary for the whole family to attend sessions. However, all family members are considered and held in mind throughout therapy because we all exist within a family system. Understanding where we are in that system and how to be where we need to be is an important part of therapy.
Working together.
Space 2B You help family members understand each other, communicate effectively, find solutions to difficult problems, and develop plans to live well despite the challenges. Whether working as an individual family or in other groups, our therapists will introduce ways to live positively alongside people and situations.
Working with health organisations.
Space 2B You are proud supporters and partners of the UK’s leading healthcare organisations, local authorities, and the NHS. We provide online and digital mental healthcare support, treatment, and therapies to people of all ages.
Using ‘Triangle of Care’ principles, our multidisciplinary team of clinical professionals collaborate with local services to support the delivery of integrated healthcare, tailor-made to meet the needs of individuals, their families, and the services involved.
“I feel much better after having first-class therapy with a first-class therapist.”
— Patient of Space 2B You
“You actually listened and you have changed our lives. I can’t thank you enough!”
— Family member of a Space 2B You patient

