Clare's Story

Summary

After years of misdiagnosis, Clare finally found answers and support through therapy and advocacy at Manor Gardens.

Full Case Study (verbatim)

Clare began individual therapy sessions, initially for 12 free sessions and then under the low-cost scheme. She has experienced multiple traumas, including sexual abuse, and was diagnosed with Complex Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. Menopause exacerbated her issues. Despite being under the CDAT team, Clare felt unsupported and misunderstood. She was given varying diagnoses and medications that didn't help, and her history of sexual abuse remained undisclosed due to fear. Clare also suffered from disordered eating, social interaction issues, OCD tendencies, and emotional dysregulation.

Our therapist noticed neurodivergent tendencies, leading to the exploration of past traumas, including bullying, sexual abuse, parental alcoholism, and domestic violence. Her therapist helped Clare reinstate her Blue Badge and referred her to our advocacy support. Clare’s role as the sole carer for her grandmother caused significant distress, leading to her stay at a Crisis Centre for women. There, the possibility of autism was further explored, and Clare was referred to CDAT for an assessment, which was later refused, causing her great distress. Helped with a Cloudesley grant that we administered, Clare sought a private assessment and was diagnosed with Autism by a psychiatrist from the Autism in Girls Network.

This diagnosis was a huge relief, providing clarity after years of misdiagnoses and inappropriate medications. Clare is now prepared to begin real therapeutic work, feeling that a huge burden has been lifted following years of feeling misunderstood.