Sara Tookey, PhD
Mar 22
Sara Tookey, PhD
Mar 22
Sara Tookey, PhD
Feb 19
Sara Tookey, PhD
Sep 19, 2024
Sara Tookey, PhD
Aug 12, 2024
Sara Tookey, PhD
Jun 24, 2024
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TRUE NORTH
PSYCHOLOGY
Successful Yet Struggling?​
Specialists in A-typical,
"High-Functioning" & High Masking ADHD:
We excel in assessing and supporting adults with late-diagnosed ADHD. Our approach is particularly valuable for:
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Women and non-binary individuals
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Entrepreneurs and high-achievers
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Professionals excelling at work but struggling in their personal lives.
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Queer adults exploring gender, sexuality and/or relationship diversities
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Adults with a history of trauma
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Adults experiencing burn-out
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Adults who have struggled feeling understood or understanding themselves fully
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Adults with combined Autism & ADHD (AuDHD) presentations
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We recognise your strengths and understand how ADHD can manifest in unique ways in adulthood
Assessing ADHD Women
​Our assessments thoroughly address masking, unique inner experiences and the impact that hormonal changes can have on ADHD symptoms
Testimonials
What our clients say about us
Why Choose Us For Your ADHD Assessment?
Our ADHD Assessment Service:​​
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Timely and accessible (online)
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Transparent pricing - £800
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Personalised and compassionate
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Developed and provided by neurodivergent professionals
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Informed by NICE Clinical Guidance and adherence to highest standards of care.
We Offer:​
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​Comprehensive evaluations (up to 6 hours of clinician time dedicated to each client).
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Personalised and holistic recommended treatment plans​.
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Feedback session included, to discuss the outcome with your psychologist.
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Pre and post-diagnostic support.
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​Educational resources and support for referrals.
​Our Approach:
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Conducted by a Psychologist
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Neurodiversity-affirming
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Trauma-informed.​
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Therapeutically-oriented.
Why Choose Us For Your ADHD Assessment?
Our ADHD Assessment Service:​​
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Timely and accessible (online)
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Transparent pricing £1200 (w/ payment plan options available)
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Personalised, in-depth and compassionate
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Developed and informed by people who have been through adult ADHD assessments and know what's important
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Provided by neurodivergent psychologist's - highly experienced and trained in supporting and assessing neurodivergent people
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Informed by NICE guidelines and adherence to highest standards of care
We Offer:​​
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​Comprehensive and strengths-based evaluations (up to 9 hours of your psychologist's time dedicated to each client)
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Personalised and holistic treatment plans​
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Follow-up session included, to discuss the assessment outcome
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Pre and post-diagnostic support
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​Educational resources and support for referrals
​Our Approach:
Holistic & Therapeutic
Neurodiversity-affirming ADHD Assessment
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
Expertise "High-functioning" Presentations
Expertise in AuDHD Presentations
What's Involved in Getting an Assessment?
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Initial Screening Call
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A 15-minute video consultation with Dr Sara Tookey, to discuss your needs and our assessment approach
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Purpose: To address your questions and assess if we're the right fit for you
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You're welcome to bring a support person​​
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Pre-assessment Preparation
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A 15-minute video consultation with Dr Sara Tookey, to discuss your needs and our assessment approach
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Purpose: To address your questions and assess if we're the right fit for you
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You're welcome to bring a support person​​
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Assessment Session
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Meet with Dr. Tookey via our secure online platform (Zoom)
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Duration: Up to 3 hours (can be split across multiple sessions)
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Developmental history, observational interview assessing current challenges & strengths, assessing for possible co-occurring conditions & ruling out other conditions as a cause for symptoms
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You're welcome to bring a support person
Diagnostic Report and Follow-up
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Attend a follow-up to review your results in detail with Dr. Tookey
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Discuss personalised recommendations tailored to your needs
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Opportunity to ask questions and provide input
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Option to bring a support person
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Feeling overwhelmed trying to navigate life with an neurodivergent brain in a neurotypical world?
Whether you're recently diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring your neurodivergent identity, we understand the unique challenges you face.
A Personal Approach to Adult ADHD Assessment
Our Founder's Story:
Dr. Sara Tookey, our founder and lead psychologist, knows firsthand the transformative power of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Her personal journey led her to create the service she wished had existed when she was seeking answers.
As someone diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I've experienced the frustration of long NHS waiting lists and the limitations of quick, impersonal private assessments. I knew we deserved better. That's why I've dedicated myself to creating a service that offers more than just a 'yes' or 'no' diagnosis. At True North Psychology, we see your assessment as the beginning of a journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
Dr Sara Tookey,
Founder & Clinical Director
Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Services
Adult ADHD/ AuDHD Assessment
Comprehensive ADHD assessments aligned with NICE guidelines. Our process includes:
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Full clinical and psychosocial
evaluation -
Detailed developmental
history
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Collaborative discussion of results and recommendations
​Our goal is to provide a thorough understanding of your unique cognitive profile and its impact on your life.
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Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapy supporting neurodivergent individuals to:
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Develop supportive coping strategies
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Improve emotional regulation
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Treat low self-esteem impacted by undiagnosed ADHD
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Manage co-occurring
conditions
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Embrace their unique
strengths
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Connect with one's authentic self
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Heal from trauma
We support your journey with or without a formal ADHD diagnosis, focusing on your individual needs and goals.
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Post-Assessment Support & Referrals
We understand whether you receive a diagnosis or not can produce mixed emotions. We can help with:
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Psychological therapy &
lifestyle guidance
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Medication management
referrals
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ADHD coaching and service referrals
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Referrals for assessment of ASD or other neurodivergent conditions
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Workplace support strategies
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Access to support groups and community
Our holistic approach focuses on improving overall quality of life.
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​Educational & Supportive Resources
We're committed to empowering you with knowledge:
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Evidence-based information
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Myth-busting &
Neurodivergence-affirming
content
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Practical strategies
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Updates on latest research
and treatments
Our resources are designed to support your journey of self-discovery and growth.
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Understanding Adult ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that represents a unique way of processing information and interacting with the world. While often diagnosed in childhood, many individuals discover their ADHD in adulthood. While ADHD is classified as a disorder in diagnostic manuals, viewing it solely through this lens can be limiting. At True North Psychology, we see ADHD as a different neurological wiring that comes with both challenges and unique strengths.
Neurodivergent Traits in Adult ADHD:​​
- Attention Regulation/ dysregulation: Rather than a deficit, many adults with ADHD experience intense focus on topics of interest (hyper-focus) alongside difficulties maintaining attention on less engaging tasks. - Energy Management: What may appear as hyperactivity is often an expression of abundant mental and physical energy, which can drive creativity and productivity when channeled effectively - Emotional Intensity: Adults with ADHD often experience emotions more deeply, leading to both increased empathy and challenges with emotional regulation. - Innovative Thinking: Many adults with ADHD excel at thinking outside the box, seeing connections others might miss, and generating creative solutions.
Common Challenges:​​
- Time management and organisation - Completing tasks that aren't intrinsically motivating - Regulating focus and energy levels - Managing impulsivity in decision-making - Navigating social interactions and relationships
ADHD Strengths:​​
- Creativity and innovative problem-solving - Ability to hyper-focus on areas of interest - High energy and enthusiasm - Adaptability and spontaneity - Strong empathy and emotional sensitivity
Types of ADHD:​
The recent (5th edition) of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5) recognises three presentations: 1) Predominantly Inattentive 2) Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive 3) Combined (both types). ​ However, it's important to note that ADHD manifests differently in each individual.
Understanding AuDHD Presentations:
Research shows autism and ADHD frequently co-occur, with studies suggesting that 40-70% of autistic people are also ADHD, and 20-50% of ADHD adults are also autistic. There are 3 common presentations of AuDHD: 1. ADHD-Predominant: Where ADHD traits are more visible, sometimes masking underlying autistic traits. These individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivities and/ social challenges but may appear primarily as having attention and organization difficulties. 2. Autism-Predominant: Where autistic traits are more pronounced, with ADHD contributing to additional executive functioning challenges. These individuals may prefer routine and structure but may struggle with maintaining focus or consistency within these structures. 3. Combined Type: Where both conditions present strongly, sometimes creating what feels like internal contradictions or yoyoing between the two. As one AuDHD individual described: "Being AuDHD sometimes feels like I'm a walking contradiction.
AuDHD
Value of Assessment:​
- Understanding of your unique cognitive profile - Validation of lifelong experiences - Access to appropriate support and accommodations - Improved self-awareness and self-acceptance - Strategies to leverage your strengths and manage challenges
Treatment Approaches:
Effective support for adults with ADHD often involves a combination of: -Medication (if chosen) - Psychological therapy tailored for ADHD - ADHD coaching - Lifestyle adjustments (sleep, exercise, nutrition) - Mindfulness practices - Assistive technologies and tools The goal of ADHD treatment isn't to "fix" or change who you are, but to help you understand and embrace your neurodivergent mind while developing strategies to thrive in a neurotypical world. If you suspect you or a loved one might have ADHD, consider seeking an assessment from a professional who understands and appreciates neurodiversity.
ADHD, Know the Stats
1:7
3-7%
4-6x
50-70%
Estimated one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent
ADHD affects 3 - 7% adults, that's approximately up to 366.33 million adults globally.
Those with a family history of ADHD are 4 - 6 times more likely to have it. Nearly half of the children with ADHD have at least one parent with ADHD.
50% to 75% of the one million women in the UK with ADHD are undiagnosed.
Resources
Recommended Readings:
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[this section is under development. Please bare with us while we make updates to our resources to ensure we are providing the highest quality and most relevant educational materials on our site]
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ADHD RESOURCES
Free Resource Download
12 Myths of Adult ADHD
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