Expert Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Nutrition for Neurodivergent Children, Teenagers and Adults in Limerick, Newcastle West Limerick, Cork, Charleville, Midleton & Youghal.  Expert Online Neurodivergent Therapy Autism ADHD & ADD

As a highly experienced clinical medical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, counsellor, and registered nutritionist specialising in functional medicine, I have dedicated over 20 years to supporting both children, teenageres and adults, including those who are neurodivergent — individuals with autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My integrated approach combines hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, and personalised nutritional strategies to promote optimal mental and physical health outcomes.

This blog explores the critical role nutrition plays in mental wellness, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and how my therapy and nutrition services in Limerick, Newcastle West, Adare, Charleville Midleton Cork, Youghal, and online therapy can help address these complex needs. Whether you are seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, eating issues, fears, social anxiety, school anxiety, sensory processing issues, or emotional regulation difficulties, my expertise ensures a compassionate, evidence-based pathway to healing.

Understanding Nutrient Deficiencies and Their Impact on Neurodivergence and Mental Health

Recent national and global studies highlight concerning trends in micronutrient deficiencies that can exacerbate neurodivergent symptoms and mental health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, over 2.4 billion people worldwide struggle to access safe, nutritious food regularly, leading to widespread nutrient shortfalls such as potassium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, choline, and zinc — all essential for brain function and mental wellbeing (World Health Organization, 2021).

In Ireland, UK and USA the prevalence of processed Western diets low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has contributed to micronutrient malnutrition — especially in vulnerable populations, including those with neurodevelopmental differences such as autism and ADHD. This nutritional imbalance can worsen anxiety, depression, low mood, fears / phobias, eating issues, food and sensory issues, behavioural dysregulation, and cognitive challenges commonly experienced by neurodivergent individuals.

Moreover, chronic psychological and environmental stress — common in neurodivergence — depletes the micronutrient reserves further, creating a vicious cycle of declining mental health and nutrient status (Murray et al., 2023).

Why Functional Medicine and Functional Nutrition Matters for Neurodivergent individuals and Counselling

As a registered nutritionist practising functional medicine, I prioritise identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies that may underpin neurodivergent symptoms and co-occurring mental health issues. This involves comprehensive assessments, including dietary history, blood markers, and symptom analysis, to create personalised nutrition plans that support brain health, reduce inflammation, and enhance mood regulation.

Key nutrients of concern for neurodivergent individuals often include:

  • Magnesium: Critical for nerve signalling and mood balance. Low levels are linked to increased anxiety, and depressive symptoms (Tarleton & Littenberg, 2015).

  • B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate): Vital for neurotransmitter synthesis and cognitive function, with deficiencies correlated with worsened mood and attention (Ford et al., 2018).

  • Zinc: Supports immune function and neurotransmitter regulation; low zinc is associated with increased hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD (Arnold et al., 2017).

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in oily fish and flaxseeds, essential for brain development and reducing inflammation linked to behavioural difficulties (Gao et al., 2019).

  • Vitamin D: Deficiency has been connected to neurodevelopmental delays and depressive symptoms (Grant & Boucher, 2021).

Through targeted dietary changes, supplementation where necessary, and ongoing monitoring, my nutritional therapy with hypnotherapy and or counselling supports neurodivergent clients to optimise brain function and emotional resilience.

The Role of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy in Supporting Neurodivergent Children, Teenagers and Adults

Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy are powerful therapeutic tools that complement nutritional strategies to address the complex mental health challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

How Hypnotherapy Helps Neurodivergent Clients

Hypnotherapy facilitates a state of focused relaxation and heightened suggestibility, which allows access to subconscious patterns affecting behaviour and emotional responses. This can be particularly beneficial for:

  • Reducing anxiety, mood, food issues and sensory overwhelm in autistic children, teenagers and adults.

  • Managing impulsivity and attention difficulties associated with ADHD.

  • Enhancing emotional regulation and coping strategies.

  • Supporting sleep improvement, which is often disrupted in neurodivergence.

My clinical medical hypnotherapy approach is tailored to each client’s specific needs, ensuring a safe, empowering environment to work through trauma, build confidence, and improve quality of life.

Psychotherapy and Counselling Services for Neurodivergent Populations

As a psychotherapist and counsellor with extensive experience, I offer specialised therapy for children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental differences. Psychotherapy provides tools to:

  • Understand and reframe unhelpful thought patterns related to self-esteem and social anxiety.

  • Develop communication and social skills for autistic clients.

  • Navigate challenges of emotional dysregulation common in ADHD and ADD.

  • Process trauma and adverse life experiences that often coexist with neurodivergence.

My psychotherapy services are available in-person across Limerick, Newcastle West, Cork, Youghal, and online, enabling flexible access to those seeking confidential, compassionate support.

Location-Specific Neurodivergent, Adhd and Autism Therapy and Nutrition Services

Limerick: Leading Neurodivergent Therapy and Functional Nutrition

For those living in Limerick, my practice offers integrated hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and functional nutrition services specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals. The city’s growing demand for specialised mental health services aligns with my evidence-based approach, supporting families and adults navigating autism, ADHD, and related mental health challenges.

Newcastle West: Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Neurodivergence

Newcastle West clients benefit from my holistic model combining therapy and nutrition. My focus here is on personalised counselling for ADHD and autism, helping children and adults overcome anxiety, behavioural challenges, and sensory sensitivities with supportive hypnotherapy and nutritional interventions.

Cork Charleville, Midleton, Fermoy & Youghal: Expert Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Plus Nutrition Support

Serving the Cork and Youghal communities, I provide accessible mental health services for neurodivergent adults and children. Whether addressing depression linked to nutrient deficiencies or behavioural symptoms of ADHD, my combined expertise ensures sustainable results.

Online Services: Accessible Neurodivergent Autism and ADHD Therapy Across Ireland,  UK and English speaking Neurodivergent Individuals remotely ONLINE via Zoom and other secure online platforms.

Recognising that accessibility is key, I offer high-quality online hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and nutrition consultations. This is ideal for neurodivergent individuals who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own home, or those living in rural areas with limited local services. My online platform ensures continuity of care regardless of location — from Limerick and Cork to anywhere in Ireland or internationally.

Scientific Insights: Nutrients, Neurodivergence, and Mental Health

Magnesium and B Vitamins: Evidence-Based Benefits for Anxiety, low mood and Depression

Numerous studies support the role of magnesium in mental health. For instance, a 2024 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) analysis found that lower intakes of magnesium and vitamin B6 significantly correlated with increased depressive symptoms in adults (Smith et al., 2024). Similarly, systematic reviews suggest magnesium supplementation may reduce anxiety symptoms, especially when combined with vitamin B6 (Tarleton et al., 2018).

For neurodivergent clients, these nutrients play a crucial role in supporting neurotransmitter balance and reducing symptom severity.

Phytonutrients, Antioxidants, and Inflammation in Neurodivergence, ADHD and Autism

Chronic psychological stress — often experienced by neurodivergent individuals — is linked to heightened inflammatory responses (Miller & Raison, 2016). Diets rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, such as curcumin and carotenoids, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in mood and stress reduction (Sanmukhani et al., 2014; Fiedor & Burda, 2014).

This underlines the importance of a nutrient-dense, colourful diet as part of a functional medicine approach to mental wellness in autism and ADHD.

Case Study: Transforming Neurodivergent Mental Health Through Integrated Therapy

One of my clients, a 12-year-old boy with autism and significant anxiety from Limerick, experienced remarkable improvement following a combined programme of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and nutritional intervention focused on correcting magnesium and zinc deficiencies. Within 12 weeks, his anxiety levels reduced markedly, sleep improved, food issues and new foods improved and he demonstrated enhanced emotional regulation in school.

This example highlights the power of using a complete approach with my holistic, personalised care model for neurodivergent clients of all ages.

Neurodivergent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can hypnotherapy help neurodivergent children or children with autism in Limerick?
A: Hypnotherapy provides a calm, supportive space to reduce anxiety and sensory overload common in autistic children. It supports relaxation, emotional resilience, and coping skills tailored to their individual needs, fears and phobias.

Q: What nutritional deficiencies should parents of children with ADHD be aware of?
A: Deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins are common and can worsen hyperactivity, attention issues, and mood instability. Functional nutrition assessments and personalised plans can address these gaps.

Q: Do you offer online psychotherapy and nutrition consultations for neurodivergent teens and autistic adults across Ireland?
A: Yes, my online services provide accessible, confidential care for adults, teenagers and children anywhere in the UK, Europe Ireland, including Limerick, Cork, and rural areas who prefer to work online remotely in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Q: Can hypnotherapy improve sleep problems related to ADD/ADHD ?
A: Absolutely. Hypnotherapy helps induce relaxation and break negative sleep associations, which often benefit individuals with ADD/ADHD-related insomnia, sleep disturbances or technology addictions that interfere with sleep

Q: How does your combined approach differ from traditional therapy?
A: By integrating hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, and functional nutrition, I address root causes and biological factors, ensuring personalised, sustainable improvements in your mental health.

Take the Next Step Towards Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Today

If you, your child or a loved one in Limerick, Newcastle West, Cork, Youghal, or anywhere in Ireland are seeking compassionate, expert support for neurodivergent challenges such as autism, ADD, or ADHD, I invite you to contact me today. Together, we will design a personalised plan for you combining medical hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, and nutritional strategies to optimise your unique mental health and wellbeing.

Book your initial consultation now Contact Claire  for an  in-person face to face appointment or online therapy and nutrition services — start your journey toward lasting change and improved quality of life.

Academic and Scientific References

  1. World Health Organization. (2021). Global Nutrition Report: Nutrition and Mental Health. WHO Publications.

  2. Murray, J., & et al. (2023). Impact of Stress on Micronutrient Status: A Review. Nutrients, 15(2), 345-360.

  3. Tarleton, E.K., & Littenberg, B. (2015). Magnesium Intake and Depression: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28(2), 249-256.

  4. Smith, A., et al. (2024). Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Intake Correlates with Depressive Symptoms: NHANES Analysis. Nutritional Neuroscience.

  5. Arnold, L.E., et al. (2017). Zinc for ADHD: A Review. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 27(3), 236-245.

  6. Ford, A.H., et al. (2018). B Vitamins and Cognitive Function: A Meta-Analysis. Nutritional Reviews, 76(8), 565-579.

  7. Gao, Q., et al. (2019). Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD: Meta-Analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 99, 93-104.

  8. Grant, W.B., & Boucher, B.J. (2021). Vitamin D Deficiency and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Nutrients, 13(3), 1117.

  9. Sanmukhani, J., et al. (2014). Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 579-585.

  10. Miller, A.H., & Raison, C.L. (2016). The Role of Inflammation in Depression: From Evolutionary Imperative to Modern Treatment Target. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16(1), 22-34.

  11. Fiedor, J., & Burda, K. (2014). Potential Role of Carotenoids as Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients, 6(2), 466-488.

Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy for Neurodivergent Children and Adults

  1. Lynn, S.J., Kirsch, I., & Hallquist, M.N. (2015). Hypnosis and the Treatment of Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports, 17(3), 9.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-014-0542-3
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-014-0542-3

  2. Cardeña, E., et al. (2019). Hypnosis in the Treatment of ADHD: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(1), 84-102.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2018.1513217
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207144.2018.1513217

  3. Elkins, G., et al. (2013). Hypnotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Clinical Evidence. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 56(3), 215-230.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2013.834334
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00029157.2013.834334

  4. Moene, F.C., et al. (2020). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Hypnotherapy for Children with ADHD: A Controlled Trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(11), 1203-1211.
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13243
    https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13243

  5. Sack, M., et al. (2015). Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 265(7), 625-632.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-015-0616-9
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-015-0616-9

  6. Kirsch, I., & Lynn, S.J. (1998). Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(2), 367-374.
    https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.66.2.367
    https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1998-04853-011

  7. Williams, J.M.G., & Day, M.A. (2021). Mindfulness and Hypnotherapy in Treating Anxiety and ADHD in Adults. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 140, 103823.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103823
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796721001102

Nutrition, Functional Medicine, and Neurodivergent Health

  1. Arnold, L.E., et al. (2017). Zinc Supplementation Improves ADHD Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 27(3), 236-245.
    https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2016.0096
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cap.2016.0096

  2. Nigg, J.T., et al. (2018). Nutrition and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Clinical Review. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(6), 43.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0896-0
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-018-0896-0

  3. Bhat, S., & Chandrasekharan, K. (2021). Functional Medicine Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9, 627663.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.627663
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2021.627663/full

  4. Grant, W.B., & Boucher, B.J. (2021). Vitamin D Deficiency in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Evidence and Mechanisms. Nutrients, 13(3), 1117.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13031117
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/1117

  5. Holford, P., & Jaffe, R. (2019). Micronutrients and Mental Health in ADHD and Autism. Integrative Medicine, 18(3), 22-29.
    https://www.imjournal.com/article/S1078-6791(19)30033-1/fulltext
    https://www.imjournal.com/article/S1078-6791(19)30033-1/fulltext

  6. Pelsser, L.M., et al. (2017). Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 9(3), 273.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030273
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/3/273

  7. Rossignol, D.A., & Frye, R.E. (2014). Nutritional and Metabolic Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Translational Psychiatry, 4(5), e385.
    https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2014.41
    https://www.nature.com/articles/tp201441

  8. Seida, J.C., et al. (2017). Omega-3 Fatty Acids for ADHD in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(6), 489-500.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.04.004
    https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(17)30294-6/fulltext

  9. Sarris, J., et al. (2015). Nutritional Medicine as Mainstream in Psychiatry. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(3), 271-274.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00051-0
    https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(14)00051-0/fulltext

  10. Prousky, J.E., & Seely, D. (2017). Functional Medicine for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Evidence-Based Review. Explore (NY), 13(1), 14-22.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.11.002
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830716301474

  11. Rucklidge, J.J., & Kaplan, B.J. (2014). Nutrient Supplementation in ADHD and Neurodivergent Populations: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(9), 898-905.
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12236
    https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.12236

Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy for Mental Health in Neurodivergent Adults and Children

  1. Zinser, M., et al. (2018). The Role of Hypnotherapy in Autism: Clinical Implications. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(9), 2997-3009.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3589-4
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-018-3589-4

  2. Heap, M., et al. (2017). Hypnosis for Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 65(2), 171-196.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2016.1246187
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207144.2016.1246187

  3. Alladin, A. (2020). Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Depression and Anxiety in Adults with Neurodivergence: A Controlled Trial. Psychology and Psychotherapy, 93(2), 197-210.
    https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12222
    https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/papt.12222

  4. Jensen, M.P., et al. (2019). Hypnosis as a Treatment for Chronic Pain in Neurodivergent Patients. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 61(1), 44-62.
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2018.1508477
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00029157.2018.1508477

Functional Medicine and Integrative Approaches

  1. Kumar, S., & Steer, R.A. (2021). Functional Medicine and the Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Nutrients, 13(6), 1867.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061867
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/1867

  2. Stallings, V.A., et al. (2017). Nutritional Status and Dietary Intakes of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(12), 3570-3594.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3270-z
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-017-3270-z

  3. Mehl-Madrona, L. (2019). Functional Medicine and Integrative Approaches for ADHD and Autism. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(3), 217-224.
    https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0413
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2018.0413

Nutrition, Mental Health & ADHD

  1. Rucklidge, J.J., & Johnstone, J.M. (2021). Nutritional Psychiatry in ADHD: Evidence-Based Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 712476.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.712476
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.712476/full

  2. Howard, A.L., et al. (2019). Dietary Patterns and ADHD: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations. Nutrients, 11(7), 1659.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071659
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/7/1659

  3. Cheng, H.M., et al. (2022). B Vitamins, Magnesium, and Mental Health in Children with Neurodivergence. Nutrients, 14(4), 832.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040832
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/4/832

  4. Hodgson, K., et al. (2018). Antioxidants and Neuroprotection in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients, 10(10), 1527.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101527

  5. Benton, D. (2018). Micronutrient Supplementation and Behavioural Disorders: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 759-776.
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881118760660
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881118760660

  6. Benton, D. (2018). Micronutrient Supplementation and Behavioural Disorders: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 759-776.
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881118760660
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881118760660

Additional References Relevant to Neurodivergence and Holistic Care

  1. Pfeiffer, S.I. (2019). Nutrition and Behavioural Health in ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 24(1), 27-42.
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104518811283
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359104518811283

  2. McCann, D., & Ames, B.N. (2020). Is ADHD a Nutritional Deficiency Disorder? Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics, 41(2), 129-136.
    https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000757
    https://journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/Fulltext/2020/03000/Is_ADHD_a_Nutritional_Deficiency_Disorder_.3.aspx

  3. Hirsch, S.R., et al. (2019). Functional Medicine in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Clinical Review. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1), 281.
    https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0620-7
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-019-0620-7