How it all began....
It all began over a cup of tea—as it often does—although this time it was virtual, during a global pandemic.
From those early conversations, a shared vision emerged: to create a space that helps to strengthen our relationships together. A space rooted in connection, understanding and the belief that people don’t need to be “fixed”, but supported to make sense of their experiences and find ways forward that feel right for them.
SORT was created from a shared passion for making support more accessible to families. We recognise that many people don’t meet the criteria for specialist services within the NHS or local authority, or may find those systems difficult to navigate. Our intention is to offer a space where support feels more available, more human and more responsive to individual needs.
As we have grown, so has our team—bringing together a range of perspectives, skills and experiences. What connects us is a shared commitment to working in a collaborative, non-judgemental and neuroaffirming way, where each person’s voice is valued and respected.
We aim to be more than a service that is there for a moment in time. SORT is about building a community that people can return to—through therapy, groups, resources, seminars and shared experiences with others who understand something of the journey.
We know that reaching out for support can feel difficult. Our hope is that SORT feels like a place where you are met with warmth, curiosity and care—and where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Kim Thomson in the early development of SORT. Her input was invaluable in shaping the vision and supporting the organisation in its beginnings.
Nicole Brannan
Nicole is a Social Worker and Trainee Systemic Practitioner with 9 years’ experience across CAMHS and local authority services. She supports parents and carers who may be feeling stuck, helping them move towards the kind of family life they want.
Nicole offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what parenting feels like right now—what helps and what feels difficult. She works collaboratively with families to make sense of their experiences and find ways forward that feel right for them.
Nicole is professionally registered with Social Work England
Co-Founder/Director
Louise Chapman
Louise is an Art Psychotherapist and Systemic and Family Psychotherapist with over 16 years’ experience across private and public sector services. She has worked in residential care, foster care and adoption support services, as well as in community and inpatient CAMHS.
Louise has a particular interest in working with looked after children, adoption, eating disorders, neurodiversity and supporting young people and families who have experienced trauma and relationship difficulties. She works with individuals, parents and families, and also delivers training.
Louise is professionally registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapist (UKCP) and the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
Co-Founder/Director
Ellen Twist
Ellen is a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist with over 19 years’ experience working across NHS and community settings. She works with individuals, couples and families, supporting people to make sense of their experiences and explore patterns within relationships.
Ellen has a particular interest in trauma, relationship difficulties and neurodiversity, and aims to help people find ways forward that feel more manageable and connected.
Ellen is professionally registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapist (UKCP).
Associate Clinician
Dr Elicia Boulton
Elicia is a Counselling Psychologist with 16 years’ experience of working across a number of settings in a therapeutic capacity. Their passion is working in the area of neurodiversity, and more specifically working with young people and adults to explore their neurodivergent identity, as well as those who may be experiencing autistic burnout. Elicia is also very passionate about providing neuroaffirming support, and taking a neuroaffirming approach to the autism identification process.
Elicia is professionally registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
Associate Clinician
