When Kayleigh Fearn set out to build her own psychotherapy practice, she wasn’t simply starting a business — she was creating the kind of therapeutic space she knew was missing for many in the neurodivergent community.
Adults and children. Teens navigating big emotions. Parents of SEND children trying to hold everything together while feeling misunderstood, judged or left behind. All needed support that honoured their experiences rather than squeezing them into systems not built for them.
With her values rooted in compassion, lived experience and a deep understanding of neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism, Kayleigh believed therapy should meet people where they are, not where systems expect them to be.
She wanted something different. Something values‑led. Something real.
A Therapist Who Truly ‘Gets It’
Today, Fearn Therapy provides counselling and psychotherapy for children, teenagers and adults across North Shields, Morpeth, through local schools and online.
“As someone with ADHD, I’ve learned that I work best when I have autonomy, flexibility, clarity, the ability to shape my environment around how my brain works, and when I feel my work has purpose and is meaningful.”
Her therapy spaces reflect exactly that: calm, quiet and soft places for people who may have spent a lifetime masking, adapting or being asked to explain themselves in ways that exhaust them.
But even with a clear mission, going solo came with very real challenges — the same ones many founders recognise. Managing finances and admin alongside ADHD. Fears around visibility. Juggling family life. Wondering whether clients would ever find her.
Then something unexpected happened.
Neurodivergent clients, and parents of neurodivergent or SEND children, began seeking her out precisely because they sensed she understood them on a deeper, lived level. They didn’t need to over‑explain or translate their inner world. They could simply arrive as themselves. Kayleigh explains:
“They tell me they really appreciate the safe, calm, and non‑judgemental space where they can express themselves freely and truly be heard, understood, and supported at their own pace.”
That feeling — of being seen without having to justify who you are — quickly became the heart of her practice.
What Happens in the Room Is the Best Reward
As Fearn Therapy grew, Kayleigh discovered that the true reward of self‑employment wasn’t the freedom or the creativity — it was what happened quietly, powerfully, in the room.
“It’s deeply rewarding to work in a way that is fully aligned with my values. Being able to offer clients consistency, relational safety, and therapy that adapts to their nervous systems allows real change to happen. I see clients begin to trust themselves, feel emotions safely, and move from survival into choice, and knowing that I’ve created a practice where that is possible is immensely fulfilling.”
Children who once felt overwhelmed begin to find calm.
Teens who had shut down start to share what’s underneath.
Adults who carried shame for years begin to breathe again.
Parents who thought they were “getting it wrong” feel supported, not scrutinised.
This, Kayleigh says, is her purpose.
Parenting Through Connection: Supporting Families in a Changing World
One of Kayleigh’s most exciting developments is Parenting Through Connection — a series of workshops designed to help parents understand behaviour through a relational lens, support emotional regulation and build calmer, more connected home environments for SEND and neurodivergent families.
The project responds to a very real and growing need across the region, offering parents the tools, reassurance and connection they’re often missing.
She’s also developing a series of children’s books helping young people understand emotions, relationships and their inner world.
Her mission is simple: to make emotionally informed, neurodiversity‑affirming support available to families who need more than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Turning Vision Into Reality: TEDCO’s Role
Throughout her start‑up journey, Kayleigh worked closely with TEDCO Business Advisor Bill Hartshorne, who guided her through the parts of entrepreneurship that initially felt most intimidating. Kayleigh says:
“Bill was incredibly patient, kind, and highly knowledgeable, which made a huge difference. Having someone I could ask questions freely, without feeling rushed or judged, gave me confidence as I navigated areas that were completely new to me. His combination of practical knowledge, encouragement, and access to the right networks was instrumental in supporting me.”
For Bill, Kayleigh’s success came as no surprise:
“Kayleigh leads with empathy, clarity and authenticity — and that’s a powerful combination. Her business works because it’s built on who she really is. The way she shows up for neurodivergent people and local families is exactly the kind of purpose‑driven entrepreneurship we need more of in the North East.”
— Bill Hartshorne, TEDCO Business Advisor
The North East has proven to be the perfect place for Fearn Therapy — a region with strong community values, increasing awareness of mental health, and a genuine appetite for support shaped by lived experience. It’s a place where small, values‑based businesses can grow without needing to compromise who they are.
Fearn Therapy isn’t just a business — it’s a reflection of who Kayleigh is: empathetic, values‑led, intuitive and deeply committed to helping people feel understood. Through her work, she’s creating calmer homes, stronger relationships and safer spaces for children, adults and families across the North East.
And with TEDCO’s support behind her, this is only the beginning.
Thinking about working for yourself? TEDCO can help.
Kayleigh received support through TEDCO Business Support via the Pathways to Funding North of Tyne programme, an ecosystem development and access to finance project, receiving £900,000 investment from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Investment Fund. The Investment Fund invests £20m annually to promote the economic growth and regeneration of the North of Tyne region. Pathways to Funding North of Tyne is delivered in partnership by Innovation SuperNetwork, North East Enterprise Agency, North East Growth Hub, North Invest & Fund Her North.
Kayleigh’s story is proof that starting a business is possible with the right support. If you’re in the North East and thinking about starting your own venture, TEDCO is here to help.
Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch to help you as much as we can.
