Neurodivergence and Mental Health Podcast

24. S3, Ep5: Mind/body, menopause and masking with autistic CBT hypnotherapist and counsellor Kathy Carter

Kathy Carter has an ‘all body’ approach to counselling, seeing the nervous system as paramount when supporting her mainly neurodivergent clients. Like so many late diagnosed women, Kathy discovered her autism after seeing traits in her son, and went on a research journey.

 

We talk about the post diagnosis journey, and how so many feel people like they are in limbo with no support. Kathy believes it’s our duty as therapists to guide our clients, validate and listen, and support them with resources and psychoeducation.

 

Masking can be exhausting for so many autistic people, who may begin hiding their true selves as children or teenagers in order to fit in. We talk about how important it is to tread carefully when thinking of lowering our masks, using alcohol to create a persona, how we hide our fear of failure, and the risk of others discovering what we are really like.

 

We also discuss why the menopause can be a difficult time for neurodivergent people, with all the sensory differences, emotional sensitivities and changes in our bodies that it brings.

 

 

EPISODE LINKS

 

WEBSITE: https://www.arrivetherapy.co.uk  
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/yourholistictherapist/
PODCAST: https://arrive-therapy-hypno-cbt.libsyn.com 

 

23. S3, Ep4: Andy Reddy’s inspiring journey showing how dyslexia can be both a challenge and a blessing

Dyslexia is much more than having difficulty with spelling and reading. Dyslexia leaves kids behind, and this impacts on friendships, peer groups, status and confidence, leading to the child feeling like a failure.

Andy shares his life experiences of being diagnosed dyslexic at school aged five, to coming out of university with not one, but two Masters degrees!

Andy's sheer determination got him results.  Now he helps others as a Psychologist and Business Coach to ensure other neurodivergent people get all the support they need to build for success.

 

Find out more and connect with Andy:

andy@reddycoaching.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyreddy/

22. S3, Ep3: Ric Clarke the Data man from Edinburgh on Anaplan modelling, autism, ADHD and advocating in Scotland

Ric Clarke shares his journey of being diagnosed first as ADHD, then last year as autistic (and with probable dyspraxia thrown in!)

We talk about his love of running, being both left and right handed and the expectations of needing to do well as his siblings at school, and working hard, but not reaching the expected goals.

Ric found his talent in data and Anaplan modelling within the building industry, where he also advocates for neurodivergent people in the workplace, showing that we all have so much to give. He is interested in inclusion and working together to make an equal society, while working with skills and challenges and supporting mental health. 

Ric is also a welfare officer at his running club, has an interest in supplements to boost executive function and gut health, has joined the Lived Experience Panel in Scotland, and is working towards getting a Commissioner within government.

 

Find out more about Ric and connect with him:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccymiccy

21. S3, Ep2: How justice runs through the very core of this multiply neurodivergent advocate

Cora Burke has had many challenges in her life as a surviving twin born with epilepsy, who experienced tough early years growing up in a specialist unit away from her parents.

But this, and other life-changing challenges, never stopped Cora from being highly adaptable and extremely determined.

Now Cora has had enough.

Enough of inequality.

Enough of autistic and other neurodivergent people not being treated fairly in the home, education and justice systems or the workplace.

And she’s doing something about it. Cora tells us that, no matter how difficult our lives can be, we can fight for what we believe in. Neurorebellion is such a cause for good. Listen to this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation to hear what it really means when we talk about taking action to help others in the field of Neurodiversity.

 

Find and connect with Cora:

https://www.frascatiassociates.com
https://www.neurorebellion.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjaburke/

20. S3, Ep1: PhD student Jessica Dark talks late diagnosis, neurodivergent families, and advocating for our community

Currently studying a PhD in organisational psychology and neuro-inclusive practices in education and the workplace, Jessica Dark has done much to support the Neurodivergent Community over many years.

She is an incredible producer of educational and inspirational content on social media, and I have learned so much from this generous advocate for our neurodivergent community.

In this episode, she talks about her late diagnosis journey, life in a neurodivergent family, and her experience of being an advocate.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it!

 

Find out more about Jessica and connect:

Website: https://ndperspective.squarespace.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100045718560338/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-dark