Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 74: Tessa Amina

Feb 15, 2025

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Welcome to episode #74! We’re thrilled to be joined by Tessa Amina today.

Tessa Amina is the founder of Intuitive Expression and is a neurodivergent therapist, coach, and Reiki practitioner. They offer international coaching for professionals, drawing on lived experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, religious trauma, grief, neurodiversity, and addiction.
Tessa provides compassionate support for mental health challenges, spiritual growth, and creative blocks. They’re here today to share insights on living as a neurodivergent person and offer productivity tips.

Welcome to the show, Tessa!

Questions

JN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical?

Diagnosed with ADHD at 31 while working in an acute care psychiatric hospital
Struggled with details and a fast-paced environment, leading to diagnosis
Looking back, childhood and school difficulties made sense after diagnosis

JN: How did that realization impact your self-perception?

Brought self-compassion and understanding of past struggles
Long-standing difficulties with organization, testing, and classroom behavior

JN: What strategies have helped you manage ADHD post-diagnosis?

Shifted to a less intense work environment and started a private practice
Supplements (influenced by Dr. Daniel Amen) instead of stimulants
Uses isochronic tones and sound therapy for focus

JN: Can you explain isochronic tones?

Similar to binaural beats but don’t require earbuds
Used in a cubicle setting to help maintain focus

JN: How did changing your work environment help you lean into your strengths?

Focuses on therapy, coaching, and Reiki—things they naturally excel at
Uses mornings for administrative tasks when their brain is freshest

JN: What role does Mind-Body Bridging play in your daily routine?

Foundation of their work, helping with self-awareness and emotional regulation
Uses mapping techniques for processing thoughts before big conversations

JN: Do you prefer working with individuals or groups?

Currently works one-on-one but is considering starting group workshops

JN: What are your hobbies outside of work?

Loves movies, especially Pixar, cerebral films, and documentaries
Passion for poetry, nature, and trying diverse cuisines
Recently traveled to France and enjoyed exploring food culture

JN: How do you optimize productivity during the day?

Uses whiteboards and physical lists instead of apps for task management
Keeps workspaces clear and uses music to stay in the zone

JN: What productivity advice doesn’t work for you?

The concept of “grit” isn’t helpful—forcing tasks through pressure backfires
Instead, they set false deadlines to create urgency without anxiety

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

Coffee, reading, meditation, and Mind-Body Bridging before work
Uses mapping to prepare for big meetings or conversations

JN: How do you wind down at night?

Uses silence, meditation, and supplements like lemon balm, CBD, and magnesium
Engages in Mind-Body Bridging and sensory grounding to relax before sleep

JN: Where can people connect with you?

Email: tessarosemagic@gmail.com
Neurodiversity Network

JN: Final words for the audience?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Honor your body—it will guide you if you listen
Lean into your strengths and celebrate them

Connect with Tessa:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tessa-amina-thulien-ma-lpc-a22aaa10

Email: tessarosemagic@gmail.com

Website: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/intuitive-expression-westminster-co/1309665

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveexpressionllc/

Connect with Jeremy:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

Email: jeremy@focusbear.io

Connect with Joey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/

Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/