Today, we are diving into executive functioning, which is a popular term being bounced around in mental health communities. I want to take a closer look at what it means and how it shows up in people’s lives. Join me to learn more from today’s guest!Dr. Lesley Cook is a psychologist who does a lot of work with ADHD and other neurodivergencies. Born and raised in Hawaii, she now lives in Virginia and works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lesley and I met on TikTok, and I’m happy to have her here today!Show Highlights: A common-language definition and explanation of executive functioning How executive function deficits show up in someone’s life How shame, guilt, and inconsistent performance are clues to executive function problems The difference between motivation and task initiation Why the underlying issue with lack of motivation is more about what a person values How a person’s sense of self is affected when they believe their authentic self is “bad” Why external supports are necessary when an internal system is down Why rhythm is better than routine for those with executive function disorder How neurotypical people experience interruptions with executive functioning on a regular basis because of overload and anxiety How blips in executive function occur in neurotypical people with predictability and response to intervention—as opposed to someone with a diagnosis How someone with ADHD can have incredible deficits in executive function on days when everything is going their way–and won’t respond reliably to normal interventions How to build into each day differing levels of acceptable outcomes–and give yourself permission to choose what fits your needs at that moment Lesley’s advice to those who think they have executive functioning issues Resources: Connect with Dr. Lesley: TikTok and InstagramConnect with KC: TikTok and InstagramGet KC's Book, How to Keep House While DrowningFind great resources about executive functioning:  www.understood.org, www.psychologytoday.com, and www.chaad.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lesley Cook, a psychologist who works with those with ADHD and other neurodivergences, discusses rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). They cover topics such as KC's personal experience with RSD, the differences between RSD and sensory sensitivity/autism, finding regulatory strategies for RSD, and the challenges of communicating the nuances of interpersonal difficulties.

In our first episode, you heard my conversation with Dr. Lesley Cook about executive functioning. Because she has so much great information and wisdom to share, I decided to bring her back to discuss self-compassion. Is it a bad thing to have TOO MUCH self-compassion? Join us for the conversation with Dr. Lesley!Dr. Lesley Cook is a psychologist who does a lot of work with ADHD and other neurodivergencies. Born and raised in Hawaii, she now lives in Virginia and works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Show Highlights: How to find the balance between the message of self-compassion and the need for better life management and progress A basic understanding of self-compassion from Dr. Kristin Neff’s writings A closer look at shame and how we experience it in relation to self-compassion How to gently shift shame into self-compassion How self-compassion can become a learned behavior that we pass down to our children Resources: Connect with Dr. Lesley: TikTok and InstagramConnect with KC: TikTok and InstagramGet KC's Book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lesley Cook, a psychologist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergence, dives deep into the concept of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). She clarifies how RSD manifests and its emotional impact, especially for those with ADHD. The conversation explores personal narratives around feeling 'too sensitive' and the challenges of communicating these nuances. Additionally, they discuss effective regulatory strategies and the need for better understanding within interpersonal dynamics, shedding light on the lasting effects of criticism in childhood.

Welcome to another episode of Struggle Care! In our first episode, you heard my conversation with Dr. Lesley Cook about executive functioning. Because she has so much great information and wisdom to share, I decided to bring her back to discuss how to navigate care tasks specifically for ADHD adults and kids. Join us for the conversation with Dr. Lesley!Dr. Lesley Cook is a psychologist who does a lot of work with ADHD and other neurodivergencies. Born and raised in Hawaii, she now lives in Virginia and works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Show Highlights:How to find the balance between the message of self-compassion and the need for better life management and progressA basic understanding of self-compassion from Dr. Kristin Neff’s writingsA closer look at shame and how we experience it in relation to self-compassionHow to gently shift shame into self-compassionHow self-compassion can become a learned behavior that we pass down to our childrenResources: Connect with Dr. Lesley: TikTok and InstagramConnect with KC: TikTok and InstagramGet KC's Book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices