ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

In this engaging conversation, Yolanda Y. Liou, a Taiwanese-born multidisciplinary artist in London, shares how art became her refuge in navigating life with ADHD and a recent autism diagnosis. She discusses her misdiagnosis journey, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and creativity as therapeutic tools. Yolanda highlights her projects that challenge beauty standards and promote authenticity, revealing the empowering impact of embracing neurodivergence. Her insights on empathy, productivity, and self-care provide fresh perspectives on mental well-being and self-expression.

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Imagine trying to visualize something in your mind, only to be met with a blank canvas. This is the reality for people with aphantasia, a condition where the mind's eye struggles to conjure images. In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, I'm joined by Dr. Chelsea Twiss, a licensed psychologist from Colorado with an impressive background. She specializes in ADHD, women's health, chronic pain, and relationships, and conducts psychological testing with a focus on adult ADHD. As if that wasn't enough, she's also a talented musician and artist, holding a doctorate in counseling psychology from New Mexico State University.Interestingly, Chelsea experiences hyperphantasia, the opposite of aphantasia, where mental imagery is remarkably vivid and detailed. Her research delves into the fascinating connections between ADHD, trauma, and brain function, particularly in relation to visual memory and identity. Our conversation explores how cognitive differences like aphantasia and hyperphantasia can significantly influence the ADHD experience, especially for women who often face unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Twiss and I discuss the ways in which ADHD can alter how we perceive and process visual information, highlighting the importance of understanding these nuances when diagnosing and treating ADHD, particularly in women who are frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Resources: Website: https://www.drchelseatwisscounseling.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healththruconnection/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-twiss-755092196/ Eastwood & Holly - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iyNkncezKr61GX7GVMHvN?si=yN4oLcwFRwyVvKf4jKb9lQ Russick Smith - Cello Trees 🌲 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnNvvMVcy_YSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book2Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://tracyotsuka.com/aok Visit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://tracyotsuka.com/blends

Markus, a recent college graduate who overcame ADHD and dyslexia, shares his inspiring journey from academic struggles to thriving in recruitment consulting. He discusses the importance of resilience, taking risks, and pushing through setbacks. Markus emphasizes embracing discomfort and finding success on your own terms. His insights are not just motivational; they offer a fresh perspective on managing challenges in both education and career. Listeners will find relatable wisdom as Markus reflects on his dynamic path and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Kristyn Hodgdon, co-founder of Rescripted, opens up about her journey with PCOS and ADHD while facing fertility challenges. She shares how these experiences led to her diagnosis and reshaped her approach to self-care and parenting. The conversation highlights the critical connection between women's health issues, anxiety, and the importance of advocacy in medical settings. Kristyn emphasizes the need for more research on women's health and encourages women to embrace their unique challenges with strength and resilience.

Brandy Agerbeck, an expert in using drawing to manage ADHD, shares her journey of transforming chaotic thoughts into clear ideas through visual skills. She explains how drawing has helped her and others navigate challenges like time blindness and organization. Brandy discusses practical strategies, such as sticky notes and diagrams, to achieve clarity and manage overwhelm. Her insights highlight that for visual thinkers, drawing isn't just art—it's a powerful tool for understanding and structuring one's mind.

Ellyce Fulmore, a 29-year-old queer and neurodivergent financial educator and best-selling author, shares her unique approach to personal finance. She discusses the profound impact of identity on financial behavior, shaped by her late ADHD diagnosis. Ellyce emphasizes how upbringing and trauma influence money habits and provides strategies for mindful spending aligned with personal values. Her insights into budgeting, automation, and the emotional aspects of finance aim to help others find joy and stability in their financial journeys.

Anna Rahe, the founder of GST Body and a fascia health expert with over 25 years of experience, dives into the crucial role of fascia in trauma healing and ADHD. She discusses how trauma can be stored in the body and the importance of movement for wellness. With insights on hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, Anna shares practical strategies for enhancing fascia health. Listeners will learn how understanding fascia can lead to improved emotional and physical well-being, especially for those with ADHD.

Molly Claire, a coach trainer and founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, shares her remarkable journey from a stay-at-home mom to running a 7-figure coaching business while managing ADHD. She discusses how embracing her diagnosis transformed her self-perception and fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. Molly emphasizes the unique strengths of those with ADHD, like empathy and creativity, and how they can enhance coaching. She candidly addresses the balance between work ambitions and family life, inspiring others to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Discover the quirks of the ADHD brain with insights on the Task Positive Network, which helps you stay focused, and the Default Mode Network, where those pesky negative thoughts linger. Learn how to shift between these networks by taking action—like going for a walk or diving into a project—to quiet your mind. Understanding these brain functions can empower you to manage challenges better. Plus, find out why setting intentions is vital to avoid distractions and enhance creativity!

Dive into the nuances of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its profound effects on women with ADHD. Discover why emotional turmoil can feel overwhelming, and how criticism might sting more than it should. Learn how RSD contributes to feelings of inadequacy and perfectionism, often leaving individuals feeling like imposters. The conversation also offers practical coping strategies, including therapeutic approaches and mindfulness practices, aimed at promoting emotional regulation and understanding.