ADHD Her Way

Dr Emma DeCicco and Johanna discuss schema therapy and providing neuro-affirming therapy. Emma shares her personal journey with ADHD and how it has influenced her work as a psychologist. They discuss the importance of understanding core needs and how they relate to schemas and modes in schema therapy.The conversation explores the concept of schemas and coping modes in the context of neurodivergent individuals. It discusses how neurodivergent individuals may have different expectations and ways of functioning compared to neurotypical individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and accepting these differences rather than trying to conform to neurotypical norms. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable coping strategies and the potential impact of medication on coping modes. The inner critic is identified as a common coping mode for neurodivergent individuals. In this conversation, Emma and Johanna discuss the different modes in schema therapy, including critic modes, healthy modes, coping modes, and vulnerable modes. They also discuss the concept of self-compassion and how it can be integrated into schema therapy. Emma shares information about the neurodiversity affirming schema therapy model and resources available for clinicians and individuals interested in learning more.Keywordsbios, disingenuous, schema therapy, neuro-affirming therapy, ADHD, psychologist, core needs, schemas, modes, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, schemas, coping modes, neurodivergent, neurotypical, expectations, functioning, differences, acceptance, sustainable coping, medication, inner critic, schema therapy, modes, critic modes, healthy modes, coping modes, vulnerable modes, self-compassion, neurodiversity affirming, neurodivergent, therapy modelSound Bites"You can have the most pristine, amazing looking cake ever. And for a neurodivergent person, like as we were saying at the beginning, it might be heavily masked and it's not sustainable and they're using all their ingredients every single day and then they're going to end up with nothing left.""We want to understand when we're masking, we want to understand why and how it's either helpful or not helpful and then be selected exactly, be selected and how we're using that so that we don't end up completely burning out or losing our sense of self along the way.""We've got different categories of modes... critic modes, healthy modes, coping modes, and vulnerable modes.""These critic modes make predictions around what other people are going to think about us or how they might treat us in order to keep us safe.""We're starting to bring a lens of self-compassion to these experiences and starting to really learn different ways to interact with ourselves and therefore the environment as well."

Summary In this conversation, Clinical Psychologist Lil Desille and Developmental psychologist Johanna Badenhorst discuss various topics related to ADHD, sex, intimacy, and relationships. They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in maintaining intimate connections, including difficulties in communication, sensory differences, and navigating boundaries. Annelil shares her personal journey and how it has influenced her work as a clinical psychologist. They also discuss the different types of intimacy, such as physical, emotional, sensual, and spiritual, and the importance of creating emotional safety in relationships. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for more research, support, and understanding in the field of neurodivergent relationships and intimacy. In this conversation, Annelil Desille discusses the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in relationships and offers insights and advice for navigating intimacy and communication. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and finding neurokin, like-minded individuals who understand and support neurodivergent experiences. Annelil also shares information about her retreats for neurodivergent couples and the holistic approach she takes in helping them strengthen their relationships. She encourages newly diagnosed individuals to take their time with the process and find support in online communities. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for understanding, acceptance, and self-care in neurodivergent relationships. Find Lil and her retreat here: https://www.neurokinnection.com.au/retreats and on instagram @neurokinnection Takeaways Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges in maintaining intimate connections, including difficulties in communication, sensory differences, and navigating boundaries. Creating emotional safety is crucial in fostering physical intimacy and navigating the challenges faced by neurodivergent couples. There are different types of intimacy, including physical, emotional, sensual, and spiritual, and each plays a role in neurodivergent relationships. Therapy and support can be instrumental in helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of neurodivergent relationships and intimacy. More research, understanding, and support are needed in the field of neurodivergent relationships and intimacy. Navigating relationships as a neurodivergent individual can be challenging, but finding neurokin and building a support network can be helpful. Self-compassion is crucial for neurodivergent individuals, and taking the time to process and accept a diagnosis is important. Annelil Desille's retreats for neurodivergent couples provide a safe and supportive space to explore intimacy, communication, and relationship dynamics. It is important to find balance and engage in self-care practices to maintain mental health and well-being. Understanding and acceptance from family members and loved ones may not always be immediate, but finding support in like-minded communities can be beneficial. Sound Bites "It's less about the time, the effort, the energy, the kids, and then the balance of those things. Like those definitely play a large role, but it's more neurodivergent specific." "There are so many different kinds of intimacy. So physical, which doesn't have to just incorporate sexual." "The prioritization of [sex and intimacy] comes later. So I've got quite a few couples that I've reached in the stage where we're quite comfortable with the emotional stuff. So now we're onto the physical and navigating physical limits, boundaries, desires, and fantasies." "Navigating different social and sexual climates." "There are so many nuances and specific things that we actually do struggle with." "It's about finding ways to cultivate a safe and healthy relationship."

In this second part of the conversation, Johanna Badenhorst and Ashlee Wells discuss the intersection of neurodivergence and perinatal mental health. They explore the differences between neurodivergence and mood disorders, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent women in motherhood. They also highlight the importance of online support and validation for neurodivergent individuals. Ashlee provides insights into the indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period, such as difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities. They also discuss the impact of negative self-concepts and external feedback on the mental health of neurodivergent women. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers, particularly those with ADHD and autism. It highlights the impact of societal expectations, mental load, and sensory overload on their well-being. Strategies for managing these challenges are discussed, including therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, and setting boundaries. The importance of partner support and seeking professional help is emphasised. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about folding fitted sheets and mismatched socks. To sign up to our FREE ADHD webinar on July 29, 2024 follow this link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/4/yp21pbw Visit Ashlee Wells via her website ⁠⁠www.wellspsychology.com.au⁠⁠ or on her instagram @wells_psychology Follow @adhderway and email us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me. Visit Ashlee Wells via her website ⁠www.wellspsychology.com.au⁠ or on her instagram @wells_psychology Key Takeaways Neurodivergent women may experience challenges in motherhood that are different from those without neurodivergence. Online support and validation can be crucial for neurodivergent individuals. Indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period include difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities. Negative self-concepts and external feedback can impact the mental health of neurodivergent women. Neurodivergent mothers face unique challenges related to ADHD and autism, including societal expectations and sensory overload. Strategies for managing these challenges include therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, and setting boundaries. Partner support is crucial in alleviating the mental load and providing emotional reassurance. Seeking professional help is important and should be normalised. Soundbites "Neurodivergent women may experience challenges in motherhood that are different from those without neurodivergence." "Online support and validation can be crucial for neurodivergent individuals." "Indicators of neurodivergence during the perinatal period include difficulties with daily functioning, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities." "Those seemingly day-to-day comments really can add fuel to the burnout and feeling like this is way more than I can handle." "Medication is just an option, it's a treatment option. And obviously that's really important to have discussions with your primary healthcare provider." "From a therapy perspective, looking at our narrative and our self-concept and how can we readjust and change those harmful beliefs or thoughts." Keywords neurodivergence, perinatal mental health, mood disorders, motherhood, online support, daily functioning, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, negative self-concepts, neurodivergent mothers, ADHD, autism, challenges, societal expectations, mental load, sensory overload, strategies, therapy, self-compassion, exercise, dietary adjustments, sensory support, boundaries, partner support, professional help

In this conversation Johanna interviews Perinatal psychologist Ashlee Wells and together they explore the topics of perinatal mental health, matrescence, and the impact of ADHD and autism on women in the context of motherhood. Johanna starts with an introduction about Birth Trauma Awareness Week which is themed around consent. Ashlee shares a bit about her own AuDHD and how important it has been to take time to process and to understand herself and her needs. We discuss primary and secondary emotions, and the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent women and the need for support and validation in their motherhood journey. Perinatal mental health issues can have a significant impact on women during the motherhood journey. Matrescence is a transformative period that involves physical, psychological, and social changes, and it can be challenging for women to navigate. ADHD and autism can affect women differently than men, particularly in the context of motherhood. Understanding primary and secondary emotions is important for managing anger and other challenging emotions during the postpartum period. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD and autism, leading to difficulties in attention, mood regulation, and executive functioning. Neurodivergent women need support, validation, and understanding in their motherhood journey. Visit Ashlee Wells via her website www.wellspsychology.com.au or on her instagram @wells_psychology (For more info on birth trauma visit COPE or ⁠https://birthtrauma.org.au/birth-trauma-awareness-week-2024⁠) perinatal mental health, matrescence, ADHD, autism, consent, primary emotions, secondary emotions, hormonal changes, neurodivergent women, support, validation

In this episode, Developmental Psychologist, Johanna Badenhorst reviews the movie Inside Out 2. She describes how the movie explores themes of adolescence, emotional complexity, identity formation, attachment, vulnerability, and self-compassion. Particularly how it relates to the experience of neurodivergent individuals. Overall, Inside Out 2 is described as a relatable and insightful perspectives on the human experience, and relevant to the experience of ADHDer and Autistic individuals. To sign up to our FREE ADHD webinar on July 29, 2024 follow this link: ⁠https://event.webinarjam.com/register/4/yp21pbw⁠ Also visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠⁠⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me. Keywords: Inside Out, movie review, neurodivergent community, adolescence, emotional complexity, identity formation, attachment, vulnerability, self-compassion Takeaways Inside Out 2 is a relatable and insightful movie that explores the human experience. The movie highlights the struggles of neurodivergent individuals in identifying and labeling their emotions. It emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and recognizing it as a form of strength. Inside Out portrays the complexity of emotions during adolescence and the challenges of identity formation. The movie emphasizes the need to focus on controllable aspects of life and practice self-acceptance and self-discovery. Sound Bites: "Inside Out captures the complexity of adolescence and emotional turmoil." "The movie discusses emotional complexity and the depth of emotions during adolescence." "Inside Out highlights the central role of attachment figures in shaping identity." Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Complexity of Adolescence 03:18 Emotional Awareness and Regulation in Neurodivergent Individuals 07:20 Identity Formation and the Role of Attachment Figures 11:28 The Impact of Suppressing Emotions on Mental Health 15:05 Focusing on Controllables to Reduce Anxiety 16:13 The Challenges of Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria 18:33 Celebrating Individuality and Supporting Differences

In this conversation, Psychologist Johanna Badenhorst interviews Athanasia McDonald, a strength and powerlifting coach specialising in working with pre and postnatal women. Athanasia shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how strength training has helped her manage her symptoms. They discuss the misconceptions around exercise and strength training, particularly for women and mothers. Athanasia emphasizes the importance of education, accessibility, and removing shame and guilt around exercise. They also touch on executive functioning challenges and provide strategies for staying motivated. Strength training is forgiving and allows for breaks without losing progress. Deloading frequently and pacing energy are important for ADHD individuals. Finding a supportive community or gym is crucial for staying on track. Self-compassion is key in managing ADHD and exercise. Movement should be empowering and individualized, not compared to others. Exercise can help ADHD women navigate motherhood and improve self-esteem. Reorganizing wardrobes can be a challenge for ADHD individuals. Athanasia McDonald can be found on Instagram at @Ath_strengthsyndicate and at bornstrong.com.au for pre and postnatal strength training in Canberra. Follow @adhderway and email us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠⁠⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me. Keywords ADHD, strength training, powerlifting, coaching, pre and postnatal women, misconceptions, exercise, motivation, executive functioning, strength training, breaks, deloading, pacing energy, supportive community, self-compassion, movement, ADHD women, motherhood, reorganizing wardrobes, Athanasia McDonald Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:01 What is a Strength Coach? 14:40 The Connection Between ADHD and Strength Training 23:10 Specific ADHD strategies for executive functions and exercise 23:19 Executive Functioning Challenges and Strategies 28:45 The Importance of Self-Compassion 34:20 Empowering Women

In this solo episode, Developmental Psychologist Johanna discusses how individuals with ADHD experience significantly more sleep-related issues compared to the general population, which can worsen ADHD symptoms. Common sleep problems, Revenge bedtime procrastination, Strategies to improve sleep, and introduces the brand new program with Dietitian Kiah which is being launched in July '24. To find out more about our brand new ADHD program follow this link: ⁠https://awesome-crafter-3251.ck.page/c731a5a3b9 ⁠ Keywords ADHD, sleep, sleep problems, revenge bedtime procrastination, cognitive function, mood, daily functioning, sleep hygiene, routine, sleep environment, relaxation techniques, supplements, medication Takeaways ADHD can significantly impact sleep patterns and worsen symptoms Common sleep problems for individuals with ADHD include difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, and difficulty waking up Revenge bedtime procrastination is a phenomenon where individuals with ADHD delay sleep to gain a sense of control and free time Sleep disturbances can impact cognitive function, mood, and daily functioning Strategies to improve sleep include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming sleep environment, practicing relaxation techniques, and considering supplements or medication under professional guidance Sound Bites "Revenge bedtime procrastination: delaying sleep to gain a sense of control and free time" "Difficulty falling asleep: inability to shut off the mind" "Restless sleep: tossing and turning, waking up easily" Follow @adhderway and email us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me.

In this conversation, Johanna talks to Bree and Jade from Psych Hive who discuss their practice and their approach to neuro-affirmative care. They talk about the importance of centering the individual's lived experience and celebrating their strengths. They also discuss the process of ADHD and autism assessment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the individual as a whole. They highlight the importance of medication, therapy, and self-advocacy in managing ADHD and autism. They also touch on the impact of neurodivergence on relationships and the involvement of families in the treatment process. The conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD support and assessment. It emphasizes the importance of neuro-affirming practices and the need for professionals to examine their own biases. The guests provide tips for professionals new to the ADHD assessment and intervention space, including seeking supervision and getting curious about high masking individuals. They also discuss the resources they have created, such as ebooks on ADHD and autism. The conversation concludes with a discussion on managing ADHD, including the use of body doubles, timers, and medication. Keywords neuro-affirmative care, ADHD, autism, assessment, medication, therapy, self-advocacy, families, relationships, ADHD, neuro-affirming practices, challenges, misconceptions, assessment, support, professionals, supervision, high masking individuals, resources, managing ADHD, body doubles, timers, medication Takeaways Neuro-affirmative care centers the individual's lived experience and celebrates their strengths. Comprehensive assessment for ADHD and autism considers the individual as a whole and looks at all aspects of their neurotype. Medication, therapy, and self-advocacy are important interventions for managing ADHD and autism. Families play a crucial role in the treatment process, and involving siblings in the conversation can be beneficial. Assessing a child for ADHD or autism can sometimes lead to the parent realizing their own neurodivergence. Neuro-affirming practices are crucial in supporting individuals with ADHD Professionals should examine their own biases and be open to learning and evolving their practice Supervision and seeking guidance from practitioners with lived experience can be valuable Managing ADHD can involve strategies such as body doubles, timers, and medication Resources such as ebooks can provide helpful information and support Sound Bites "Neuro-affirmative care centers the person's lived experience." "Comprehensive assessment looks at everything, not just one or two things." "Getting the right medication can be a game changer for ADHD." "Helping parents realize the strategies and accommodations they have in place for themselves" "Reflecting on their own neurotype can be a confronting experience for parents" "ADHD individuals struggle with initiating routines and change" You can find Brianna and Jade on https://thepsychhive.com/ and @thepsychive! Also check out their brand new resources and upcoming training and workshops. Follow @adhderway and contact us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me.

In this conversation, Johanna Badenhorst discusses the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms in women. She shares her personal journey with ADHD and hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and how they have affected her ADHD symptoms. Johanna highlights the role of estrogen and progesterone in regulating neurotransmitters and how fluctuations in these hormones can lead to changes in ADHD symptoms. She emphasizes the need for more research on the connection between hormones and ADHD in women and the importance of personalized treatment and self-advocacy. Keywords ADHD, hormonal changes, women, estrogen, progesterone, neurotransmitters, symptoms, research, treatment, self-advocacy Takeaways Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, can impact ADHD symptoms in women. Rising estrogen levels during the follicular phase can improve mood and executive function, but may increase impulsivity and hyperactivity. Declining estrogen and increasing progesterone during the luteal phase can lead to emotional dysregulation, working memory problems, and premenstrual symptoms. Hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause/menopause can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. There is a need for more research on the impact of hormones on ADHD in women and personalized treatment strategies. Tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms can help women with ADHD better understand their own bodies and advocate for appropriate support and treatment. Sound Bites "The changes in our estrogen levels really impact our executive functioning and our mood regulation." "Perimenopausal and menopausal phase, the decline in estrogen can worsen ADHD symptoms." "It probably helps to learn about this to notice patterns for yourself, even if the research is slim." Follow @adhderway and contact us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me. Chapters 00:00 - Johanna's Entrepreneur Journey and Hormonal Struggles 04:41- The Vital Connection: Hormones and ADHD Symptoms

Summary In this episode Johanna and Elaine from Third Place Therapy discuss trauma, attachment styles, and the intersectionality of neurodivergence, attachment, and trauma. Elaine provides a definition of trauma as anything that overwhelms our ability to cope, emphasising that trauma is subjective and unique to each individual. They also explore the different attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure, and disorganized) and how they can impact relationships, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. Additionally, they touch on the use of EMDR therapy as a tool for healing trauma and the importance of neuro-affirming approaches in therapy. In this conversation, Johanna and Elaine discuss the intersection of attachment styles and neurodivergence. They explore how neurodivergent individuals may struggle more with attachment styles and tend to have more insecure attachments. They also discuss the importance of neuro-affirming approaches in attachment work and the need for adjustments in understanding and meeting the needs of neurodivergent children. The conversation highlights the Circle of Security framework and the four S's of secure attachment: being seen, soothed, safe, and secure. They also touch on the impact of trauma on attachment and the overlap between trauma symptoms and ADHD. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of therapy in unpacking and healing attachment and trauma issues. Keywords trauma, attachment styles, ADHD, autism, CPTSD, EMDR therapy, neurodivergence, attachment styles, neurodivergence, insecure attachments, neuro-affirming, Circle of Security, four S's of secure attachment, trauma, ADHD, therapy Takeaways -Trauma is subjective and unique to each individual, defined as anything that overwhelms our ability to cope. -Attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, secure, disorganized) can impact relationships, especially in the context of neurodivergence. -EMDR therapy, which stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, can be an effective tool for healing trauma. -Neuro-affirming approaches in therapy are important for individuals with neurodivergence. -There is an intersectionality between ADHD, autism, and CPTSD, and individuals with ADHD are more prone to experiencing trauma. -Neurodivergent individuals may struggle more with attachment styles and tend to have more insecure attachments. -Neuro-affirming approaches are important in attachment work, especially for neurodivergent children. -There is overlap between trauma symptoms and ADHD, and it is important to consider both in therapy. Sound Bites "Trauma can be defined as anything that overwhelms our ability to cope." "Trauma can be something that is too much too soon, too much for too long, or too little for too long." "EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and it helps facilitate memory reconsolidation." "Being seen, being soothed, being safe and secure." To get more information about Elaine and her services visit @thirdplacetherapy or www.thirdplacetherapy.com Follow @adhderway and contact us via hello@holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au. We love to hear from you! Also visit: ⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me.