The Neurodivergent Woman

Penny Moodie, a writer and OCD advocate, shares her journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, providing valuable insights into its complexities. She discusses common misconceptions, key mechanisms like thought-action fusion, and the impact of OCD from childhood to adulthood. Penny emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion, while sharing effective strategies such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and self-compassion practices. She also advocates for open conversations about mental health and offers support resources for those affected by OCD.

Explore the multifaceted journey of grief through the lens of neurodivergence. Discover the complexities of emotional responses to various types of loss, including personal anecdotes about coping with life changes. Learn about the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face in processing grief and the importance of understanding prolonged grief. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support and shared experiences while validating diverse grieving processes. Tune in for heartfelt insights and strategies for emotional expression.

Margo White, an Accredited Clinical Nutritionist and proud neurodivergent individual, shares her insights on the intersection of eating disorders and neurodivergence. She discusses the importance of tailoring nutrition approaches to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent folks. Margo explores challenges like ARFID, sensory processing differences, and executive functioning issues. She draws from her own experiences and offers strategies for parents and individuals seeking better relationships with food, emphasizing compassion and flexibility in dietary practices.

This week Monique chats with Dr Hayley Kelly about entrepreneurship. Hayley is a clinical psychologist, CEO, and Founder of Therapists Rising. Her goal is to transform the mental health landscape by helping therapists build sustainable and impactful businesses. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD later in life, she brings a unique, neuroaffirming approach to entrepreneurship, inspiring mental health professionals to embrace innovation, creativity, and resilience in their practices.   This episode is jammed with incredible insights on how to leverage your neurodivergent strengths as a business owner – it’s a must listen for any ND folks thinking of launching themselves into the world of entrepreneurship and business ownership (or for those who are there already!).   In this episode Monique and Hayley cover:   Hayley’s conceptualisation of neurodivergence and the identity shifts she experienced through late diagnosis. How Hayley’s knowledge of her own neurodivergence helped her to understand the past challenges as well as the strengths she’d experienced in the workforce over her career. Her path to entrepreneurship and finding her ‘zone of genius’. The strengths of ADHD in entrepreneurship and business ownership. Strategies for managing rejection sensitivity and feeling like an imposter in this space. Strengths of the Autistic brain, and the AuDHD brain, in entrepreneurship and business ownership. Hayley’s tips for neurodivergent folk working in (or moving toward) this space.   You can find Hayley through her website, Therapists Rising, or on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off Season 6 with a chunky episode about being childfree, and share our personal experiences on this topic. This was a really meaningful and important topic for us – we hope you find it useful!   We cover: The cultural and normative context of motherhood Understanding your desire for or against motherhood and what are the complexities and nuances in this. Ruby Warrington’s ‘Motherhood Spectrum’ Reasons why you might not want to be a mother – both in general and factors specific to neurodivergent folk. Finding meaning in life outside motherhood and exploring alternate archetypes for different stages of life.     Things we mentioned plus other good resources: Women without Kids – by Ruby Warrington, the book and podcast Goddesses in Everywoman; Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives – by Jean Shinoda Bolen Awakening Shakti – by Sally Kempton Women Who Run with the Wolves; Contacting the power of the Wild Woman – by Clarissa Pinkola Estes The Wife Drought – by Annabel Crabbe Regretting Motherhood; A Study – Orna Donath   Our astute listeners might notice the cacophony of crows occasionally kicking off in the background of this ep – imagine yourself in the Australian bush if it helps!!   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonny Jane Wise, a trans, multiply neurodivergent & disabled advocate, discusses neurodiversity affirming practice, early diagnosis, disability, ableism, and intersectionality. They challenge societal norms and promote a more inclusive society.

We are thrilled to have Rosemary Richings on the podcast today, to chat with us about her experience of dyspraxia. Rosemary is a writer, editor, and public speaker specialising in disability and neurodiversity, and she is the author of Stumbling Through Space and Time: Living Life With Dyspraxia. Rosemary is on the board of trustees of Dyspraxic Me, a charity for dyspraxic young adults.   In this episode we cover: What is dyspraxia? How is dyspraxia diagnosed? Rosemary’s experience of dyspraxia from childhood to adulthood. The mental load of neurodivergence. What has been helpful in accommodating and supporting dyspraxia for Rosemary.   You can find Rosemary through her socials here, and through her website.   You can access more information on dyspraxia through the Developmental Coordination Disorder Australia website.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Check out our website www.ndwomanpod.com or contact us via email ndwomanpod@gmail.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The discussion revolves around the essence of compassionate practice as a crucial tool for mental health. Key topics include the transformative power of self-compassion, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Techniques for navigating stress and overcoming the inner critic are highlighted, alongside the importance of fostering soothing connections for emotional well-being. Listeners gain insights into practical strategies for cultivating compassion in everyday life and the benefits it brings to both personal and therapeutic settings.

Today on the show Monique interviews Rebecca Gannon. Rebecca is a Neurodivergent Psychologist with a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology. Their clinical work focuses on Autism and ADHD assessment for adults as well as supervising other Psychologists and allied health professionals in neuroaffirming practice skills. Rebecca is Aboriginal, a parent, a partner, and their long-standing special interest just happens to be Autism.   On this episode Monique and Rebecca cover: Rebecca’s experience of her own neurodivergence, including the pivotal role of community as part of a healthy self-identity + the importance of understanding all aspects of your neurodivergent identity. The importance of advocacy based on lived experience and community consultation when providing support services to people with a minority identity. The Minority Stress Model. Rebecca’s experience of having both Aboriginal and neurodivergent minority identities. Ways to psychological safety for minority group members in health care settings. Rebecca’s experience navigating the health care system as an ND parent of a child with complex health needs. Heavy Metal Music (it’s relevant, we promise!).     Things we mentioned: Literature on ABA  The Australian Indigenous Psychology Association.   Another Day in the Colony – book by Chelsea Watego Find out more about Dr Tracey Westerman here.    You can contact Rebecca through her website, Kaleidoscope Assessment or on Instagram @kaleidoscopeassessment.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Check out our website www.ndwomanpod.com or contact us via email ndwomanpod@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Marques, an Autistic and ADHD writer, discusses her experience with depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and navigating authenticity as a cultural minority. Topics include the hidden costs of ADHD for high achievers, differentiating depression from burnout as a neurodivergent person, and strategies for managing mental health. Michelle's insightful journey sheds light on the complexities of neurodivergent identities and the importance of self-compassion.