With over 30 years of experience supporting special educational needs and advocating for families, Catherine shares her valuable insights into working with neurodivergent individuals, including those labeled as having ADHD and autism.
Today she will discuss the intricacies of complex trauma, the essential role of safety and relationships in therapy, and the importance of psychoeducation tailored to individual needs.
Our conversation will also touch on the societal pressures neurodiverse people face, particularly during difficult transitions like moving to college or adjusting to new environments. Catherine highlights the need for kindness, community support, and understanding our own internal resources to navigate these waters.
Whether discussing her therapeutic techniques or the impact of COVID-19 on educational settings, Catherine's expertise will enlighten and inspire.
Join us to explore how to support and advocate for those who often feel like they don't fit into conventional frameworks, and why lifelong learning and a team-based therapeutic approach are crucial for long-term resilience.
00:00 Supporting neurodivergent families, advocating for understanding.
05:17 Struggle to learn and adapt to the system.
07:59 Parents must understand and support their children.
10:09 I work with diverse individuals and families.
2:10 p.m. Psychoeducational approach to hypnotherapy; the future pace was emphasized.
4:05 p.m. Therapy helps you visualize and detach yourself from the timeline.
22:29 The transition to online therapy was quick and successful.
24:58 Prioritize mental health and needs over materialism.
26:57 Human survival depended on unity and vigilance.
31:16 Life is a journey of continuous learning.
35:26 Navigating societal expectations can lead to compromise.
38:10 Transportation system designed for men, not women.
42:27 Experienced professional, special schools advocate and therapist.
43:25 Choosing subjects based on inspiring teachers: beneficial.
47:36 Traumatized clients seek diverse perspectives on healing.
50:36 Focus on developing support for university students.
53:19 Believe in yourself, therapy is a team.
Catherine is a trauma-informed neurodiversity therapist, coach and specialist, offering face-to-face and online sessions.
The course of my life has been a bit bumpy and I learned early on that a person's well-being can be very fragile and easily disrupted by events. I am also part of a wonderful extended neurodivergent family, and I so appreciate the joys but also the challenges that this can bring.
After working in the SEN industry and education services, studying psychology and extensive training in the field of neurodiversity, I then studied with Trevor Silvester at the Quest Institute and further enhanced my skills in qualifying myself in Applied Memory Deconsolidation and Reconsolidation (AMDR) under the direction of Gill. Wood and Joshua Isaac Smith for enabling me to work safely and effectively with trauma.
I am passionate about helping my clients discover how they can quickly make positive changes in their lives.
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