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When highly capable children spend years cruising through an educational system where academic rigor is geared toward the average, they fail to develop the neurological muscles required to process difficulty. This week, we present an encore chat with Dr. Brian Housand, coordinator of the academically or intellectually gifted program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Andi McNair, a gifted education author and digital innovation specialist. They discuss how burnout can be a result of long-term exposure to unrealistic expectations and a profound fear of failure, and how it can also manifest in a sort of imposter phenomenon among high-ability learners. They explain why teachers and parents should resist the urge to rescue high-ability kids from cognitive discomfort, instead allowing space for productive struggle. TAKEAWAYS Equating intelligence with "quick and easy" creates a highly fragile academic identity that collapses the moment a learner encounters an authentic cognitive challenge. The feeling of ineffectiveness that comes with burnout often stems from an internalized need for external validation. Depriving high-ability students of productive struggle prevents them from building coping mechanisms and adaptive emotional resilience. High-ability learners sometimes experience a profound sense of isolation, which can be minimized by structuring shared spaces to foster a sense of universality. Gifted burnout in adults sometimes signals an unidentified twice-exceptional presentation, where early compensation strategies have finally been overwhelmed by adult executive demands. Perfectionism can be difficult to identify in therapy, and once identified, still very difficult to overcome. If you're a mental health professional, join us for Overcoming Perfectionism in Therapy: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients Who Keep Moving the Finish Line. Matt Zakreski will present this 1.5 hour continuing education course this Friday, June 5th at 1:00 pm Central, and if you can't join us live, that's okay. The video will be available afterward for anyone who registers, and either version is APA and NBCC approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit. Register now or learn more at this link, or just go to neurodiversity.university. Dr. Brian Housand is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington, and creator of Gifted360.com. He is also a published author and speaker, and has worked in education as a classroom teacher, gifted ed teacher, and university professor for over 20 years. Andi McNair is a passionate educator, author and speaker. Andi taught in the gen-ed classroom for 16 years, and then switched to serving gifted learners where she found her calling. She enjoys sharing her passion for innovative education through her books for educators, speaking nationally, and finding meaningful ways to use technology. Andi currently works as the Digital Innovation Specialist in a Waco, Texas school district. BACKGROUND READING Brian Housand's website, BH Facebook, BH Twitter/X, BH Instagram Andi McNair's website, AM Facebook, AM Twitter/X, AM Instagram The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Dr. Julia Macaronis explores ethical, culturally responsive supervision practices, offering concrete strategies for addressing power, positionality, feedback, gatekeeping, and cultural humility in support of safer learning environments and supervisee growth. Presentation.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Julia Macaronis explores ethical, culturally responsive supervision practices, offering concrete strategies for addressing power, positionality, feedback, gatekeeping, and cultural humility in support of safer learning environments and supervisee growth. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm joined by Dr. Chloe Carmichael, licensed clinical psychologist and author of Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly. This episode is a portion of a larger continuing education course on free speech, self-censorship, open dialogue, and mental health. Dr. Chloe explores how language supports emotional regulation, problem-solving, self-efficacy, and authentic connection, and how chronic self-silencing may contribute to anxiety, depression, helplessness, groupthink, and weakened social support. You'll hear Dr. Chloe discuss why open dialogue matters clinically, how self-censorship can impact mental health, and why the ability to speak honestly and listen with resilience is an important part of relational well-being. This is only a preview of the full course. To access the complete training and earn 1 NBCC continuing education contact hour, click here. Please note: this course is not included in the podcourse bundle and is available as a separate continuing education course. The Full Course topics include: Free speech and mental health Self-censorship, suppression, repression, and denial Language, affect labeling, and emotional regulation Groupthink and the cost of silence Authentic dialogue and social connection Clinical tools for speaking up and listening well The WAIT framework, reflective listening, thought replacement, journaling, and mind mapping Learn more and access the full course here.
✅ Check out our free CE requirements tracker here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/continuing-education/tracker/
When a neurodivergent child or teen struggles with daytime focus, emotional volatility, or low frustration tolerance, caregivers naturally look for behavioral or psychological explanations. However, chronic sleep deprivation frequently hides behind these daytime struggles, acting as an unseen amplifier for executive dysfunction and sensory overload. Dr. Melisa Moore, a clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist at Rady Children's Health San Diego, joins Emily Kircher-Morris to reframe sleep not as an isolated nighttime issue, but as a continuous 24-hour biological reality deeply intertwined with neurodivergence. They talk about specific genetic, chronobiological, and comorbid factors that cause sleep disorders, the structural differences in adolescent circadian rhythms, and methods to address bedtime sensory traps. TAKEAWAYS Neurodivergent individuals experience higher rates of sleep disorders due to shared genetic roots, co-occurring medical conditions, and baseline variations in biological clocks. ADHDers often experience a natural circadian rhythm delay of up to two hours, while autistic people often possess highly inconsistent circadian patterns from night to night. Daytime sleepiness in younger children rarely presents as lethargy and instead as hyperactivity, increased irritability, dysregulation, and an increased use of negative emotion words. Shifting the bedtime linguistic framework from "trying to sleep" to "waiting for sleep to arrive" reduces cognitive pressure and lowers physiological alertness. Underlying physiological issues like obstructive sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder directly mimic or exacerbate the core diagnostic criteria of ADHD, including severe inattention and social friction. Perfectionism can be difficult to identify in therapy, and once identified, still very difficult to overcome. If you're a mental health professional, join us for Overcoming Perfectionism in Therapy: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients Who Keep Moving the Finish Line. Matt Zakreski will present this 1.5 hour continuing education course on June 5th at 1:00 pm Central, and if you can't join us live, that's okay. The video will be available afterward for anyone who registers, and either version is APA and NBCC approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit. Register now or learn more at this link, or just go to neurodiversity.university. Dr. Melisa Moore, PhD is a clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist who focuses on sleep and mood challenges in children, teens, and young adults. She works at the sleep center at Rady Children's Health San Diego and also provides care through her private practice, supporting clients across the country with a specialization in neurodiversity. Dr. Moore is the author of The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids, offering practical, research-informed strategies to help families improve sleep in ways that are both effective and affirming. BACKGROUND READING Melisa's website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Parents often believe they know their children, when in reality they haven't made the effort to really understand them. That understanding can be even harder when adding ADHD into the mix. Dr. Sharon Saline is a clinical psychologist and author of the book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew. She talks with Emily Kircher-Morris about how to go about understanding your child better, and how ADHD can complicate the relationship. This conversation was previously released. Perfectionism can be difficult to identify in therapy, and once identified, still very difficult to overcome. If you're a mental health professional, join us for Overcoming Perfectionism in Therapy: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients Who Keep Moving the Finish Line. Dr. Matt Zakreski will present this 1.5 hour continuing education course on June 5th at 1:00 pm Central, and if you can't join us live, that's okay. The video will be available afterward for anyone who registers, and either version is APA and NBCC approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit. Register now or learn more at this link, or just go to neurodiversity.university. Sharon Saline, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life, and creator of The ADHD Solution card deck, which specializes in working with neurodiverse children, teens, adults and families living with ADHD, learning disabilities, high-functioning autism, twice exceptionality and mental health issues. Working for years as a clinician, educator, coach and consultant, she translates complex information into accessible language and concepts that everybody can understand and apply in their lives. BACKGROUND READING Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Dr. Londyn Miller, LMFT, examines mental health leave in the workplace, helping clinicians identify how occupational stressors, systemic influences, and functional impairment converge, while providing practical strategies to support assessment, stabilization, and return-to-work planning. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
Send us Fan MailDischarge is where a lot of plans quietly fail, not because clients “don't care,” but because we underestimate how fast structure disappears and triggers return. We walk through aftercare planning the way we want you to think on a licensing exam and the way we want you to practice as a therapist: as a clinical process that starts early, stays collaborative, and keeps working after the final session.We unpack a simple four-phase framework (assessment, goal setting, resource matching, and implementation with follow-up) and then zoom in on the stance that makes it work. We lean on motivational interviewing so clients buy into the plan instead of tolerating it, and we keep it strengths-based so aftercare feels achievable. We also talk harm reduction and systems thinking, because “meet the client where they are” is not a soft option, it's the clinically appropriate one when real life includes family dynamics, housing instability, employers, and neighborhoods that can either support recovery or pull someone backward.Then we get concrete and exam-ready: continuing care and recovery management checkups, Critical Time Intervention (CTI), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and the growing evidence for peer support. You'll also hear practical tools you can use tomorrow, including relapse prevention planning, warning sign hierarchies with clear crisis steps like 988, support network mapping, behavioral rehearsal, warm handoffs, and the Stanley Brown Safety Plan. We close with the assessment instruments exam writers love: ASAM criteria, WHODAS 2.0, the Recovery Capital Scale, and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a classmate or consult group, and leave a quick review so more therapists can find the show. What aftercare question do you want us to tackle next? Want to know if you're ready for your Licensing Exam. Take our free exam today!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
Welcome solo and group practice owners! We are Liath Dalton and Evan Dumas, your co-hosts of Group Practice Tech. In our latest episode, we share a cautionary tale about a Talkspace client whose healthcare information was weaponized against them. We discuss: Venture capital firms buying therapy practices, monetizing, and weaponizing client data to make more money A recent case where a Talkspace client's data was read aloud in court Platforms using client communication to train LLMs and AI platforms How these platforms are profoundly detrimental to clients, therapists, and the profession Why when something seems too easy and convenient, you are often the product (and your clients are the product) How these companies operate outside of HIPAA Security Rule standards The importance of vetting platforms and having BAAs for safeguarding client information Listen here: https://personcenteredtech.com/group/podcast/ For more, visit our website. Resources Story referenced in episode re: employee termination and litigation using all their session data/content from Talkspace chatbot Story regarding AI models failing ethics standards and standards of care PCT Resources Live (and recorded) PCT CE Course: Beyond Hype and Anxiety: A Practical Framework for Ethical AI Use in Clinical Practice is a 4-hour legal-ethical CE training co-presented by Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey and Liath Dalton, designed to help clinicians move beyond fear and guesswork into confident, responsible AI use. The course provides a structured, real-world framework for integrating AI into clinical workflows while upholding HIPAA requirements, ethical standards, and clinical standards of care. Participants will learn how to evaluate AI tools, understand what constitutes PHI (and the limits of de-identification), implement appropriate policies and safeguards, and maintain documentation quality and clinical integrity. With practical tools, decision-making frameworks, and implementation strategies, this training supports clinicians in making informed, defensible decisions about AI use in practice. Live Webinar Presentation on May 8th, 2026 Registration for live training includes receiving ownership of and perpetual access to the on-demand self-study CE training produced from recording of live presentation. Get both the content *and* the CE, even if you can't join live. PCT's recommended/curated collection of role-based foundational and topical needs-based staff trainings, including HIPAA and Privacy Ethics for clinical staff, admins; leadership trainings; clinical staff teletherapy training; director/supervisor training; and topical trainings on documentation, rights of access, suicidality, accessibility, countertransference, and much more. Nationally respected, role-based HIPAA and privacy ethics and teletherapy training built for mental health staff On-demand trainings are accessible in perpetuity and do not expire. APA, NBCC, and multiple state licensing board CE provider approvals mean that CE courses count towards licensure renewal requirements for your clinical team. Group Practice Care Premium weekly (live & recorded) direct support & consultation service, Group Practice Office Hours — including monthly session with therapist attorney Eric Ström, JD PhD LMHC Device Security Suite: assignable staff HIPAA Security Awareness: Bring Your Own Device training + access to Device Security Center with step-by-step device-specific tutorials & registration forms for securing and documenting all personally owned & practice-provided devices (for *all* team members at no per-person cost) Remote Workspace Security Suite: assignable staff HIPAA Security Awareness: Remote Workspaces training for all team members + access to Remote Workspace Center with step-by-step tutorials & registration forms for securing and documenting Remote Workspaces (for *all* team members at no per-person cost) + more PCT's Comprehensive HIPAA Security Compliance Program (discounted) bundles: For Group Practices For Solo Practitioners Comprehensive HIPAA Security Policies & Procedures Forms & Logs for documenting implementation and maintenance of Policies & Procedures in practice Device & Workspace Security Suites Direct Support & Consultation from PCT team + therapist attorney Eric Ström, JD PhD LMHC (live & recorded + searchable library) Includes the Risk Analysis & Risk Mitigation Planning service + tool HIPAA Security & Privacy Ethics training
When creating policies and environments for neurodivergent students, schools frequently rely on outward observations, behavioral data, and the opinions of non-autistic professionals. But this approach often misses the most critical perspective of all: the lived, internal experience of autistic individuals. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes David Rivera, an autistic self-advocate, UC Berkeley student, and founder of the nonprofit organization Mentoring Autistic Minds, and they talk about why autistic adults must be recognized as a primary epistemic resource in the fight for educational reform. Drawing from his own years in a highly segregated special education system, David talks about the culture that still permeates many schools. They discuss how the pathology model of autism hides within everyday language, why forced social skills groups fail to build genuine connection, and how true accommodations should act as scaffolding rather than a ceiling on a student's potential. TAKEAWAYS Autistic adults offer a unique epistemic resource, and must be consulted when creating autism policy and neurodiversity-affirming environments. The pathology model of autism frequently manifests through implicit ableist language and a focus on cures rather than improving quality of life. Segregating special education students creates immediate feelings of being othered and prevents organic peer relationships. Effective mentorship for neurodivergent youth requires active listening without immediately attempting to provide or force solutions. Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults are frequently missed in clinical settings because their presentations - often masked by high intellect, outward compliance, or severe perfectionism - fail to match traditional diagnostic expectations. Join Emily Kircher-Morris for a targeted continuing education training video course designed to equip mental health professionals with the updated frameworks necessary to identify and support this population. This session covers the clinical complexities of burnout, masking, and the internalized stigma that accompanies late identification. Earn 1.5 APA and NBCC-approved CE hours for taking this course. Do so at neurodiversity.university, or by clicking here. David Rivera is an autistic self-advocate and the founder of Mentoring Autistic Minds, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing neurodiversity through mentorship, education, and community support. His work focuses on empowering autistic individuals while helping families, educators, and communities build more inclusive and understanding environments. Through his advocacy, David promotes a broader vision of a neurodiversity-affirming society, where autistic voices are centered and supported. His leadership and lived experience continue to shape conversations around inclusion, access, and meaningful connection. BACKGROUND READING Mentoring Autistic Minds website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Welcome solo and group practice owners! We are Liath Dalton and Evan Dumas, your co-hosts of Group Practice Tech. In our latest episode, we talk about the importance of proficiency and competency with any tool or modality used in your practice. We discuss: Why training is necessary with any tool or modality used in your practice, not just AI What the professional ethics codes say about competence and proficiency for tools and modalities used How PCT evolved to help clinicians manage the advent of new technology Our upcoming CE training on how to evaluate AI and incorporate it into your practice and workflow ethically and effectively How training can set you apart and strengthen the therapeutic alliance Listen here: https://personcenteredtech.com/group/podcast/ For more, visit our website. PCT Resources: Live (and recorded) PCT CE Course: Beyond Hype and Anxiety: A Practical Framework for Ethical AI Use in Clinical Practice is a 4-hour legal-ethical CE training co-presented by Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey and Liath Dalton, designed to help clinicians move beyond fear and guesswork into confident, responsible AI use. The course provides a structured, real-world framework for integrating AI into clinical workflows while upholding HIPAA requirements, ethical standards, and clinical standards of care. Participants will learn how to evaluate AI tools, understand what constitutes PHI (and the limits of de-identification), implement appropriate policies and safeguards, and maintain documentation quality and clinical integrity. With practical tools, decision-making frameworks, and implementation strategies, this training supports clinicians in making informed, defensible decisions about AI use in practice. Live Webinar Presentation on May 8th, 2026 Registration for live training includes receiving ownership of and perpetual access to the on-demand self-study CE training produced from recording of live presentation. Get both the content *and* the CE, even if you can't join live. PCT's recommended/curated collection of role-based foundational and topical needs-based staff trainings, including HIPAA and Privacy Ethics for clinical staff, admins; leadership trainings; clinical staff teletherapy training; director/supervisor training; and topical trainings on documentation, rights of access, suicidality, accessibility, countertransference, and much more. Nationally respected, role-based HIPAA and privacy ethics and teletherapy training built for mental health staff On-demand trainings are accessible in perpetuity and do not expire. APA, NBCC, and multiple state licensing board CE provider approvals mean that CE courses count towards licensure renewal requirements for your clinical team. Group Practice Care Premium weekly (live & recorded) direct support & consultation service, Group Practice Office Hours — including monthly session with therapist attorney Eric Ström, JD PhD LMHC Device Security Suite: assignable staff HIPAA Security Awareness: Bring Your Own Device training + access to Device Security Center with step-by-step device-specific tutorials & registration forms for securing and documenting all personally owned & practice-provided devices (for *all* team members at no per-person cost) Remote Workspace Security Suite: assignable staff HIPAA Security Awareness: Remote Workspaces training for all team members + access to Remote Workspace Center with step-by-step tutorials & registration forms for securing and documenting Remote Workspaces (for *all* team members at no per-person cost) + more PCT's Comprehensive HIPAA Security Compliance Program (discounted) bundles: For Group Practices For Solo Practitioners Comprehensive HIPAA Security Policies & Procedures Forms & Logs for documenting implementation and maintenance of Policies & Procedures in practice Device & Workspace Security Suites Direct Support & Consultation from PCT team + therapist attorney Eric Ström, JD PhD LMHC (live & recorded + searchable library) Includes the Risk Analysis & Risk Mitigation Planning service + tool HIPAA Security & Privacy Ethics training
Send us Fan MailRepression is one of those ideas that sounds simple until you try to use it in real life or in the therapy room. We're talking about the kind of “forgetting” that isn't forgetting at all: an unconscious, active defense mechanism that hides memories, feelings, and impulses because your mind decides they're too dangerous to hold.We start by making the key distinctions clear, especially repression vs ordinary forgetting and repression vs suppression. From there, we walk through the core characteristics clinicians actually look for: how repressed material stays alive, how it returns through anxiety, depression, relationship patterns, dreams, and behavior, and why emotional flatness in the face of objectively painful content can be a loud signal. We also spend time on the somatic side of repression, including how trauma can show up as chronic pain, tension, fatigue, and other body symptoms when the story itself can't be spoken yet.Then we widen the lens to show how repression can shape different presentations, from dramatic surface emotion that protects deeper vulnerability in histrionic patterns, to rigid control that buries anger and need in obsessive-compulsive personality traits, to attachment pain and shame dynamics in borderline presentations. We also connect repression to projection in paranoid patterns and to the fragmented intrusions seen in PTSD and complex trauma. Throughout, we keep coming back to the same clinical stance: repression is protective first, and our job is to build enough safety and capacity for integration, not force insight.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a colleague or friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What's one “symptom breadcrumb” you've learned to take more seriously?If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
When a student or child is dysregulated, adults often focus entirely on finding the right words to say or the appropriate consequence to give. But what if the most critical factor in that interaction isn't the consequence itself, but the energy of the adult delivering it? Dr. Lori Desautels, an educator, researcher, and professor of applied educational neuroscience at Butler University, joins the podcast to reframe how we approach discipline, emotional regulation, and transitions. Her latest manual, Body and Brain Brilliance, emphasizes that true support, whether in a classroom or a living room, must begin with the adult's own nervous system. Emily and Lori discuss why transitions are biologically exhausting, how to build a vocabulary around physical sensations, and why traditional, punitive discipline models often escalate neurodivergent students. Lori also outlines a practical, compassionate framework for repairing ruptures between teachers and students, shifting the focus away from sheer compliance and toward co-regulation. TAKEAWAYS A dysregulated adult cannot effectively regulate a dysregulated child, making the adult's own awareness the first pillar of support. The goal isn't to be perfectly calm all the time, it's to cultivate "embodied awareness," recognizing the physical signs of when your nervous system is activated. Transitions are difficult because the brain consumes significant energy moving from a predictable, comfortable state into new expectations or environments. Effective discipline often requires an adult to offer their grounded nervous system to a child who needs to borrow a little stability. Outward behavior is not necessarily defiance, it's often an indicator that the nervous system is struggling and requires support. Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults are frequently missed in clinical settings because their presentations - often masked by high intellect, outward compliance, or severe perfectionism - fail to match traditional diagnostic expectations. Join Emily Kircher-Morris on May 1st for a targeted continuing education training designed to equip mental health professionals with the updated frameworks necessary to identify and support this population. This session covers the clinical complexities of burnout, masking, and the internalized stigma that accompanies late identification. Earn 1.5 APA and NBCC-approved CE hours (available live or via recorded independent study) by registering at neurodiversity.university or clicking here. Dr. Lori Desautels is an educator, researcher, and professor of Applied Educational Neuroscience at Butler University, where she teaches graduate students and advances research connecting brain science to classroom practice. Her work centers on trauma-accommodating, neurodiversity-affirming frameworks that support both educators and students. Dr. Desautels is the author of several books, including her newest manual, Body and Brain Brilliance, which outlines the four pillars of the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework. Her approach provides Tier One strategies that integrate regulation, relationship, and brain-based practices to foster environments where adults, children, and youth can thrive. BACKGROUND READING Lori's website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Dr. Kristin Dempsey, LMFT, LPCC, and Ali Hall, Juris Doctor, explore how motivational interviewing evolves in real-world practice, helping clinicians move beyond core skills to navigate context, systemic influences, and the complexities of change, while applying a flexible, process-oriented approach that supports engagement, autonomy, and meaningful progress. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
Have you ever wondered if starting a podcast could help you grow your practice, build your professional reputation, or share your expertise in a bigger way? In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm talking to therapists, counselors, social workers, coaches, and mental health professionals who have thought about starting a podcast but aren't sure where to begin. I share what I've learned from my own podcasting journey, including how The Therapy Show evolved into a continuing education platform and how podcasting can help therapists build trust, clarify their message, connect with other professionals, and create a body of work that reflects their expertise. I also talk honestly about why podcasting is not a quick fix. A podcast works best when it has a clear purpose, a specific audience, and a connection to your larger professional goals. In This Episode, I Cover: Why therapists are drawn to podcasting How to clarify your podcast's purpose Why your audience matters more than your microphone How to choose a format that fits your energy and goals Ethical considerations for therapist podcasters Common mistakes therapists make when starting a podcast How podcasting can support a practice, CE business, coaching offer, or consulting service Questions to ask before you hit record Therapists don't need to start a podcast just because podcasting is popular. But if you have a clear audience, a meaningful purpose, and a realistic plan, podcasting can be a powerful way to build trust, share your expertise, and create new professional opportunities. Resources mentioned: Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/ CBT and Adult ADHD Podcourse Learn more about my consulting services: About Me - Lisa Mustard Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50. Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education. FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now. Free CE ChatGPT Tool: CE Course Builder for Mental Health CliniciansIf you're curious about teaching or continuing education but aren't ready to commit to creating a full course, this free tool is designed to help you explore ideas, clarify learning objectives, and think like an educator, without pressure or obligation. The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making. Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!
How often do we label someone "unmotivated" or "defiant" when they fail to start a task? What if the barrier isn't a lack of will, but an inability to simulate the future? Sarah Ward, a speech-language pathologist and co-director of Cognitive Connections, joins Emily to redefine how we conceptualize executive function. Sarah moves the conversation beyond the ability to get things done and instead frames it as a complex mental simulation. They discuss the "time horizon" and why students with ADHD often experience time blindness not as a lack of awareness, but as a developmentally delayed ability to see future tasks with clarity. They also discuss some visual strategies to bridge this gap, shifting the burden of regulation from the adult to the student's own internal self-talk. TAKEAWAYS Executive function includes the ability to pre-imagine and simulate a task in the mind's eye before taking action. Planning includes anticipating the hidden steps, such as parking, finding materials, or teacher expectations. Students with ADHD may have a time horizon that is years behind their peers. Motivation often stems from the ability to pre-feel the relief, pride, or even the anxiety of a future moment. Independence is often built through a "model, help, watch" progression that turns external adult prompts into internal self-directed talk. Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults are frequently missed in clinical settings because their presentations - often masked by high intellect, outward compliance, or severe perfectionism - fail to match traditional diagnostic expectations. Join Emily Kircher-Morris on May 1st for a targeted continuing education training designed to equip mental health professionals with the updated frameworks necessary to identify and support this population. This session covers the clinical complexities of burnout, masking, and the internalized stigma that accompanies late identification. Earn 1.5 APA and NBCC-approved CE hours (available live or via recorded independent study) by registering at neurodiversity.university or clicking here. Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP is an internationally recognized expert in executive function with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with executive dysfunction. She is the Co-Director of Cognitive Connections and co-creator of the award-winning 360 Thinking Executive Function Program, which received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from CHADD for its practical, research-informed strategies. Sarah has presented to more than 2,000 public and private schools and organizations around the world. Her latest work, The Time Tracker Program, is a groundbreaking three-volume series designed to help students shift from adult-managed to self-regulated time management. In 2023, she and her co-director, Kristen Jacobsen, were named one of the Top 10 Professional Development Providers by Education Technology Insights Magazine for their global impact on executive function in education. BACKGROUND READING Sarah's website, Twitter/X The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
PURCHASE THIS PODCOURSE! If you are a therapist or counselor looking for continuing education, check out my NBCC Approved $5 Podcourses and other continuing education offerings.Plus, get your first Podcourse half off. In this 60-minute NBCC-approved podcourse, I'm joined by Michelle Witte, RP, to explore how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be effectively adapted for adults with ADHD, especially when challenges with executive functioning interfere with insight, follow-through, and real-life change. We discuss how ADHD often presents beyond the common stereotypes, especially in adults and adolescents who may struggle with time blindness, disorganization, emotional dysregulation, task initiation, and inconsistent follow-through. We also explore why traditional CBT may fall short when it does not account for executive functioning difficulties, and how therapists can modify their approach to better support implementation, accountability, and sustainable progress. This training supports therapists in recognizing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns commonly associated with ADHD, understanding how executive functioning deficits affect treatment engagement, and applying practical CBT-based strategies that improve follow-through in everyday life. Our hope is that you'll walk away with fresh strategies you can integrate into your clinical work right away, and you can also earn one NBCC continuing education contact hour by completing this Podcourse.
Interoception plays a pivotal role in how all people perceive and engage with their bodies and the world around them. For neurodivergent people, the differences we experience in interoception can have a bigger effect than we might expect. From the very sensation of 'feeling our feelings,' to the day-to-day experiences and potential supports for those with variations in their interoceptive system, we dig into the subject with Dr. Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist and professor at Elizabethtown University. How well do we truly understand interoception, and how does it influence those who process it differently? Plus lots more, on this reprise conversation, episode 313. Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults are frequently missed in clinical settings because their presentations - often masked by high intellect, outward compliance, or severe perfectionism - fail to match traditional diagnostic expectations. Join Emily Kircher-Morris on May 1st for a targeted continuing education training designed to equip mental health professionals with the updated frameworks necessary to identify and support this population. This session covers the clinical complexities of burnout, masking, and the internalized stigma that accompanies late identification. Earn 1.5 APA and NBCC-approved CE hours (available live or via recorded independent study) by registering at neurodiversity.university or clicking here. Kelly Mahler is an occupational therapist who has served both school-aged children and adults for the last 20 years. She earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, and has won multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom's Choice Gold Medal. Kelly is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College as well as at Misericordia University, and is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism. BACKGROUND READING Kelly's website, Facebook group, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Dr. Nancy Grechko explores how stigma, trauma, and emotion dysregulation shape borderline personality disorder, helping clinicians reconsider diagnostic assumptions, recognize internalized and overlooked presentations, and apply a trauma-informed lens to support more accurate, compassionate care. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
How much information do you need to answer exam questions correctly? In some cases -- not all, but some -- you can get a question correct just with your knowledge of the profession, without needing to know anything from the specific vignette in front of you. These sample questions come from the 2023 version of the NCMHCE Candidate Handbook produced by NBCC. [Detailed, 1,000-word case vignette describing the intake process with a new client.] 1. During the intake, how would you establish a therapeutic relationship with this client? Challenge her irrational thoughts about her self-evaluations. Advise her about how to manage painful experiences. Summarize her emotional struggles and desire for change. Explore areas in which she could improve interpersonal relationships. 2. What long-term goal would guide treatment of the client's presenting problem? Spend 1 hour each day focusing on what is going right in life. Return to pre-marital levels, or better, for self-confidence and autonomy. Decrease negative thoughts and feelings by half in 6 weeks. Get out of bed before 8 am each morning. For exam prep programs including exam strategy, full-length practice tests, video-based learning, anxiety management, and features no other program has, all at prices up to 50% less than major competitors, check us out at High Pass Education. highpass.com Intro/outro music: "Swampy Lands" by Adam Saban, licensed via Soundstripe.
In this message, we are called to love one another as a “Jesus First” church. This means our highest loyalty is to His command to love, rising above our political parties and cultural tribes. We can do this by engaging in both personal and interpersonal practices. Personally, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we develop the capacity to love, the character to endure, and the spiritual "muscle" to follow Jesus. Interpersonally, we treat the neighbor, the stranger, and the enemy with the love we have cultivated personally. Love actually "works”: it is effective, it heals, and it changes things where politics and coercion fail. But love is also "work”: it requires the interpersonal practices of the Jesus Way. Who will we choose to love at NBCC?
In this episode, I'm joined by Kym Tolson, LCSW for an eye-opening conversation about what AI really means for the future of mental health practice. Together, we unpack some of the biggest myths and misconceptions therapists have about AI, including concerns about privacy, ethics, environmental impact, burnout, and whether technology could ever replace the therapeutic relationship. Kym shares practical ways therapists can begin using AI right now to reduce documentation burden, streamline practice operations, support marketing efforts, and create more sustainable workflows, all while staying clinically grounded and ethically informed. We also talk about why the future of therapy may require clinicians to lean even more into relational skills, clinical judgment, and authentic human connection. Plus, we highlight the free 1.25 NBCC-approved CE training available through Berries Academy, where I'm serving as the course administrator and Kym is the presenter. If AI has felt overwhelming, confusing, or even a little scary, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take the first step.
Jeff and Rebecca talk about a transitional moment in book sales, National Book Critics Circle Winners, National Black Bookstore Day, recent reading, and much more. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening. Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life. The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network. Discussed in this episode: NBCC winners April 7 is the first National Black Bookstore Day PRH profits dropped 4.7% in 2025 Print sales fell 3.1% in first quarter of 2026 First Pynchon, now it turns out we've been saying Thoreau wrong Harlequin to co-produce AI-generated microdramas A24 picks up London Falling for adaptation The Corrections series starring Meryl Streep lands at Netflix Peacock picks up Dungeon Crawler Carl Use code THEBOOKS for 20% off at Cozy Earth. Go to quince.com/bookriot for free shipping and 365-day returns. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you have an eating disorder and a chronic illness, recovery might not look like what gets celebrated online, and that disconnect can leave you feeling like you're doing it wrong. The missing piece isn't more willpower; it's a provider who actually understands how these two things interact.In this episode, you'll hear from Tiffany Pecoraro, MS, RD, LD, EDOC, Registered Dietitian and founder of Freedom With Nutrition, who specializes in eating disorder recovery alongside co-occurring chronic conditions. Her insight: the goal isn't a perfect diet, it's finding every creative path toward adequate nourishment for your specific body and your specific picture.Connect with Destiny: Instagram / Facebook______________________________
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge explores how early nervous system dysregulation shows up in children, helping clinicians recognize signs of overload or shutdown and apply a regulation-first lens to support stabilization and engagement. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
If you have chronic kidney disease, you've probably been told to cut out potassium, avoid phosphorus-rich foods, and brace for dialysis. But what if most of that advice is outdated and the foods you've been avoiding are actually the ones that could protect your kidneys?In this episode, you'll hear from Jen Hernandez RDN, CSR, LDN, who makes the case that the most powerful thing people with CKD can do isn't eliminate more foods, but stop fearing the ones that were never the problem to begin with.Connect with Destiny: Instagram / Facebook______________________________
Send us Fan MailIf you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
If you've ever felt like you were failing at being sick, like you weren't trying hard enough, being positive enough, or consistent enough, this episode is for you. What if the pressure to heal is actually part of what's making things harder?In this replay from episode 73, you'll hear from Grace Quantock, psychotherapeutic counsellor, advocate, and author of the newly released book, Reclaiming Wellness with Chronic Illness. She makes a compelling case that wellness culture's obsession with cure isn't just unhelpful, it's a system designed to blame us for our own suffering.______________________________
When adults tell autistic or ADHD children to be more accountable — to take more responsibility, to stop making excuses, admit when they're wrong — I understand exactly where that's coming from. The fear underneath it is real. The exhaustion is real. But here's what I also know: when we demand accountability and responsibility through shame, we're not teaching our neurodivergent kids anything. We're just making them feel bad about who they are. In this episode, I'm getting honest about something most of us don't talk about — the massive gap between what parents mean when they say "accountability" and what their autistic or ADHD child actually hears. And I'm going to show you what real accountability looks like for neurodivergent kids. It doesn't involve a giant, heavy bag of shame and blame. It involves understanding, curiosity, and problem solving — together. I've been the parent standing in front of my child saying, "You need to take responsibility." I thought I was teaching him something essential. What I was actually doing was handing him a bag of garbage and calling it a life lesson. This episode is for every parent and teacher who has done the same. And for every therapist working with autistic and adhd children and their families. In this episode, you'll learn: Why demanding accountability from autistic and ADHD kids often backfires — and what's actually happening when a child "refuses to take responsibility." The garbage bag metaphor: what happens when shame and blame get passed back and forth between parent and child — and how to put it down Real examples and what actually helped 5 ways to teach real accountability without shame, including how to separate the action from the person, how to use curiosity instead of blame, and how to teach missing skills without saying "you should know this by now." Why "I forgot" and "she was bothering me" are not excuses — they're a child trying to communicate What happens to neurodivergent kids who grow up in a shame-based accountability culture — and why it matters How to repair it when you've already shamed your child in the name of responsibility (because you will, and have I) What therapists need to ask when a parent says their child needs to be more accountable This episode is for you if: You're a parent of an autistic child and/or ADHD child who struggles with responsibility, follow-through, or "making excuses." You're a therapist, school counselor, or psychologist supporting neurodivergent children and their families You grew up being told you made excuses — and it still weighs on you. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you!
This week, Emily welcomes Kyrus Keenan Westcott, the creator behind The Vibe with Ky. Ky is an ADHD/neurodiversity advocate, host, and theatrical director who uses his massive platform to validate the neurodivergent experience with humor and radical honesty. In this episode, Ky opens up about his ADHD diagnosis at age 34 and the subsequent journey through anger, mourning, and eventual acceptance. They talk about the fluctuating capacity of the ADHD brain, why we can build a website in a day but struggle to get off the couch the next, and why the Western 9-to-5 ideology often fails neurodivergent people. From managing Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome to the true definition of introversion, this conversation is all about giving yourself grace as you navigate a world that wasn't built for your brain. TAKEAWAYS Adult diagnosis often triggers a transition from anger and mourning to self-forgiveness. Task initiation is a neurological barrier, not a character flaw, and understanding the chemical basis of ADHD helps dismantle the "lazy" label. Neurodivergent fluctuating capacity means your best effort looks different from one day to the next, based on environment, health, and brain chemistry. Introversion is defined by energy replenishment and selectivity, not shyness. An introvert can be the "belle of the ball" when the topic and environment align with their interests. Environmental hacks, like keeping your phone out of the bedroom, can serve as a physical bridge to overcome task initiation struggles in the morning. Mental health professionals, join us for our upcoming training, Interpreting Autism Assessment Data in High-Masking and Under-Identified Presentations. Dr. Taylor Day is the presenter, and it will be held Friday, April 3 at 2:00 PM Eastern. If you can't make it live, the recorded self-study version will be available shortly after the live event. It's approved for both APA and NBCC continuing ed hours. You can register here. Kyrus Keenan Westcott is a content creator, mental health advocate, and digital marketing strategist based in the Greater Philadelphia area. He is the founder of The Vibe With Ky, a digital platform that uses humor, honesty, and real-life storytelling to make conversations about ADHD, anxiety, and mental health more approachable and relatable. Diagnosed in adulthood with ADHD (Inattentive Type), Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Kyrus blends lived experience with a refreshingly candid voice, offering validation without toxic positivity. Outside of his advocacy work, he's a Senior Paid Media Strategist with over 20 years of experience and an accomplished theater performer and director. Whether he's creating viral content or chasing a 3 AM burst of inspiration, Kyrus is all about keeping it real and helping others feel seen. BACKGROUND READING Ky's website, Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, YouTube, Ky's most popular video The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Robin Abbott, OT, explores how the vestibular system shapes emotion, attention, and behavior, helping clinicians recognize when dysregulation may be sensory-based and apply a body-based lens to support regulation. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
Send a textIf you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
Why does friendship feel like an intuitive gift for some, but a complex, manual process for others? This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with social-emotional learning expert Caroline Maguire, author of the award-winning Why Will No One Play With Me? and the upcoming Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. The conversation dismantles the harmful narrative that connection should happen organically, reframing social struggles not as character flaws, but as understandable skill gaps influenced by executive dysfunction and past trauma. They talk about the concept of "Middle School Caroline," the inner child who reacts to perceived slights with high-alert protection, and suggest advice on unmasking, managing rejection sensitivity, and finding "your people" who value compassion over perfect social performance. TAKEAWAYS The "friendship should be easy" narrative fuels unnecessary shame. Connection is a complex skill set, not an innate character trait. Executive dysfunction directly impacts the logistical and emotional labor of maintaining adult relationships. Rejection Sensitivity (RSD) often functions as a protective mechanism whose past social trauma colors present-day perceptions. Unmasking in friendships is a gradual spectrum that requires identifying safe people rather than an all-or-nothing disclosure. Neurodivergent social strengths like info-dumping and deep empathy are valid forms of connection that deserve recognition and framing, rather than suppression. Neurodivergent adults often base social perceptions on the most recent interaction, making objectivity and evidence-based thinking vital for relationship stability. Mental health professionals, join us for our upcoming training, Interpreting Autism Assessment Data in High-Masking and Under-Identified Presentations. Dr. Taylor Day is the presenter, and it will be held Friday, April 3 at 2:00 PM Eastern. If you can't make it live, the recorded self-study version will be available shortly after the live event. It's approved for both APA and NBCC continuing ed hours. You can register here. Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., PCC is an internationally recognized expert in social-emotional learning, ADHD coaching, and relationship development. She is the author of the award-winning book Why Will No One Play with Me? and the upcoming Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults (Balance Books, April 2026). As the host of The ADHD Social Playbook podcast, Caroline helps neurodivergent individuals build the confidence and connection skills needed to thrive in relationships. A coach, educator, and sought-after speaker, Caroline developed a comprehensive SEL training methodology used by parents, clinicians, and educators to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and meaningful social interactions. She is the founder of the family-focused coach training program at the ADD Coach Academy, and brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work as a neurodivergent person with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. Her work has been featured by TEDx, ADDitude, WebMD, MindBodyGreen, and more. BACKGROUND READING Facebook, Instagram, "Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults" book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Hachette, Audible The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
Kelly Higdon, LMFT, and Miranda Palmer, LMFT, review the growing use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and explore both its potential advantages and important ethical and practical limitations for clinical care. Presentation. This episode has been proudly sponsored by AutoNotes, an AI-powered clinical workspace helping therapists save time on documentation while supporting ethical, HIPAA-aligned care. To celebrate the episode, AutoNotes is offering Clearly Clinical listeners 50% off any plan with code CLEARLY50. Visit autonotes.ai to learn more. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
PURCHASE THIS PODCOURSE! If you are a therapist or counselor looking for continuing education, check out my NBCC Approved $5 Podcourses and other continuing education offerings.Plus, get your first Podcourse half off. In this 60-minute NBCC-approved podcourse, I'm joined by Michelle Page, PharmD, to explore perimenopause and menopause as neuroendocrine developmental transitions that significantly influence mood, sleep, cognition, stress regulation, relationships, and identity. We break down the clinical definitions of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, discuss common and underrecognized symptom presentations, and examine how hormonal variability may contribute to new-onset anxiety, mood instability, sleep disruption, and relational strain in midlife clients. We also explore differential diagnosis considerations, interdisciplinary referral thresholds, and practical psychotherapy interventions that remain within scope of practice. When you purchase this podcourse, you will also receive a Clinical Companion Guide, which includes a structured Menopause-Informed Clinical Formulation Model, differential diagnosis considerations, expanded symptom awareness, and applied case studies to support real-world clinical integration. This training supports therapists in recognizing menopause-related symptom clusters, differentiating endocrine-driven presentations from primary psychiatric disorders, and collaborating effectively with menopause-informed medical providers. Our hope is that you'll walk away with fresh strategies you can integrate into your clinical work right away and you can also earn one NBCC continuing education contact hour by completing this Podcourse. Michelle's other Podcourse: Beyond Digestion: How Your Gut Influences Your Mental Health
Send a textMania shouts; hypomania nudges; cyclothymia lingers. We set out to make those differences unmistakable, using plain language, vivid examples, and a fast decision path you can recall under test pressure or in a busy clinic. If you've ever second-guessed whether a client's “on” streak is hypomania or the start of mania, this guide gives you the anchors you need.We start by grounding Bipolar I in the reality of mania: drastic cuts in sleep, racing speech and ideas, grandiosity, reckless spending, job-quitting at 3 a.m., and the kind of fallout that leads to ER visits, police contact, psychosis, or hospitalization. From there, we contrast Bipolar II, where hypomania boosts energy and confidence without blowing up work, safety, or reality testing—and crucially pairs with at least one full major depressive episode. Then we widen the lens to cyclothymic disorder: a long-term pattern of subthreshold highs and lows that never meet full diagnostic criteria but persist for years with minimal stable stretches.To lock it in, we walk through a concise three-step pathway: See mania? That's Bipolar I. No mania, but hypomania plus major depression? That's Bipolar II. Neither, but years of mood swings below threshold? Think cyclothymic disorder. A case vignette puts this into practice, showing how duration, functional impairment, and symptom thresholds steer you toward the right diagnosis. Along the way, you'll pick up concrete clinical cues—like sleep change, social and occupational impact, and the presence or absence of psychosis—that sharpen both exam performance and real-world assessment.If this clarity helps you think faster and care better, follow the show, share it with a study buddy, and leave a quick review so more clinicians can find it. What part of the bipolar spectrum do you want us to unpack next?If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard (And How to Teach Responsibility Without Shame) Why do chores turn into power struggles in so many ADHD and autistic families? It's not laziness. It's not defiance. And it's definitely not a character flaw. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Holly Blanc Moses sits down with adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell to unpack why chores feel like a nightmare for neurodivergent kids and teens. If you're parenting a child with ADHD or autism and struggling with: Executive functioning challenges Chore refusal Emotional meltdowns over "simple" tasks Fear about your child's future Power struggles at home This conversation will change how you see chores forever. You'll learn: ✔ Why chasing compliance actually builds resentment ✔ The difference between responsibility and obedience ✔ How executive functioning impacts task initiation ✔ Why chores are an adult priority (not a teen priority) ✔ How to teach life skills without shame ✔ A neurodiversity-affirming approach to building ownership ✔ How to reduce conflict while increasing competence This episode is essential listening for: Parents of ADHD and/or autistic children and teens Therapists and psychologists working with neurodivergent families Educators Parenting coaches If you want to raise responsible, confident kids without damaging connection — this episode is for you! Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you!
Dr. Beth Mullen-Houser, LPC, and Hanna Soumerai Rea, LICSW, examine how therapist reactions to suicide talk influence clinical care, integrating research and Internal Family Systems informed practice to offer strategies for staying grounded and connected in high-stakes sessions. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
Why are morning routines and bedtime routines so hard for ADHD and autistic kids? If your mornings feel chaotic… If bedtime turns into battles… If you've tried "sleep hygiene," reward charts, reminders, and it still falls apart… This episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with occupational therapist Dr. Peyton Gemmell to talk about why routines are especially difficult for neurodivergent kids and teens — and what actually helps. Here's what I need you to hear: It's not laziness. It's not defiance. It's executive functioning, sensory processing, transitions, and overwhelm. We break down: • Why morning chaos happens in ADHD and autistic children • How executive functioning impacts routines • Why traditional sleep hygiene advice often isn't enough • The role of sensory regulation in bedtime struggles • How to identify which part of the routine is actually hard • Simple, practical systems that reduce overwhelm (including a powerful visual basket strategy) • How to reduce shame while building real-life skills We also talk about something parents don't hear enough: The same routine will not work forever. Neurodivergent brains need toolkits — not rigid systems. Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or a neurodivergent adult trying to build sustainable routines, this episode offers practical, compassionate strategies rooted in neurodiversity-affirming care. If you're tired of feeling frustrated before 8am… If you want to support your child without increasing shame… If you're ready for systems that actually make sense… Press play. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you!
Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD, examines how clinicians can distinguish sensory overload from behavioral concerns and develop individualized sensory support plans that promote regulation and engagement. Presentation. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.
What if the problem isn't motivation… but misunderstanding? In this episode, we dive deep into executive functioning and the powerful role of "why" in understanding ADHD and neurodivergent children and teens. Joining me is Dani Donovan — ADHD advocate, comic artist, and author of The Anti-Planner — for an honest and validating conversation about procrastination, overwhelm, shame, and the myth of laziness. If you've ever thought: "Why won't they just do it?" "They know what to do — so why aren't they doing it?" "Am I doing something wrong as a parent?" "Why does trying harder not work?" This episode is for you. We explore: Why executive functioning struggles are not laziness The critical difference between knowing and doing Why shame never improves behavior How misunderstanding leads to blame The emotional experience of ADHD Why "trying harder" is not a strategy How asking "why?" changes everything Practical ways to shift from frustration to curiosity Why understanding must come before intervention For parents, this conversation offers relief and clarity. For therapists and clinicians, it reinforces the importance of neurodiversity-affirming, emotionally attuned support that reduces shame and builds capacity. When we understand the why behind executive functioning challenges, we stop seeing a "problem child" — and start seeing a nervous system that needs support. Because if they could, they would.
When I was in first grade, I had a plan for Valentine's Day. A very thoughtful, very Holly plan. Every classmate was getting a Valentine. But not every classmate was getting the same coin taped inside. There were the quarter kids. The dime kids. The nickel kids. The penny kids. And one classmate got nothing. My teacher was not happy. My parents were not happy. And not one single adult that day asked me why I did it. That part — the part where no one asked — is what this episode is really about. In this episode, I talk about: ▸ The full story of the Valentine's Day coin system (and why, at seven years old, it made complete sense to me) ▸ What actually happens in a child's nervous system and sense of self when adults skip curiosity and go straight to correction ▸ Why neurodivergent kids stop explaining themselves — and what we accidentally teach them when we don't listen ▸ The one thing I wish an adult had said to me that day — and how you can say it to the kids in your life ▸ A direct challenge: How do YOU want to show up in the next hard moment? This episode is for parents, therapists, and educators who want to be the person an autistic and adhd child actually feels safe with. The one who asks before they assume. The one who listens before they correct. It's also for anyone who grew up being the kid that no one asked. You'll know who you are.
This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sol Smith, the founder of the NeuroSpicy Community and author of The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery. Sol brings two decades of education, and his lived experience as an Autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic individual, to the discussion. They talk about the complex feelings of imposter syndrome that many neurodivergent adults face - the feeling that life is a stage play where everyone else got the script but you - and the difficulty of masking and unmasking. They also get into the science of how we think, including breaking down the difference between top-down and bottom-up processing, and the tricky world of meta-messages, which can often lead to misunderstandings among colleagues or family. It's a great discussion on communication, identity, and the importance of finding your people. TAKEAWAYS Imposter syndrome often stems from feeling like you are performing a role rather than living authentically. Unmasking is less about revealing a hidden self and more about resuming the development of your personality. Top-down thinkers generalize based on concepts, while bottom-up thinkers build understanding from specific details. Autistic individuals often miss implied "meta-messages" that neurotypical people rely on. Asking for more context is a way to gain clarity, not a sign of defiance. Predictable routines can act as a "neurotypical simulator" to save cognitive energy. Therapists, register now for the continuing education course, Get It Done: How to Help Clients with ADHD (& Others) Improve Productivity. Dr. Ari Tuckman will join Emily for this APA and NBCC approved 1.5 hour continuing education training on Friday, February 6. Sol Smith is the author of The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery and the founder of The Neurospicy Community, the largest support network for autistic and ADHD individuals worldwide. A certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and has ADHD, Sol brings both personal insight and professional expertise to his work helping neurodivergent people build autonomy and self-understanding. After more than 20 years as a college professor, Sol shifted his focus to coaching and advocacy, creating accessible education and support for the broader neurodivergent community. His engaging speaking style has earned him a global platform, with hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and invitations to lead neurodiversity seminars for major corporations. Sol lives in Southern California with his wife and four children. BACKGROUND READING The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery, Sol's website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com. If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.
People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know People pleasing is often labeled as being kind, flexible, or mature. But for autistic and ADHD children and teens, people pleasing is often something else entirely. It's a self-protective survival strategy—one rooted in fear of rejection, emotional pain, and the belief that their needs are "too much." In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I talk about why people pleasing is especially risky for neurodivergent kids and teens, how it develops, and the early warning signs adults often miss. I also share a very real moment from my own life—standing in a grocery store with no water at home, right before a major ice storm—and how that moment revealed just how powerful (and dangerous) people pleasing can be, even after a year of hard work. This episode is for parents, therapists, and educators who want to support autistic and ADHD children and teens in building safety, boundaries, and self-trust—without pushing them into burnout. In this episode, I cover: What people pleasing really looks like in autistic and ADHD children and teens Why people-pleasing is closely connected to masking and emotional safety Early warning signs, including over-apologizing and difficulty saying no How people pleasing is often unintentionally reinforced by adults and peers Why people pleasing increases burnout, anxiety, and vulnerability in relationships How supporting capacity and boundaries can reduce meltdowns and shutdowns If you've ever worried that teaching boundaries might make a child "too rigid" or "selfish," this episode offers a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming reframe.