In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection between trauma, neurodivergence, and healing. Together, we unpack the impact of late identification, the limitations of diagnostic boxes, and the deep relief that comes from finally having language for your experience.

We discuss how trauma often presents differently in neurodivergent individuals, why talk therapy isn’t always enough, and how body-based approaches like EMDR and IFS can support authentic, sustainable healing.

This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit—and is ready to start where they are.

Themes: late diagnosis, masking, PDA, trauma-informed care, nervous system safety, somatic therapy

Vera (she/they) is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor based in Sydney, Australia. They work with adults who are survivors of trauma, supporting them through the healing process with a person-centred, culturally sensitive, and neuro-affirming approach. Drawing on trauma-informed modalities such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and somatic practices, Vera helps clients reconnect with their inner wisdom and sense of Self. As a late-identified neurodivergent person with lived experience of high-masking, Vera values authenticity and understands the challenges of living at the intersection of multiple identities. Through both their clinical work and personal growth journey, they aim to increase the awareness of trauma healing and the importance of doing "the work" to live a fulfilling life.

For more information about Vera check out:

• https://loapac.org/rap/vera-yeo

Vera's blog post explaining what trauma is:

• https://www.sydneypsychhub.com.au/unravelling-_trauma/

Books Vera mentioned in the episode:

• The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
• It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

Vera suggested affordable trauma-informed online trainings:

• https://www.nicabm.com/

For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:

Caitlin Hughes

Cathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au

Social media: @cathartic.collaborations

Teena Mogler

Balance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au.

Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/

What’s inside?

Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.

Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.

Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.

By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

In this candid and deeply affirming conversation, we explore the layered experience of internalised ableism and the lifelong journey toward self-acceptance as Autistic individuals. Through personal reflections, shared insights, and the powerful inclusion of an audiobook excerpt by guest author Annie Kotowicz, we unpack how diagnosis, identity, boundaries, and belonging evolve over time. Caitlin and Teena show up with honesty, compassion, and vulnerability—offering a grounded perspective on what it means to live authentically as late-diagnosed Autistic person.

Annie Kotowicz is an autistic author on a mission to:

• Describe the beautiful view from her brain,

• Help other autistics see the beauty of their own brains, and

• Show why neurodiversity is a beautiful thing.

She studied Art and English at Trinity Western University, which led to various jobs in graphic design, editing, and website development. After an autism diagnosis in 2017, she created the blog Neurobeautiful to process her ongoing discoveries about autism and neurodiversity. Since then, she has become a Chief Technology Officer, Special Education Teacher, and member of Mensa. What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic is her first book. She has also written articles and poetry for Edutopia, NeuroClastic, and Spaces Literary Journal. Annie is happiest when writing, dancing, practicing parkour, drawing Celtic knots, or organizing her cozy and colorful home near Washington, D.C.

Website: https://neurobeautiful.com/book

Email: mybrainisbeautiful@gmail.com

For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:

Caitlin Hughes

Cathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au

Social media: @cathartic.collaborations

Teena Mogler

Balance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au.

Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/

What’s inside?

Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.

Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.

Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.

By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Cammy Griffin, a passionate researcher and organiser of the upcoming Neurodivergent Minds Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Together, we explore the evolving field of neurodiversity-affirming practice, grounded in lived experience, evidence-based research, and a strong commitment to accessibility. Cammy shares insights from her PhD research on speech pathology practices that centre neurodivergent voices, the intersectionality within neurodivergent identities, and the importance of systemic shifts in healthcare and support systems. This episode champions humility, flexibility, and power-sharing in professional practice and highlights how professionals must be willing to adapt, learn, and listen. We’re thrilled to share that Caitlin and Teena will also be attending the Neurodivergent Minds Conference and Caitlin will be presenting!

Cammy is a neurodivergent paediatric speech pathologist on the Sunshine Coast. She is undertaking a PhD on Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Pathology Practice and has a passion for supporting individuals of all neurotypes to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

Find out more about Neurodivergent Minds Conference and Cammy here:

www.neurodivergentmindsconference.com.au https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentmindsconfau/ https://www.instagram.com/letstalkneuropositivity/

For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:

Caitlin Hughes

Cathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au

Social media: @cathartic.collaborations

Teena Mogler

Balance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au.

Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/

What’s inside?

Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.

Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.

Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.

By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.