As a neurodivergent individual, it can sometimes feel like your true self is hidden beneath layers of societal expectations.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Dr. Karissa Burnett, a depth psychologist, trauma specialist, the founder of Divergent Pathways, and a late-diagnosed Autistic ADHDer, discuss the deep inner workings of the mind, the societal challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the valuable insights that psychoanalytic therapy can offer. Together, they explore the intersections of depth psychology, authenticity, and the lived experiences of Autistic individuals, aiming to shed light on often misunderstood aspects of mental health.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover how making unconscious feelings and behaviors conscious can lead to significant healing and a deeper understanding of oneself.
2. Gain insights into societal discomfort with authenticity and how autistic behaviors can challenge social norms by exposing hidden realities, framed through a canary-in-the-coal-mine metaphor.
3. Learn about therapeutic approaches like psychoanalytic therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) that go beyond symptom management to understand the underlying reasons for behaviors, offering transformative potential for neurodivergent individuals.

As you reflect on today’s episode, consider the true self that you might be keeping hidden and think about the societal norms that challenge your authenticity. Remember, making the unconscious conscious is a journey toward healing and self-discovery.

NOTE: In this episode, we touch on the concept of "sacred rage," which is explored in-depth by Dr. Jennifer Mullan in her book Decolonizing Therapy.

More about Dr. Karissa Burnett:

Dr. Karissa Burnett (she/her) is a trailblazing depth psychologist and trauma specialist known for bridging science with soul. As the founder of Divergent Pathways and a late-diagnosed Autistic ADHDer herself, she provides transformative therapeutic assessments that empower clients to embrace their authentic selves. Featured in the American Psychological Association's “Monitor on Psychology" magazine for advancing neurodiversity-affirming care, Dr. Burnett advocates for disability justice, providing consultation to the ACLU and using her voice to promote systemic change.

• Website: divergentpathways.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/divergentpathways

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Navigating the world as a gifted individual can be emotionally taxing and filled with both internal and external challenges that are often dismissed or minimized by oneself and others. The giftedness label is often viewed as a privilege resulting in failure to recognize and offer support for the very real struggles that can come with it.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, open up about their personal experiences and discuss the complexities of giftedness, identity, and coping mechanisms in the context of mental health.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover how giftedness and neurodivergence both intersect and differ, offering nuanced perspectives on recognizing and understanding these traits.
2. Learn about how this giftedness series sparked deep self-reflection for the hosts, creating a space for them and listeners to explore the emotional layers of their experiences.
3. Delve into thoughtful discussions on how societal perceptions of intelligence and privilege impact self-identity and mental health, challenging common assumptions about capability and success.

As you reflect on your own experiences or the experiences of those around you, consider the ways in which you navigate your identity and emotions. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and embrace your complexities.

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✨ iACTcenter:

The iACTcenter is an elite global ICF-accredited coach education and training program designed to train people to become confident, skilled, professional ADHD life coaches. They prepare aspiring coaches to make a living while making a difference in the lives of ADHDers and other neurodivergent people. Learn more at iactcenter.com.

Julien Mussi, our student, passed away unexpectedly during our inaugural class in 2015. We offer...

As a gifted, BIPOC individual, it can be uniquely challenging to navigate day-to-day experiences and find meaningful connections, especially prior to the discovery of giftedness.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US, discuss his unique perspective on being seen beneath our social masks, the societal impact of intellectual identity as a BIPOC human, and his personal self-discovery journey of giftedness.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover the complexities and societal pressures of intellectual identity and how they shape interactions and self-perception, as well as the struggle to find genuine connections while managing unique cognitive abilities.
2. Gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals, especially within marginalized communities. Learn about the burden of expectations, code-switching as a gifted black man, and the journey of self-acceptance.
3. Learn about Sheldon Gay's perspective on navigating biases in professional spaces, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of self-trust and empathy in both personal and professional settings.

As you explore the depths of your own identity and capabilities, remember the importance of self-trust and creating spaces where you can be your authentic self. Reflect on how societal expectations may have influenced your journey and seek communities that celebrate your unique experiences and perspectives.

More about Sheldon:

Sheldon Gay is an entrepreneur with a background in engineering and creating memorable customer experiences. He's worked in various fields, including healthcare, nonprofits, and education-technology. In addition to growing multiple businesses, he is currently the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US. As a Black man who discovered later in life that he’s neurodivergent, he sees the world from a different angle than most. Due to his unique perspective, he knows all too well how it feels to be “the only one” in a room. After intense self-discovery work in his early 40s, he found answers to life-long questions and received freedom from burdens he'd carried since he was a child. Now, he uses his experiences to help others embrace their true selves and release their burdens as well. Sheldon helps his audiences become curious about their minds, combat loneliness through community, and experience peace and joy through authenticity.

• Website: sheldongayisbugn.com
• Social Media: @imustbebugn and @imustbebugn.bsky.social

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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here

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