Divergent Dialogues

In this deeply resonant conversation, we explore how Gifted identity is shaped through mirroring, the profound importance of safe, attuned relationships, and the nuanced challenges of living as neurodivergent individuals in a world built for sameness. Together, we reflect on the journey of self-acceptance, the role of humour and play as relational tools, and the healing power of co-created spaces that honour difference. We dive into existential perfectionism and the ongoing dance between the pathology paradigm and the neurodiversity paradigm. This episode is a grounded, compassionate invitation to embrace your full self—with curiosity, courage, and community. Key Themes Explored: * Authenticity & relational safety: how feeling seen supports nervous system regulation and deeper self-understanding. * Self-acceptance journeys: reframing the need for external validation and embracing curiosity when building connections across neurotypes. * Emotional safety for gifted folks: unpacking internalised shame and societal expectations, and finding joy in interests. * Humour as both shield and bridge: playfulness as a tool for navigating uncertain social terrain. * Living biculturally: straddling the pathology paradigm and neurodiversity paradigm as clinicians with lived experience. * Gordon’s group work: insight into creative and therapeutic spaces for identity exploration through poetry and connection. Gordon Smith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Coach, Creative, and work in progress at giftedandgrowing.org. A Clinician in his 25th year of practice, Gordon has centered his practice entirely on gifted adolescents and adults since 2017. Gordon’s mission is to help gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people become fully themselves through self-knowing, self-acceptance, self-care, and self-advocacy. He offers individual counseling and coaching as well as many varied group coaching and creative experiences. He is passionate about community building and the depathologization and decolonization of gifted consciousness. He is a gifted, multiply neurodivergent, multipotentialite living in Asheville, North Carolina, where he has been a community organizer in countless roles. In addition to his individual counseling and coaching services, Gordon leads groups centered in gifted self-development and creative consciousness. He’s also a poet, organizer of the Big Asheville Science Salon, disc golfer, chess player, party planner, fellow at Camp Yunasa, traveler and bon vivant. To learn more about Gordon and his work check out: Gifted and Growing - https://giftedandgrowing.org/ Gifted Adults Group Experience - ⁠https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/gifted-adults-group-experience/⁠ [https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/gifted-adults-group-experience/] Turning the Jewel: Story and Self - ⁠https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/age-of-intuition-suite-offering/⁠ [https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/age-of-intuition-suite-offering/] Magnum Opus - ⁠https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/age-of-intuition-suite-magnum-opus/⁠ [https://giftedandgrowing.org/groups/age-of-intuition-suite-magnum-opus/] Decolonizing Therapy by Dr. Jennifer Mullan - ⁠https://www.decolonizingtherapy.com/book⁠ [https://www.decolonizingtherapy.com/book] Laura Hope-Gill Substack - ⁠https://substack.com/@laurahopegill⁠ [https://substack.com/@laurahopegill] Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/ For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: * Caitlin Hughes * ⁠Cathartic Collaborations⁠ [https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/] * Social media: @cathartic.collaborations * Teena Mogler * ⁠Balance Centre for Mental Health⁠ [https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/] * Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

⚠️ Content Warning This podcast episode discusses domestic and sexual violence against autistic people. It includes references to abuse, trauma, and systemic harm. Please prioritise your wellbeing — feel free to pause, skip sections, or step away at any time. In this deeply insightful episode of Divergent Dialogues, we sit down with Jessica Fox, an Autistic doctoral researcher, to explore the intersecting experiences of Autistic women, domestic violence, sexual violence and trauma. Together with Caitlin and Teena, Jessica unpacks the prevalence of interpersonal violence, the impact of systemic failures, and the barriers Autistic individuals face when navigating social expectations and accessing support. Drawing from both lived experience and academic research, the conversation moves through themes of social isolation, gender oppression, neuroaffirming practice, and the triple empathy problem. We also discuss the power of community, the importance of autistic representation in research, and the need to centre consent and mutual understanding in therapeutic and relational contexts.Whether you're a professional, lived experience advocate, or community member, this episode is an essential listen for anyone working toward justice, safety, and equity for Neurodivergent women.Topics Covered:High rates of domestic and sexual violence among Autistic womenSocial masking, boundary challenges, and consent complexitiesSystemic and structural risk factorsThe value of neuroaffirming and feminist approachesJess is an autistic doctoral researcher at the Queensland University of Technology and a strong advocate for the human rights and wellbeing of autistic people. Jess is particularly passionate about autistic-led research and community building. Jess is an interdisciplinary researcher who is currently studying autistic women’s experiences of interpersonal violence and trauma. Before undertaking her PhD, Jess worked with autistic young people in school settings. Jess is also passionate about her work in supporting autistic adults through peer mentoring and mutual aid networks.Links to Jess’s research touching on the topics discussed:Neuro-queering feminism: Creating space within feminism to address autistic experiences of gender oppression: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09593535241306532The Impact of Intersectional Disadvantage on Autistic Women's Experiences of Interpersonal Violence: A Narrative Review: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2023.0100 – feel free to get in touch with Jess at jessicafox.hdr@qut.edu.au if you need access to this.Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack 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 on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode, we (Caitlin and Teena) explore the importance of creating safe, collaborative spaces in therapy where neurodivergent clients feel truly seen and supported. We unpack common barriers people face when approaching therapy and share ways to prepare for a first session so it feels less daunting. Together, we highlight the power of client autonomy, the need for therapists to adapt with openness, and the value of mutual respect in the therapeutic process. In this episode, we cover:The importance of client comfort and preparation in therapyWhy a collaborative, flexible approach is keyRespecting client autonomy and lived experienceDive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack 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 on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode, we sit down with Marni Kammersell, to explore alternative education models and how they support neurodivergent children. From forest schools to unschooling and self-directed learning, we discuss the importance of flexibility, autonomy, and embracing diverse learning preferences.We also dive into the social benefits of gaming for neurodivergent individuals, reflecting on how video games can support regulation, connection, and skill development—when approached with balance and understanding. Finally, we explore parenting neurodivergent children, empowering autonomy and decision-making from an early age.Topics covered:Forest schools & nature-based learning – Pros & considerations for neurodivergent kidsGaming & neurodivergence – How it fosters social connection & emotional regulationHomeschooling & unschooling – Self-directed education and why it works for some neurodivergent learnersEmpowering autonomy – Encouraging independence and self-advocacy in neurodivergent childrenMarni Kammersell is a neurodivergent educator, consultant, and parent to three neurodivergent kids. She specializes in helping families create liberatory, neuro-affirming educational environments and is passionate about self-directed education, the neurodiversity paradigm, and non-coercive relationships. A doctoral student researching neurodivergence and self-directed learning, Marni has over 15 years of experience in alternative education, including homeschooling, unschooling, democratic schools, and forest schools.Learn more about Marni’s work here: https://wanderingbrightly.com/For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealthDive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack 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 on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

In this deeply reflective conversation, Caitlin and Teena unpack the systemic barriers that autistic individuals and ADHDers often face when navigating mental health care and assessment pathways. Drawing from both lived experience and professional expertise, they explore the confusing, costly, and often invalidating processes involved in accessing support. The episode shines a light on the importance of neuro-affirming, autism-specific training for GPs and mental health professionals, and discusses how therapy environments can be better tailored to meet neurodivergent needs. It ends on a hopeful note, acknowledging the challenges of creating systemic change while affirming the power of small, individual actions toward a more inclusive, understanding society.Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack 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 on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth