Ep.271 'Neurodivergence in Healthcare - Part 4 of 4: The Neurodivergent Therapist'

Welcome to the final part of our series “Neurodivergence in Healthcare” this month on 'The STA Clinician Podcast' (formerly known as The Sports Therapy Association Podcast'). In this episode entitled ‘THE NEURODIVERGENT THERAPIST’, we look at steps that neurodivergent therapists can take to help look after one's own health & energy capacity, including how to structure one's day, build in recovery time, use energy accounting, and more. Host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Sarah Meharg (Occupational Therapist and Neurodivergent Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant at Moodlifter and Neuroflectuk) and Kassandra Clemens (Founder of Heal Your Confidence, a Level 7 Specific Learning Differences Specialist who helps in particular late-identified neurodivergent professionals). The episode discusses structuring the working day, building in recovery, energy accounting, communication with colleagues, reasonable adjustments, and where to find peer support. Listeners will hear practical ideas, lived‑experience insights, and signposting to resources and communities for clinicians navigating neurodivergence diagnosis, self‑compassion, and workplace adjustments. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:02:41 - Introducing Sarah Meharg & Kassandra Clemens 00:09:14 - Sharing Personal Stories of Neurodivergence 00:14:11 - The Importance of Support for neurodivergent therapists 00:20:27 - Emphasizing Self-Compassion 00:27:01 - Navigating the Healthcare System 00:31:50 - Strategies for neurodivergent therapists to avoid burnout 00:33:06 - The Role of Environment 00:42:02 - Communicating with Colleagues 00:52:16 - The Carrot and Stick Approach 00:57:21 - Reflecting on the Journey 01:01:34 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Useful links Facebook Group: Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians Kassandra Clemens Website: Heal Your Confidence  Sarah Meharg Website: Mood Lifter Sarah Meharg & Rosi Sexton: Neuroflect.co.uk Autism Central - England's Peer Education Programme Thriving Autistic.org Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia Line Managers Toolkit Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.