Episode 74: Tessa Amina

Welcome to episode #74! We’re thrilled to be joined by Tessa Amina today.Tessa Amina is the founder of Intuitive Expression and is a neurodivergent therapist, coach, and Reiki practitioner. They offer international coaching for professionals, drawing on lived experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, religious trauma, grief, neurodiversity, and addiction.Tessa provides compassionate support for mental health challenges, spiritual growth, and creative blocks. They’re here today to share insights on living as a neurodivergent person and offer productivity tips.Welcome to the show, Tessa!QuestionsJN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical?Diagnosed with ADHD at 31 while working in an acute care psychiatric hospitalStruggled with details and a fast-paced environment, leading to diagnosisLooking back, childhood and school difficulties made sense after diagnosisJN: How did that realization impact your self-perception?Brought self-compassion and understanding of past strugglesLong-standing difficulties with organization, testing, and classroom behaviorJN: What strategies have helped you manage ADHD post-diagnosis?Shifted to a less intense work environment and started a private practiceSupplements (influenced by Dr. Daniel Amen) instead of stimulantsUses isochronic tones and sound therapy for focusJN: Can you explain isochronic tones?Similar to binaural beats but don’t require earbudsUsed in a cubicle setting to help maintain focusJN: How did changing your work environment help you lean into your strengths?Focuses on therapy, coaching, and Reiki—things they naturally excel atUses mornings for administrative tasks when their brain is freshestJN: What role does Mind-Body Bridging play in your daily routine?Foundation of their work, helping with self-awareness and emotional regulationUses mapping techniques for processing thoughts before big conversationsJN: Do you prefer working with individuals or groups?Currently works one-on-one but is considering starting group workshopsJN: What are your hobbies outside of work?Loves movies, especially Pixar, cerebral films, and documentariesPassion for poetry, nature, and trying diverse cuisinesRecently traveled to France and enjoyed exploring food cultureJN: How do you optimize productivity during the day?Uses whiteboards and physical lists instead of apps for task managementKeeps workspaces clear and uses music to stay in the zoneJN: What productivity advice doesn’t work for you?The concept of “grit” isn’t helpful—forcing tasks through pressure backfiresInstead, they set false deadlines to create urgency without anxietyJN: What does your morning routine look like?Coffee, reading, meditation, and Mind-Body Bridging before workUses mapping to prepare for big meetings or conversationsJN: How do you wind down at night?Uses silence, meditation, and supplements like lemon balm, CBD, and magnesiumEngages in Mind-Body Bridging and sensory grounding to relax before sleepJN: Where can people connect with you?Email: [email protected] NetworkJN: Final words for the audience?Don’t be afraid to ask for helpHonor your body—it will guide you if you listenLean into your strengths and celebrate themConnect with Tessa:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tessa-amina-thulien-ma-lpc-a22aaa10Email: [email protected]: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/intuitive-expression-westminster-co/1309665 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveexpressionllc/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear