S4E8: Beyond Diagnosis: Building Confidence in Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice | Dr Jo Mueller & Dr Lauren Breese

S4E8: Beyond Diagnosis: Building Confidence in Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice | Dr Jo Mueller & Dr Lauren BreeseEPISODE SUMMARYThis episode of Mastering Therapy welcomes clinical psychologists Dr. Lauren Breese and Dr. Jo Mueller of the neurodiversity practice (alongside Dr Sibohan Higgins) for a sharp, practical exploration of adult autism and neurodivergent parenting. They discuss the misconceptions that trip up therapists, why autism isn’t synonymous with mental health struggles, and the surprisingly liberating power of discussing neurodivergence early.There’s a clear rundown of adapting therapy for autistic adults—including navigating unpredictable sessions, sensory overwhelm, and boundaries that actually protect your client’s (and your own) battery. Whether you’re staring at daunting NHS assessment paperwork or questioning how direct to be, this episode is packed with straightforward guidance and a few witty asides.02:24 Autism Misconceptions05:07 Trauma and Autism06:26 Raising Neurodiversity10:05 Neuroaffirming Framing15:21 Adapting Therapy21:58 Assessment Paperwork26:50 Late Diagnosis Triggers29:43 Parenting Pressure Points32:06 Protect Your Battery36:15 Resources and Wrap UpGuest Information:Dr. Lauren Breese and Dr. Jo Mueller are clinical psychologists and co-founders of The Neurodiversity Practice. They work with neurodivergent people and their families, offering therapy, consultancy, and training. Their work includes an online community for neurodivergent parents and resources for clinicians.Website: The Neurodiversity PracticeResources discussedTraining for practitionersThe Neurodivergent Parent Space (support community run by the guests)Autistic Girls Network websiteJo's BlogThe Hidden 20% PodcastThe Neurodivergent Woman PodcastDeborah Kingston’s EMDR training for neurodivergent presentationshttps://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/Resources mentioned:** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInSUPERVISOR PLATFORMSupervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services.Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3')To search for a new supervisor visit HEREFor free resources on supervision visit HEREDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode:MASTERING THERAPY WORKSHOPSGet your name on the list to be the first to hear when these workshops go live! https://www.masteringtherapy.com/workshopsGuideSupervisor platformSUPERVISOR PLATFORM: Visit www.supervisorplatform.com to search supervisors You can list your profile for free for 3 monthsGuide