Understanding Co-Consciousness and Plurality with Steph Robertson

"Our brain created this incredible adaptation to allow us to get through... I don’t think we would be where we are today if it weren’t for the incredible skill our mind had in using dissociation as a coping mechanism. I’m really grateful for what our brain has done."—In this profound episode, Kizzy and Andrew sit down with Steph Robertson, a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist, to explore the lived experience of navigating the world as a plural system (having multiple parts or alters within one mind/body). Steph provides insight into DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), moving the conversation away from sensationalised media tropes toward a reality grounded in her experience of survival, safety, and therapeutic progress.The discussion bridges the gap between traditional pathology and neurodiversity affirming care, highlighting how amnesia and identity shifts exist on a spectrum rather than as rigid checkboxes. For SLPs and health professionals, this episode is a call to move toward relational, curious practice, emphasising that the most powerful tool in a clinician’s kit is the willingness to believe a client's internal reality without judgment.About Our GuestSteph Robertson is an autistic ADHD, CPTSD individual and plural system who works as a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist and advocate. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on challenging neuronormativity and supporting families through a trauma-responsive, transdisciplinary lens.Inside This EpisodeRedefining amnesia (it’s not always a black hole).The "Passenger Seat" analogy for co-consciousness.Why "gentle curiosity" is one of your best clinical tools.And so much more :)Resources MentionedFilm: Petals of a RoseSeries: The Crowded RoomTools: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for DID — The Workbook by Johanna KnynConcepts: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).Training: April 2026 Webinar with Steph Robertson and Christina Keeble on Interoception as a Protective Factor: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1533624 Wilde Consulting: https://wildeconsulting.com.au/services/training-workshops/Guided Healing Psychology: https://www.guidedhealingpsychology.com.au/theteam Connect with Steph Robertson:Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapyEmail: [email protected] Website: https://www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/—Kizzy's Webinar on Trauma-Informed Practice:Learn more: https://webinar.attunedspeech.com.au/registration_tip_210526—The Mindful Speechies Podcast:Instagram: @mindfulspeechiesConnect with Your Hosts:Kizzy SearleWebsite: ⁠www.attunedspeech.com.au⁠Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Instagram: @attunedspeech LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzysearle/⁠ Andrew WattWebsite: www.unitytherapy.comEmail: [email protected]: https://x.com/SLPAndrew LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acwatt/ —Enjoy the episode!