c2gether Podcast

Elizabeth speaks with AuDHD community member Agata, who discusses how their process of unmasking autism was initiated and how it progressed over the past three years. The complexities of this undertaking are explored, including the tenuous balance between safety (emotional, financial, professional, etc) and freedom. The implications of masking for mental health are outlined and taking a first step toward unmasking is encouraged. To further explore this topic, we suggest the books "Unmasking Autism" by Devon Price, "Untypical" by Peter Wharmby, and "Unmasked: the Ultimate Guide to ADHD, autism and Neurodivergence" by Ellie Middleton.

Elizabeth talks with her colleague, Anca Siminea, a psychologist specializing in diagnostic assessment and trauma . She discusses how the process of assessment and the diagnosis impact the way that clients think about themselves and understand their struggles and strengths. Anca describes the symbiotic relationship between assessment and treatment, particularly for working therapeutically with neurodivergent people. Elizabeth and Anca discuss how clients can inform themselves about what a valid assessment includes, and inquire thoughtfully about how testing can help them to build on their available resources.You can learn more about Anca and her work via her website: https://ancasiminea.ch/You can learn more about the assessment process and inquire about having the testing done via the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland website: https://nsns.ch/en/assessment/

Elizabeth speaks with driving instructor and driving expert, Stefan Plüss, about how his industry is an example of how simple relationship-based adaptations and accommodations can improve road safety and mental health. He describes the vision that he has for industy standards based on meeting the needs of all driving students, including neurodivergent students or those with driving anxiety. Stefan advocates for inclusion using intuition, experience and self-reflection, and demonstrates how instuctors can use their own individual experiences to better relate to and connect with their students. To learn more about Stefan, you can check out his website: https://drivingschoolstefan.ch/enOr follow him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drivingschoolstefan/Or via Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/driving_school_stefan?igsh=cmpmODRqc2V1Yzd6

Elizabeth chats with fellow mental health advocate, Martin Coul, about ways to get men to "cross the threshold" to take care of themselves and to join evolving conversations related to masculinity, cancer and suicide. He reflects on the recent Movember events he organized across Switzerland and the ways that he cares well for himself in spite of the frustration of fighting against continued mental health stigma. Martin has recently launched his own podcast called The Hushed®, which you can listen to on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2lafkvylgOMopNoj79uFRp?si=0jztlILaSxGx1yPZQWv-OQor Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hushed/id1846522160You can learn more about Martin and his efforts via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coulmc/

Samantha Ayers chats with Elizabeth about what she does as a neurodiversity coach and how her work differs from therapy or counseling. She describes the ways that clients connect to strengths and resources to deal with everyday challenges, and ultimately, learn to accept (and even celebrate) their unique wiring. To learn more about Sam and her way of working as a coach, you can check out her website: https://www.samanthaadhdcoach.com/ or email her directly at [email protected] can also read more about her through the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland directory: https://nsns.ch/language/en/coach/samantha-ayers/

Susan Mackay talks with Elizabeth about her experience with "career crash" and burnout, and describes the ways that she recovered by connecting with meaning and value in her new career as a coach. Susan describes how she learned that failure was an opportunity for growth, and that allowing herself to receive support from her "Thunderbirds" changed her perspective on the importance of human connection. The importance of Lego in her recovery was part of the inspiration that she uses in her work with clients.To learn more about Susan, you can check out her profile on the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland (nsns): https://nsns.ch/language/en/coach/susan-mackay/Susan Mackay, Founder,  Create Connection and The Neurodiversity CoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanrmackayWebsite: https://theneurodiversitycoach.ch/Email: [email protected] References:   05.53. Edmondson, Amy C. Right Kind of Wrong: Why Learning to Fail Can Teach Us to Thrive. London: Penguin, 2024. 08.36. Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: Changing The Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential. London: Little, Brown / Hachette UK, 2017 (Updated Edition).09.35The Balcony and the Ballroom concept from Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading. Harvard Business School Press.18.15. Mackay, S. The power of believing in others. ION Neurodiversity. Retrieved 04.10.25, from https://ioneurodiversity.org/the-power-of-believing-in-others/ 34.15. Mackay, S. Moving from IQ to WEQ: A new form of intelligence. ION Neurodiversity. Retreived 04.10.25, from https://ioneurodiversity.org/moving-from-iq-to-weq-a-new-form-of-intelligence/36.07. Giwerc, D. (2011). Permission to Proceed: The Keys to Creating a Life of Passion, Purpose and Possibility for Adults with ADHD. Vervante.  Escalante, A. (2024, May 16). We’ve got depression all wrong. It’s trying to save us. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shouldstorm/202012/weve-got-depression-all-wrong-its-trying-to-save-us18.54 The Cyber Ball ExperimentJournal article:Williams, K. D., & Jarvis, B. (2006). Cyberball: A program for use in research on interpersonal ostracism and acceptance. Behavior Research Methods, 38(1), 174–180. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03192765YouTube video:Psychology and ELT. Social exclusion [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/goK2rivxTqQ?si=LBXKJXRtRl-6ALVs28.34  Angie’s Comedy Courses - Comedy as Therapy: Comedy on referral - healing by feeling funny https://www.angiescomedycourses.com/comedy-as-therapy/36.27 Hallowell, E. M. (2012, October). Ferrari Engines, Bicycle Brakes. Educational Leadership, 70(2), 36-38.  39.19 Zander, B. (2023, April). Life lessons from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_life_lessons_from_beethoven_s_symphony_no_9

Chantal San Miguel joins Elizabeth to discuss her journey towards accepting her brain's unique wiring, and how she helps others- especially mothers- to learn how to connect with their most authentic self. Chantal describes how she works as a neurodiversity coach and the ways that coaching can help people to process a diagnosis of ADHD or autism. As part of the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland, she works to create systemic change in Switzerland so that more people can access supportive care and ultimately let their brains sparkle.To learn more about Chantal or to work with her, you can check out her website: https://chantalsanmiguel.ch/She also is active on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosparkle.ch/

Elizabeth talks with Shelly Sharon, a trauma-informed Hakomi therapist with a specialization in the Mother Wound. Shelly describes what the Mother Wound is, and how it can affect people's decisions, relationships, and beliefs about themselves and the world. They talk about the power in understanding and working on the Mother Wound in therapy, and how these themes can resonate through generations and society.To learn more about Shelly's work, you can check out her website: https://www.shellysharon.comTo contact her directly, you can send her an email at [email protected]

Elizabeth speaks with Bindu O. Fernandes about the Heart2Heart english support hotline. She shares her experience working with the organization and the possible usefulness of the service for english-speakers looking for support during tough and lonely times. Bindu notes that Switzerland can be a lonely place for migrants and this phone line is one way to feel connected to others.You can learn more at https://www.143.ch/en/To contact Bindu for more information, you can email her at [email protected]

Elizabeth and Zurich-based counselor Krish Phua discuss the complex interplay between sexuality and mental health. Their conversation explores how well-being can be benefitted from self-awareness, confidence and intimacy that grows in the realm of embracing and exploring one's sexuality. Krish suggests that working with clients can be enhanced by inviting them to discuss their sexual lives and identity, either in an individual or couples context. To learn more about how Krish works and to check out his upcoming events, you can visit his website: https://mindinsights.ch/or on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishphua/

The decision to separate or divorce is a huge point of stress for many immigrants, and a stressor that often shows up in the therapy room. The lack of familiarity with the legal system can be one of many barriers to taking the next step to leaving a relationship that is no longer working. Our interview with Frau Sabine Renker reveals important information about common areas of confusion and about the different resources that are available to those in challenging financial situations. You can learn more about Frau Renker via her website :https://advokatur1.chYou can check with your canton's lawyer registry for more information and resources :For example, in Bern: https://www.bav-aab.ch/de/or the Federal Registry:https://www.sav-fsa.ch/en/anwaltsregisterTo learn more about your rights, you can look on your canton's legal information website, for example in Vaud:https://www.vd.ch/etat-droit-finances/egalite-entre-les-femmes-et-les-hommes/violence-domestiqueor for example in Bern:https://www.zsg.justice.be.ch/fr/start/themen/zivilrecht/familienrecht.htmlYou can contact c2 for more information and resources: contact @ c2gether.ch

Elizabeth discusses the inspiration for the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland with the co-founder, Rachael Camp. Nsns strives to connect clients with better support options for understanding and navigating the particular challenges a neurodivergent person might encounter working and living in Switzerland. For more information, you can check out the nsns website: https://nsns.ch/about/or contact Elizabeth at [email protected]

Elizabeth speaks with coach Tessa Richter about her personal journey to understand the relationship between her high creativity and neurodivergence. She reflects on the ways in which creativity is commonly misunderstood and how the potential inherent to connecting actively to creativity can be better accessed. Tessa sees neurodivergent traits as an expression of our intrinsic human genius and that we lose through a mechanistic world view and educational system. In her work, she helps clients use these traits as strengths to lead a self determined life based on knowing themselves and loving who they are. Tessa wants to raise awareness that understanding this secret potential that all humans possess could prove vital in a world increasingly ruled by the use of AI. To learn more about Tessa's coaching work, you can join one of her webinars, coaching programs or contact her directly for a conversation. Her website is https://www.oursecretpotential.com and she speaks works in English, German and French.

Elizabeth is joined by artist and therapist, Cristina Szemere, who describes a novel intervention for increasing acceptance of somatic experiences. She describes how externalising traumatic or painful events onto paper can make the experiences easier to process, and can be a way to honour the resilience of the human condition while creating a sense of being witnessed. Cristina explores how Somatic Body Mapping could be expanded to help other populations navigate illness, accidents, and trauma. To learn more about Cristina's work, you can email her at [email protected] To learn more about the services that she offers, you can check out her website at https://www.dein-werk.ch To read more about Somatic Body-Mapping, you can visit the website of its founder, Annette Schwalbe at https://www.annetteschwalbe.co.uk

Former HR professional Karina Schneider talks with Elizabeth about how her experiences shaped her work as a re-integration specialist for clients returning to work after a prolonged mental health absence. Her work is informed by compassion, strategy, and practical expertise and is grounded in her value to make the working world a more mentally-friendly place. For more information about the work that she does with clients and companies, you can check out her website: https://www.karinaschneider.com Or contact her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinaschneider-hrandwellbeingpartner/

There is a growing emphasis on the power of complementary body work to help people access and process emotional experiences. Psychologists are beginning to encourage clients to move beyond simply understanding and relating to their experience and into feeling their experience. As part of digging deeper into the potential of body work, Elizabeth speaks with Nadya Seeberger, a Breath Work facilitator and hypnotherapist in Biel-Bienne/Nidau. More about Nadya: nadya-seeberger.com More information about the practice of Breathwork: www.mrjamesnestor.com www.breatheology.com/about-stig-severinsen

Elizabeth speaks with her colleague, Laura Wadhwa, about her research on blended families. Laura shares some ways to talk to kids about the changes to the family constellation, and how to give space for kids to discuss and share whatever feelings they have. The importance of validating their reactions to avoid the destructive effect of shame is described. For more information, Laura recommends the following book: Van Deurzen, E., & Iacovou, S. (2013). Existential perspectives on relationship therapy. Bloomsbury Publishing. You can also contact her via email: https://c2gether.ch/professional/laura-wadhwa-msc/

Elizabeth interviews her own father, Richard Wack, about his ADHD history. He reflects on the ways that it affected his relationship with his peers, family and himself. Despite having a successful legal career, he shares how undiagnosed ADHD affected his anxiety and addiction. He shares feedback that might be helpful to others who are discovering the ways that their brains work at a later age. You can learn more about Richard here: https://nadn.org/pdf/Rick-Wack.pdf

Many of us no longer live in the same community as our parents. Often we live oceans away. This conversation is dedicated to discussing a topic that brings up many emotions and involves many complicated variables but in the end, is the most human of experiences to have. For a recommended article that touches on some of these themes, we could recommend starting here: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a45665678/caregiving-for-aging-parents/ We are grateful for the contributions of Aoife, Patricia, and Diana in sharing their experiences in this important episode. Aoife Hoitink has lived internationally for over 25 years. She has been living in Lausanne for the last 10 years. Aoife's parents are in Ireland and her in laws live in The Netherlands. Patricia Vriesendorp is an American and Swiss trained psychologist & psychotherapist who has often had family spread out across borders.  She currently lives with her immediate family, husband and 2 teen sons in Biel, while her extended family, mother and brother live in the Netherlands.  The deterioration and eventual death of her father more than 2 years ago highlighted the challenges of navigating care for family while abroad. Diana Rusen is a body work therapist who works with her clients in Biel-Bienne. She grew up in Romania.

Patricia and Elizabeth discuss the particularities of the process of applying for foreign training to be recognized in Switzerland to practice as a psychologist or psychotherapist. We talk about the important things to know, the differences between the BAG, PsyKo and FSP, and the pros-cons of working as a psychologist vs. a psychotherapist. We get lots of questions about this from mental health clinicians new to Switzerland so we hope that you will find this to be a handy resource as you navigate this complex and often frustrating process. The c2 website gives more information and links: https://c2gether.ch/working-as-a-mental-health-professsional-in-switzerland Contact: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)Psychology Professions Commission (PsyCo)Schwarzenburgstrasse 157CH-3003 BernPhone: +41 (0)58 464 38 18E-Mail: [email protected]

Elizabeth talks with Patricia about the importance of grief and grieving, and the particular ways it may impact people living away from their home countries and cultures. The collective experience of grief from the period of Covid is also discussed. Ways to navigate the experience of grief within yourself and with others were explored.  To find more information on the topic and additional resources, you can check out Patricia's blog post: https://c2gether.ch/grief-and-loss/ To join the virtual Grief Circle scheduled for 2 February, you can register here: https://c2gether.ch/event/grief-circle/ You can email Elizabeth or Patricia at: [email protected]

Elizabeth and Patricia outline and discuss the upcoming changes to how psychotherapy will be covered by the insurance in Switzerland starting in 2023. This episode is for: Any existing psychotherapy clients curious about if and how their services will be reimbursed,  Anyone considering starting psychotherapy in the future,  or any mental health practitioners who may be curious about how these changes might impact how they interact with the healthcare system, and how this might contribute to the current demand crisis in healthcare. For a written outline and more information, you can check out c2's website: https://c2gether.ch/c2-news/ There is also additional information via the Federal Office of Public Health: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/berufe-im-gesundheitswesen/psychologieberufe.html We encourage you to talk with your healthcare and insurance providers about how these changes might impact you and your family.  

Elizabeth chats with Meltem Kusku, a mental-health counselor who talks about how her own experience with psychedelics has reduced her suffering and avoidance of a traumatic childhood experience that shaped her life. They discuss current research that suggests the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for healing trauma, and the proposed uses of psychedelics in the treatment of other mental health conditions. She encourages people who are curious to talk openly about next steps with their medical and mental health providers. If you want to get in touch with Meltem for more information, you can reach her via email at [email protected] MAPS - A leading non-profit organization in psychedelic research, information and education. https://maps.org Clinical trials that are going on in Switzerland for people to get an experience by participating in research. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results/map/click?map.x=603&map.y=876&term=psychedelic&recrs=a&map=EU&mapw=1203 A retreat center in Holland that legally offer integrative psychedelic experiences. There are many others. https://www.kiyumi.org

Professional journalist and writer, Tara Giroud, shares her experience of writing for her mental health and her current inspiration to help others use this medium to support their own well-being. She discusses the importance of reflecting on our experiences and communicating with ourselves and others. Tara gives a number of practical tips to help when self-criticism shows up in your writing. c2 will host Tara's workshop on this topic on 11 June at 10-12:30. To sign up, please contact Tara directly via email: [email protected] You can check out her website: https://taragiroud.com/ or find her on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn You can also see more about the details about the workshop via the c2 website: https://c2gether.ch/events/

Elizabeth speaks with Jeremy McTeague of Scott's Kirk Church in Lausanne. He has spearheaded an initiative to create a day center for refugees (mainly from Ukraine) who are staying with local families in the area. Forced displacement results not just in disconnection from homeland, but also from a sense of identity. This day center intends to help its members stay connected to themselves and others. It is currently open on Thursday and Sunday afternoons.  For more information or to help out, please contact Jeremy and his team at: [email protected] This episode also discusses the organization EVAM (Établissement vaudois d'accueil des migrants).  Here are some other links that you might find useful: Hire the Ukrainian:  www.hiretheukrainian.com and V. https://www.hiretheukrainian.com/mental-health Ukraine Reborn: www.ukraine-reborn.ch Christ Church Lausanne : http://christchurch-lausanne.ch/christchurch2/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/UkrainianRefugeeDayCentre.pdf Our Lady of Faith Lausanne: https://www.catholicchurchlausanne.org/

Elizabeth talks with Lyla Schwartz about her broad experience providing psychological support to people who have been affected by trauma in different places around the world, and how this has led to her current research at the University of Basel. In this conversation, she suggests some ways that we can help support migrants and refugees who are settling in Switzerland.  AsyLex: Legal Assistance Haus Pour Bienne Jeremy McTeague of the Ukraine Day Centre in Lausanne email : [email protected] POMA Global To participate in Lyla's research survey (OPEN TO ANYONE WHO HAS SETTLED IN SWITZERLAND, preferably with a B or C permit), please read the description and click the link: We are researchers at POMA, a non-profit focused on providing psychological protection to at-risk populations. We are conducting a study to better understand the needs of refugees and asylum seekers and identify the gaps in legal, social and health services afforded to them by host countries in Europe. We have designed a survey, to be completed by people of varying nationalities, now living in Europe. We believe that the barriers refugees and asylum seekers face cause a significant amount of stress to the person, and it is therefore an important topic to explore. With the information gathered from this survey, we hope to develop support and to inform policy and interventions moving forward. We would like to ask you to share this survey with your patients, residents and colleagues with lived experiences as a refugee or migrant. The survey is or soon will be available in English, French, German, Ukrainian, Arabic, Farsi, Tigray and Turkish. Please find the survey by following this link: https://upkbasel.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_23w31lIOht2dNgG?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current c2 Facebook page

Elizabeth chats with Carl Wahlers, the founder of the Lausanne-based Blokes and Black Dogs support group. This peer-to-peer group is for men who are needing support around mental health issues like isolation, loneliness, depression or anxiety. He talks about how the idea of the group arose and how he hopes it will be a resource that english-speaking men across Switzerland use to reduce the shame and build community. Link to the Blokes and Black Dogs podcast: Buzzsprout Web site: https://www.blokesandblackdogs.ch/ Facebook page: Blokes and Black Dogs | Facebook LinkedIn: Blokes and Black Dogs: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn Black Dog WHO: I had a black dog, his name was depression - Bing video Movember Movement to decrease death by suicide among men: https://ch.movember.com/en/

Elizabeth talks with Dr. Patricia Vriesendorp about the ways in which challenges to self-compassion show up in day-to-day life, and how to make self-compassion a practice that could potentially benefit motivation, mental-health and well-being. The particularities of practicing self-compassion as a foreigner or migrant are discussed, as well as some ways that this uniquely vulnerable group can learn to be kinder to themselves. We will discuss this topic further in our upcoming webinar on 23 March, 30 March and 6 April. Check out c2's Facebook page for more information or to register. We also share some of our favorite resources on this topic: Fierce Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff Self-compassion.org Center for Mindful Self Compassion

ADHD advocate Renée McClure shares her ADHD story, and some of the resources that she found useful along the way. If you have any questions for Renée about her journey or about joining her Facebook support group, Women Who Rock CH (the ADHD Edition), you can contact her via email at [email protected]. Some other resources mentioned are: ADHD 2.0  How To ADHD  ADHD for Smart Ass Women Psy Bern Clinic

Elizabeth interviews nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner, Kerry Fugard. We discuss brain health and how to eat to prevent dementia. Ways to use nutrition and other aspects of daily life to help your brain function well and deal with common challenges (including seasonal change) were explored. To contact Kerry, you can visit the following sites: https://www.nutri-360.com/ https://www.facebook.com/nutri360.nutrition/ https://www.instagram.com/nutri360swiss/ Resources discussed include: Dr. Dale Bredesen's book: The End of Alzheimer's Program

Elizabeth chats with body work therapist and coach, Jaya Saunders, about her way of helping people connect the mind and body. She talks about how working with the body can help us better understand ourselves and reduce tension. Jaya gives us a preview of her two upcoming workshops with c2, including the Women's Health Day and her mindfulness meditation workshop on 16 October, 2021. She also presents a brief mindfulness to the breath exercise. If you'd like to sign up for Jaya's mindfulness meditation workshop on the 16th, you can find more information here: https://c2gether.ch/event/mindfulness-meditation-with-jaya-session-1/ If you'd like to learn more about Jaya and the work she does, you can check out her website: https://jayasaundersconsulting.com/about

Elizabeth speaks with Agnes Leonetti, a therapist/doula in Biel/Bienne, who discusses ways in which parents and families can build community with other parents and families. She discusses a new family café project called "Graines de Vie" which brings together families and kids with therapists, educators, and creatives in order to build connection and support. Agnes also talks about her work as a doula, and why having a birth support person as a non-native Swiss resident can be particularly useful (for example, as a translator). You can find more about the resources discussed in this episode by clicking the following links: Agnes' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agnes.leonetti.7 Find a doula in Switzerland: https://doula.ch/ Graines de Vie family center: https://grainesdevie.ch/services/ Graines de Vie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grainesdevie.Bienne Luna Birth House in Bern: https://www.geburtshausluna.ch/

In this episode, Elizabeth interviews Stéphanie Goffaux, a psychologist who works with kids and their families to set up systems that help kids participate more actively in family and household tasks while building autonomy and self-confidence. Stéphanie shares a number of practical ideas and tips for navigating common areas of daily challenge for parents and their kids, like hygiene, mealtime, and homework.  You can find more information about Stéphanie on her website: https://psy.goffaux.ch/en/home/ 

Elizabeth interviews Angela Warm about what women can do to support their health and mental health during perimenopause and menopause. We cover topics related to nutrition, stress, sleep, communication and sex. 

Elizabeth interviews Sandrine Dennler, a shiatsu therapist, about how perfectionism shows up in the body, preventing vulnerability and interfering with connection. She shares ways that people can identify and resolve issues related to anxiety, perfectionism and stress by working with it in their bodies and in their lives.

Elizabeth interviews Patricia about c2's Open Space Day event occurring 30 April 2021. Patricia explains the element of co-creation of the schedule that make this event particularly dynamic.