24. S3, Ep5: Mind/body, menopause and masking with autistic CBT hypnotherapist and counsellor Kathy Carter

Kathy Carter has an ‘all body’ approach to counselling, seeing the nervous system as paramount when supporting her mainly neurodivergent clients. Like so many late diagnosed women, Kathy discovered her autism after seeing traits in her son, and went on a research journey.

 

We talk about the post diagnosis journey, and how so many feel people like they are in limbo with no support. Kathy believes it’s our duty as therapists to guide our clients, validate and listen, and support them with resources and psychoeducation.

 

Masking can be exhausting for so many autistic people, who may begin hiding their true selves as children or teenagers in order to fit in. We talk about how important it is to tread carefully when thinking of lowering our masks, using alcohol to create a persona, how we hide our fear of failure, and the risk of others discovering what we are really like.

 

We also discuss why the menopause can be a difficult time for neurodivergent people, with all the sensory differences, emotional sensitivities and changes in our bodies that it brings.

 

 

EPISODE LINKS

 

WEBSITE: https://www.arrivetherapy.co.uk  
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/yourholistictherapist/
PODCAST: https://arrive-therapy-hypno-cbt.libsyn.com