Midlife AF Podcast

#114 Alchemised AF

Listen Later

In this episode, I share my personal journey as a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD counselor, psychotherapist, and alcohol coach. I open up about my struggles with busy brain, masking, and the coping mechanisms I used - including alcohol - to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. I discuss how societal expectations, trauma, and neurodivergence shaped my identity, and how self-compassion became the key to transforming my relationship with myself and with alcohol.

Episode Takeaways:

  • I learned that “busy brain” is not a personality flaw, but a symptom of deeper issues like trauma, neurodivergence, and societal pressure.
  • Alcohol and other coping mechanisms are often solutions to discomfort, not the root problem themselves.
  • Self-compassion, not willpower or harsh self-judgment, is the most effective path to healing and change.
  • Masking and trying to fit in led me to lose touch with my authentic self; unmasking is a gradual, ongoing process.
  • Our inner critic and need to control are often protective strategies developed in response to feeling unsafe or unacceptable.
  • Burnout, stress, and self-sabotage are common among neurodivergent and sensitive people, especially when we ignore our needs.
  • Sharing our stories and struggles helps break the cycle of shame and isolation.
  • True transformation - alchemy - comes from understanding and repurposing our coping strategies, not just suppressing them.

    • Episode links & Resources

    • Join my 5-day Virtual Retreat from 15th - 19th September at hoperisingcoaching.com/5day-vr
       
      • ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      Midlife AF PodcastBy Emma Gilmour