Navigating Grief and Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Hannah Allen, a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. They discuss their long-standing friendship and delve into Hannah's journey through late-stage ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and practice. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of grief, particularly for individuals with ADHD, and the importance of understanding non-death related losses. They also talk about the role of masking, the complexities of people-pleasing, and the importance of realigning one's life values. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating grief and neurodiversity.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Meet Hannah Allen: Licensed Therapist and ADHD Coach

03:48 Hannah's Journey with ADHD and Grief

08:28 Understanding Non-Death Related Losses

13:59 Navigating Grief with ADHD

25:32 The Impact of Masking and Unmasking

29:04 Coping Strategies for Grief

30:21 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Grief

31:43 The Performative Aspect of Masking

33:26 Time as a Resource in Grief

34:21 Introduction to Her Aligned Mind

34:29 Ad Break

35:31 Supporting Women in Midlife

37:06 Values and Priorities in Midlife

46:20 Navigating People Pleasing and Grief

51:23 Final Takeaways and Resources

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Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP, is a Certified ADHD Specialist, coach, and licensed mental health therapist who has supported hundreds of high-performing professionals with build lives of clarity, confidence, and composure. A sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, she provides ADHD education and practical strategies through trainings, classes, coaching, and customized corporate programs. Frequently featured on podcasts and panels, Hannah is recognized for her expertise on the social and emotional challenges of ADHD and for bridging cutting-edge research with real-world application. Hannah is also the founder of Her Aligned Mind, a membership collective and mentorship platform empowering professional women toward an intentional, meaning-filled, and values-aligned second act.

Follow or contact Hannah at:

allentherapeutics.com or heralignedmind.com;

Instagram: @heralignedmind; @allen_therapeutics

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

[email protected]

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out, join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://clinicians.griefisthenewnormal.com/privategriefcoaching

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Opening & Closing Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.