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.

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In this episode, I share my personal journey with alcohol: how I navigated the confusing space between “not that bad” and “bad enough.” I open up about the subtle red flags that accumulated over time, the impact my drinking had on my family, and the pivotal moments that led me to question my relationship with alcohol. I talk about the challenges of letting go of an identity built around drinking, the power of self-compassion, and the freedom I discovered on the other side.

This conversation is for anyone quietly wondering if something needs to shift, and I hope my story offers both comfort and inspiration.

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This conversation is about breaking silence, normalising challenging experiences, and creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent families.

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In this intimate episode, I sit down with Tanya Valentin, a parenting coach specialising in supporting parents of neurodivergent children through burnout. We dive deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting neurodivergent kids, the impact of masking, and the emotional journey of finding safety and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

This conversation is about breaking silence, normalizing challenging experiences, and creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent families.

Episode links & Resources

Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:

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This week I dive deep into the concept of "flow over force" when it comes to changing habits, particularly around alcohol use.

I share my approach that moves away from shame-based, punitive methods and instead focuses on understanding our triggers, building self-compassion, and creating safety within ourselves.

Drawing from my experience as a neurodivergent mum, I explore how traditional recovery models often fail and introduce my "third way" method of approaching behavioural change.

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Join The GREAT Aussie Alcohol Experiment - LIVE June 2025 here: https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

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In this episode, I discuss the importance of fierce self-compassion and being fiercely alcohol-free, especially in the current challenging times we're facing. I share my thoughts on how self-compassion is a key pillar for living an alcohol-free life and not wanting to escape from our experiences. I also talk about the societal stigma around alcohol use and how it prevents many people from addressing their relationship with it. 

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My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:

My Upcoming Coached Events & Programs:

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In this episode, I discuss the important concept of not being "broken" and the harmful societal narratives that tell us we need to fix or control ourselves, especially when it comes to our relationship with alcohol. I share my personal journey of overcoming these beliefs and how my programs are designed to help people build emotional safety, self-compassion, and an authentic connection with themselves - rather than focusing solely on abstinence. 

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In this episode, I discuss the powerful insights I gained from a recent talk by author Liz Gilbert. I explore Liz's message about the importance of being the "calmest person in the room" and how this can be a source of true power, especially for women navigating the challenges of midlife.

I delve into the pressure many of us feel to be constantly reactive, and how learning to pause, ground ourselves, and respond from a place of presence can transform our experiences - both personal and professional.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful change comes not from frantic action, but from the wisdom of self-regulation and inner calm.

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In this episode, I sit down to have a conversation about the importance of developing a loving, compassionate relationship with ourselves.

As someone who has navigated her own challenges with alcohol, I share how cultivating self-kindness was pivotal to creating lasting change.

We explore how our childhood attachment styles can shape our adult lives and the practical steps we can take to become the nurturing parent we always needed.

Through delving into the neuroscience behind self-compassion and the different attachment patterns, I offer insights and tools that can support personal growth, whether you're looking to shift your relationship with alcohol or simply want to deepen your self-acceptance.

This conversation dives beneath the surface-level strategies to uncover the deeper emotional and psychological factors that often underlie our struggles, providing a roadmap for true transformation.

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In this episode, I sit down to have an open and honest conversation about the powerful role that emotions play in our lives, especially when it comes to our relationship with alcohol and other coping mechanisms.

I share my own personal experiences with getting triggered, experiencing "backdraft" when opening up to my emotions, and the societal pressures that can make it so difficult to be authentic.

I dive into the importance of self-compassion, building emotional safety, and learning to sit with and process our feelings, rather than trying to numb or escape them.

This is a vulnerable discussion about the deeper work required to truly heal our relationship with alcohol and live more fulfilling, connected lives.

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In this episode, I share my journey of learning to let go of resistance and embrace self-compassion on the path to becoming alcohol-free. I discuss how our inability to feel and process pain is often at the root of unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking, and share the importance of developing mindfulness to observe our thoughts and feelings, rather than getting caught up in them.

I also emphasise the transformative power of offering ourselves kindness and understanding, just as we would a dear friend struggling.

Through practices like the ice cube exercise, I demonstrate how we can learn to move through discomfort with greater ease and clarity.

My hope is that this conversation inspires you to approach your own challenges with more self-acceptance and inner wisdom.

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Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-af-podcast/id1649673705