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Divergent Dialogues

Divergent Dialogues

By: Caitlin Hughes and Teena Mogler
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Welcome to "Divergent Dialogues," a podcast where your hosts, Caitlin and Teena—both Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and Neurodivergent-affirming therapists—draw upon their extensive professional expertise and lived experiences. Divergent Dialogues provides quality education from the heart about Neurodivergent life from a practice, research and lived experience lens.Caitlin Hughes and Teena Mogler Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Episode #45 Holding Space for Yourself and Your Kids with Michael Coles
    Feb 10 2026

    In this thoughtful and heartfelt conversation, we’re joined by autistic advocate, podcast host and dad, Michael Coles, for a discussion about the lived experience of neurodivergent parenting. Together, we explore the complexities and joys of raising neurodivergent children as neurodivergent adults, especially through the lens of fatherhood.Michael shares how his self-understanding evolved through parenting, the sensory and emotional dynamics of a neurodivergent household, and the ongoing process of self-compassion, co-regulation and community connection.We discuss:The reality of differing neurotypes within the same familyChallenges and wins with school systems and advocacyThe power of support networks and peer connectionThis episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder that neurodivergent parents are doing brave, beautiful work…often while healing themselves. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply seeking deeper understanding, there’s wisdom here for all of us.Michael Coles is an autistic advocate, speaker, and host of The Deep Dive Podcast. Drawing on lived experience and professional practice, Michael explores topics including autistic burnout, neurodiversity in the workplace, and inclusive systems that genuinely support neurodivergent people. His work focuses on bridging understanding between autistic and non-autistic communities, with a strong emphasis on safety, dignity, and sustainable participation.Website: http://www.deepdiveau.netLinktree: http://linktr.ee/michaelcolesInstagram & TikTok: @thedeepdiveauYouTube and Facebook: @TheDeepDiveAUThere is a substack that you can subscribe to, but email Michael for the link admin@deepdiveau.netFor more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.c...Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhea...Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealthReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

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    25 mins
  • Episode #44 Unmasking Healing: Navigating Trauma and Neurodivergence
    Oct 19 2025

    In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection between trauma, neurodivergence, and healing. Together, we unpack the impact of late identification, the limitations of diagnostic boxes, and the deep relief that comes from finally having language for your experience.

    We discuss how trauma often presents differently in neurodivergent individuals, why talk therapy isn’t always enough, and how body-based approaches like EMDR and IFS can support authentic, sustainable healing.

    This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit—and is ready to start where they are.

    Themes: late diagnosis, masking, PDA, trauma-informed care, nervous system safety, somatic therapy

    Vera (she/they) is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor based in Sydney, Australia. They work with adults who are survivors of trauma, supporting them through the healing process with a person-centred, culturally sensitive, and neuro-affirming approach. Drawing on trauma-informed modalities such as Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and somatic practices, Vera helps clients reconnect with their inner wisdom and sense of Self. As a late-identified neurodivergent person with lived experience of high-masking, Vera values authenticity and understands the challenges of living at the intersection of multiple identities. Through both their clinical work and personal growth journey, they aim to increase the awareness of trauma healing and the importance of doing "the work" to live a fulfilling life.

    For more information about Vera check out:

    • https://loapac.org/rap/vera-yeo

    Vera's blog post explaining what trauma is:

    • https://www.sydneypsychhub.com.au/unravelling-_trauma/

    Books Vera mentioned in the episode:

    • The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
    • It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

    Vera suggested affordable trauma-informed online trainings:

    • https://www.nicabm.com/

    For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:


    Caitlin Hughes

    Cathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au

    Social media: @cathartic.collaborations


    Teena Mogler

    Balance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au.

    Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth


    Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/


    What’s inside?

    Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.

    Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.

    Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.


    By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode #43 Unmasking the Self: Internalised Ableism, Diagnosis, and Embracing Autism with Annie Kotowicz
    Sep 21 2025

    In this candid and deeply affirming conversation, we explore the layered experience of internalised ableism and the lifelong journey toward self-acceptance as Autistic individuals. Through personal reflections, shared insights, and the powerful inclusion of an audiobook excerpt by guest author Annie Kotowicz, we unpack how diagnosis, identity, boundaries, and belonging evolve over time. Caitlin and Teena show up with honesty, compassion, and vulnerability—offering a grounded perspective on what it means to live authentically as late-diagnosed Autistic person.


    Annie Kotowicz is an autistic author on a mission to:

    • Describe the beautiful view from her brain,

    • Help other autistics see the beauty of their own brains, and

    • Show why neurodiversity is a beautiful thing.


    She studied Art and English at Trinity Western University, which led to various jobs in graphic design, editing, and website development. After an autism diagnosis in 2017, she created the blog Neurobeautiful to process her ongoing discoveries about autism and neurodiversity. Since then, she has become a Chief Technology Officer, Special Education Teacher, and member of Mensa. What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic is her first book. She has also written articles and poetry for Edutopia, NeuroClastic, and Spaces Literary Journal. Annie is happiest when writing, dancing, practicing parkour, drawing Celtic knots, or organizing her cozy and colorful home near Washington, D.C.

    Website: https://neurobeautiful.com/book

    Email: mybrainisbeautiful@gmail.com


    For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:


    Caitlin Hughes

    Cathartic Collaborations - https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au

    Social media: @cathartic.collaborations


    Teena Mogler

    Balance Centre for Mental Health - https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au.

    Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth


    Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/


    What’s inside?

    Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.

    Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.

    Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.


    By joining our community of paid subscribers, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
All stars
Most relevant
listening to Caitlin & Teena discuss different things about being nuerodivergent really helped me gain insite into my own mind and taught me alot about different ways to help myself in a super fun and light way. They aren't like alot of other podcast on similar topics that over use the big clinical words for things that I personally struggle to understand sometimes.
I'm excited each week for a new episode and hope to see more from these 2 incredible,intelligent & funny women in the future, hopfully something directed specifically for women who struggle with the adhd/autism. 💜

interesting,fun and inspiring

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