In this joyful chat, AuDHDer and delightful clinical psychologist Brianna Thomas shares insightful, creative and practical strategies for building affirming spaces where neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ young people can explore their identities. We discuss the powerful intersection of neurodivergence and gender/sexual identity, why curiosity beats assumptions every time, and how creativity and parallel play can become your most powerful therapeutic tools. Also, flowers, glue and banana bread.
"If I don't regulate, how can they possibly be expected to do what we say if we are not doing it in front of them and really authentically living it out in that moment?" – Brianna Thomas
We cover:
- The high crossover between neurodivergence and LGBTQI+ identities and what adults need to understand
- How to create psychologically safe spaces through creativity, curiosity, thoughtful intake forms, and flexible communication
- Why slowing the pace (without blocking exploration) helps everyone process identity journeys together
- School strategies: bathroom accommodations, roll call flexibility, and family communication
- The power of parallel play and co-regulation in therapeutic sessions
- Bringing creativity into everything: why "making a sandwich" counts as creative practice
- Moving beyond worksheets to rocks with googly eyes, paint, clay, and colorful chaos
Resources Mentioned:
- Trans Hub: transhub.org.au – Information for clinicians, parents, and trans young people
- The Gender Identity Workbook for Teens – Structured resource for exploring gender journey (with quizzes and activities for individuals, families, or therapists): https://www.thenile.com.au/books/andrew-maxwell-triska-msw-lcsw/gender-identity-workbook-for-teens/9781648765087
- Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg – Picture book about finding opportunity in mistakes and imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Oops-Barney-Saltzberg/dp/076115728X
Connect with Brianna Thomas:
- ADHD IRL Podcast: Listen on Spotify
- The Psych Hive: thepsychhive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychhive/ and https://www.instagram.com/brianna_thomas_psych/
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