In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Kade Sharp, an Autistic, queer, trans clinician and sexologist, talk about their journey balancing private practice, a PhD program, and advocacy for disabled, queer, and neurodivergent communities.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Follow Your Special Interests: Choosing a dissertation topic that aligned with Kade's passions (like “Kink on the Spectrum”) helped them stay motivated through the ups and downs of getting a PhD. Leaning into what energizes you can be your best fuel.
- Intentional Energy Management is Vital: Balancing private practice, academic work, and personal life required continuous adjustment for Kade. Building in buffer time for self-care and allowing others to help you recognize burnout cues is essential for sustainability.
- Community Makes the Difference: Surrounding yourself with people invested in your journey boosts motivation, creativity, and resilience. Finding your supportive community matters.
It's important to work toward creating affirming space and more accessible, representative mental health care. If you’re considering a new degree, niche, or direction—let your interests and passions guide you.
More about Kade:
Dr. Kade Sharp (he/they) is an Autistic, queer, trans Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Sex Therapist, and Child Mental Health Specialist practicing in Washington state. He specializes in supporting disabled, queer, non-cis Autistic and AuDHD clients of all ages, as well as neurodivergent supervisees. He has his PhD in Clinical Sexology through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. Kade runs the Curious Cryptid Learning continuing education platform for therapists. He is also a co-host for the Aces Up Your Sleeve Podcast, where he and Sabrina Longley give insight into navigating Autistic and AuDHD life as two Autistic, asexuality-spectrum therapists. Kade loves helping people figure out they're Autistic, playing board and card games, roleplaying, reality TV, true crime, and his 2 adopted senior cats.
The Autistic Clinical Insights symposium is coming up, and Kade is on the Leadership team. It's a grassroots, Autistic-led symposium for mental health professionals with a focus on presenters with lived experience and clinical knowledge. It's held virtually Nov. 14-16th and offers over 13 NBCC CEs. Join here: autisticclinicalinsights.com
- Courses: cryptidlearns.com
- Podcast: neurokink.org/auys
- Facebook: facebook.com/cryptidlearns
- Instagram: instagram.com/cryptidlearns
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