Pause Purpose Play

Permission to play - unapologetically as you are, with Jade Cook

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Jade Cook, founder and lead facilitator of Spectrum Community Arts.

 The conversation explores Jade's experiences with her neurodivergent brain while running a business, the significance of formal diagnoses, and the importance of self-compassion.

Michaela discusses the benefits of diagnosis beyond self-identification, including access to support, and provides resources for those considering the assessment process.

 

https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd/

New Year pressures don't work for ADHDers

In this New Year 2025 episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela discusses the challenges neurodivergent individuals face with New Year's resolutions.

She encourages listeners to set intentions that prioritise well-being and self-care over traditional achievement goals.

Michaela shares her yearly themes and advises balancing effort and ease, being realistic, and surrendering to one's unique needs.

She invites listeners to reflect on their intentions and emphasises the importance of compassionate, sustainable practices for lasting change.

Why compassion is the answer to the ADHD shame spiral

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Mikayla Thomas, a clinical psychologist specializing in compassion, ADHD, and perfectionism, delves deep into the concept of shame, particularly among individuals with ADHD. Thomas explains how shame, often external and stemming from societal judgment, exacerbates the struggles of those with ADHD. She discusses the importance of self-compassion in breaking the 'shame spiral' and offers practical advice on how to manage shame and adopt a more understanding and supportive approach towards oneself. Thomas also emphasises the need for compassionate assessments and provides various strategies to counteract shame and create sustainable change.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:37 Understanding the Shame Spiral

01:49 External Sources of Shame

03:59 Compassion as a Solution

05:35 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion

10:03 Impact of Negative Comments

12:30 Breaking the Cycle of Shame

13:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How ADHD Assessment Can Improve Mental Health —Why It’s All Connected

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist, discusses the intersection of ADHD and mental health. Michaela explains the importance of authentic self-representation and her approach to ADHD assessments. She addresses the link between ADHD and challenges such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and burnout. Michaela explains why obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be beneficial, how it can provide clarity, and how it helps in understanding one’s strengths, challenges, and necessary accommodations. The episode emphasizes the importance of compassionate ADHD assessments and offers an insight into Michaela's unique approach, including both in-person and virtual options.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:06 Understanding ADHD Assessments

03:26 Exploring Neurodivergence and Mental Health

05:36 The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis

06:58 ADHD and Emotional Well-being

10:51 Perfectionism and Coping Mechanisms

13:26 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Masking & Burnout—The Hidden Costs of ‘Fitting In

Reframing the narrative - your ADHD brain is not broken

In this episode I delve into the importance of changing the story we tell ourselves about our ADHD brains. We explore how ADHD brains are uniquely wired and discuss practical strategies and support systems that can help us thrive.

 

Join me as we reframe self-judgment and celebrate our brilliantly different selves.

 

00:59 ADHD Mistakes

02:33 Understanding Self-Judgment and ADHD

06:52 Reframing Self-Critical Thoughts

10:03 Practical Tips for ADHD Management

12:39 Encouragement and Next Steps

14:05 Celebrating Milestones and Future Plans

 

Join the waitlist for ADHD Assessment in 2025 here:

www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd

The stress and burnout responses which were ADHD all along

In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between ADHD, perfectionism, and stress - three challenges that often collide. I’ll uncover common misconceptions about ADHD in women, the hidden toll of masking and shame, and how self-criticism can hold us back.

But most importantly, I’ll share why compassion is the key to breaking free from burnout and brain fog. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this might be your sign to consider an ADHD assessment—because understanding ADHD can bring clarity and hope.

Join me for an honest, supportive conversation packed with insights to help you feel seen and empowered

 

00:32 Understanding ADHD and Stress

02:18 The Misconceptions and Internal Struggles

03:53 The Impact of Masking and Shame

06:37 Compassion as a Solution

08:40 The Urgency and Adrenaline Connection

10:10 Considering an ADHD Assessment

11:52 Join the Waitlist!

You are complex, so ADHD assessments need to be too

In this episode, I share my insights on ADHD assessments. I discuss why compassionate and complex approaches are essential for understanding ADHD - especially for women - and how these assessments can become a transformative experience. I also explain the importance of creating a safe space for clients to open up, and the role of self-compassion in navigating ADHD diagnosis and life beyond.

 

00:46 Challenges of Consistency with ADHD

02:48 Understanding ADHD Assessments

05:35 The Importance of Compassionate Assessments

12:08 Booking a Compassionate ADHD Assessment

 

 

Beyond Resilience: Unpacking Burnout and Finding Balance with Dr. Debbie Sorensen

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Debbie Sorensen to discuss the challenges and nuances of burnout. We chat about the importance of recognising and addressing chronic stress and the systemic and cultural pressures contributing to burnout. Debbie shares her personal burnout story and we explore the role of self-compassion in managing burnout.

 

04:30 Debbie's Personal Burnout Story

08:18 Identifying Burnout Symptoms and Risk Factors

18:52 Cultural and Systemic Factors in Burnout

37:01 Different Types of Burnout

39:46 Understanding Burnout Patterns

41:43 Setting Boundaries for Sustainability

42:34 The Importance of Self-Care

43:05 Navigating Emotional Engagement

45:20 Psychological Flexibility and Self-Awareness

48:54 The Role of Compassionate Motivation

52:17 Avoiding Prescriptive Wellness Routines

 

Dr. Debbie Sorensen  is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado, who has PhD from Harvard University and works with adults with chronic stress and burnout. She is a co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, author of ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of the book ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Authenticity, vulnerability and compassion for your journey, with Dylan Holloway

Join me on this episode where I share an amazing conversation with Dylan Holloway, a talented singer-songwriter and transgender man, who shares his journey to authenticity and his passion for music.

Dylan opened up about the struggles of living inauthentically and the freedom he found after embracing his true self. We explored his hit song "Lemons," his powerful anthem "Chosen Family," and how music helped him find solace and connection. Plus, Dylan's story of duetting with his past self is not one to miss.

Dive in to hear this inspiring journey of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of authenticity!

 

01:35 Dylan's Journey to Authenticity

06:16 Navigating Identity and Acceptance

09:27 Musical Breakthrough and Success

11:54 Living Authentically and Neurodivergence

18:34 Relationships and Acceptance

24:47 Upcoming Projects and Music

26:32 Music as a Lifeline

29:17 The Power of Heartbreak Songs

29:42 ADHD and the Creative Arts

31:45 Chosen Family: A Love Letter to the Queer Community

34:58 A Vulnerable Revelation

45:28 A Message of Authenticity

 

Dylan Holloway, better known by his rockstar alias ‘Dylan And The Moon’. Award-winning musician and proud transgender man on a mission to inspire more people to live their most authentic and happy lives. 

www.dylanandthemoon.com