Drawing on my conversation with psychotherapist Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, this episode explores why so many adults with ADHD carry an inner critic that didn't originate with them. It introduces the concept of "legacy burdens" — negative beliefs inherited through years of criticism, comparison, and misunderstanding — and shares practical strategies to separate your true identity from those old messages and begin replacing them with a kinder, more balanced view of yourself.

Key Points:

• Why adults with ADHD often internalise negative childhood messages.
• What psychotherapist Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero calls "legacy burdens."
• How criticism from parents, teachers, peers, and society becomes an inner voice.
• The connection between inherited beliefs, shame, people-pleasing, and rejection sensitivity.
• Recognising when your emotional response belongs to the past rather than the present.
• Practical strategies to challenge inherited beliefs:
• Why therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR can help reframe long-held beliefs.

KAREN DWYER-TESORIERO S2E44: https://adhdifference.nz/s2e44-adhd-trauma-reclaiming-self-trust-guest-karen-dwyer-tesoriero/

ADHDIFFERENCE: https://adhdifference.nz/legacy-isnt-your-identity/

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ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More