Many neurodivergent adults struggle to find words for big, complex feelings. For some of us, questions like “How do you feel?” can feel impossible to answer — not because we do not feel deeply, but because the words are not always there.

In this episode of The Weighted Blanket, I’m joined by Claire Palmer, a creative counsellor based in Norwich who specialises in working with neurodivergent adults.

We talk about why traditional talking therapy does not always work for ADHD, autistic and AuDHD adults — and how creativity, imagination and play can help people access emotions that words cannot reach.

We also explore alexithymia, intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, inner child work, neurodivergent shame, emotional language, masking, and why therapy needs to respect each person’s pace, nervous system and communication style.

This conversation is for neurodivergent adults, parents, therapists, counsellors, educators and anyone who has ever felt misunderstood because they could not explain what was happening inside.

If you have ever felt like words were not enough, this episode is for you.

Guest:
Claire Palmer — Creative Counsellor, Norwich

Claire’s links:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@norwichcreativetherapy
Website: https://www.clairepalmercounselling.com
Email: CPCounselling@protonmail.com

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Mental health support:

Mind:
https://www.mind.org.uk/

Samaritans:
Call 116 123 free, any time, day or night.
https://www.samaritans.org/

Shout:
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support in the UK.
https://giveusashout.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Integrative Therapy

03:04 The Role of Creativity in Therapy

05:48 Understanding Neurodivergence through Film

09:06 Navigating Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients

12:05 The Importance of Sensory Accommodations

14:59 Exploring Emotions through Sand Tray Therapy

18:06 The Challenge of Expressing Emotions

21:00 Cultural Norms and Emotional Expression

24:06 Communication and Relationships in Therapy

26:57 The Impact of Past Experiences on Present Behavior

37:00 Exploring Neurodivergence and Family Dynamics

39:54 The Evolution of Neurodivergence

46:50 Impact of the Pandemic on Neurodivergent Individuals

51:09 Transitioning from Care to Counseling

55:01 The Importance of Therapy

01:01:27 Accessing Therapy: Challenges and Solutions

01:04:55 The Relationship Between Trauma and Neurodivergence

01:11:54 Embracing Quirks and Hyperfixations

01:18:00 Parenting and Nurturing the Inner Child

01:22:06 Introduction and Connection

01:23:05 Closing Thoughts and Show Notes

01:23:19 Introduction to Claire Palmer and Her Work

01:24:34 The Power of Creative Counseling