About Me
Although interested in psychology for as long I can remember it took me quite some time to pursue a career in psychology. I took a decade long detour to computer science, English studies, linguistics, and graphic design. Today, I can proudly say that these were valuable lessons not only in special fields but also in the psychology of very different people. All the skills I acquired during that time help me to connect with, empathise with and help clients through difficult times.
Since only a few years ago the pivoting of my early career years finally makes sense to me: I have a neurodivergent brain. Formally diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD I prefer to think of myself as neurodivergent because I show traits of several neurodivergent facets (AuDHD, certain hypersensitivities, dyscalculia, special interests, and more).
My journey through the healthcare system has been almost as capricious as my career history: Starting with an autoimmune disease, several physical ailments over the years, and a global pandemic to live through, I finally landed on being diagnosed with depression. Already being a psychologist by then, I knew what to do: Getting medication and excelling in therapy. But something never quite aligned within myself. It was actually hard work to accept the diagnosis of depression, which I found odd because it should have been a relief. What I did not know back then was, that many women are misdiagnosed with depression and/or anxiety instead of ADHD or autism. That symptoms in girls get overlooked and there is a significant delay in diagnosing neurodivergence in women. That not all (mental) health carers are up to date with rising awareness of ADHD/autism in women - or even adults. Luckily I was able to figure it out myself and then had a supporting psychotherapist and psychiatrist who did not dismiss me.
Finally, there was relief. Everything in my life suddenly made sense. I was on a high and ready to move mountains! And then came the grief: How different my life could have been had I known earlier. How more successful I could have been had I known how to accommodate my brain and nervous system. I could have worked with my brain instead against it for decades. Being a late diagnosed woman comes with a lot of realisations to unpack. Grief turned into rage about a system that had failed me. Eventually realising that I did a lot of the heavy lifting myself and I that I was only able to because of my education. A lot of adults with (late) diagnoses are left to their own devices. And so, at last, rage turned into action: Proud Mind Counselling was born – celebrating diversity in every colour.
Neurodivergent and queer people are often overlooked in mental health systems that weren't made for their specific needs. I have a deep passion for validating and supporting neurodivergent and queer people, fueled by lived experience and the knowledge that there are not enough specialised mental health carers out there.
I know how vulnerable it can feel to reach out for support, especially if you're not even sure where to start. That’s okay. You don’t need to have everything explained perfectly. Sometimes the first step is simply allowing yourself a place to begin.
Reach out and tell me your story.