Hello! I’m Caitlin (she/they) — a proud Neurodivergent Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), neurodivergent affirming therapist and supervisor, educator, and PhD researcher. I’m also the founder of Cathartic Collaborations — a practice dedicated to relational, neurodivergent-led support, learning, and systems change. I live and work at the intersections of Autism, ADHD, Giftedness, and queerness — as embodied experiences that have shaped how I heal, connect, and show up in the world.
My work is deeply informed by my own lived experience of late diagnosis, burnout, unmasking, and rebuilding, as well as by my ongoing commitment to justice, relational ethics, and the dismantling of systemic barriers within mental health and professional spaces. I speak not just as a clinician, but as someone who has walked the path I support others on — navigating complex identities, systems that weren’t built for us, and the transformative process of becoming more fully ourselves.
Whether I’m facilitating a team training, presenting at a conference, supervising clinicians, or sharing my story publicly, I strive to create spaces that are reflexive, inclusive, and regenerative — where people feel safe to explore complexity, challenge assumptions, and connect with what matters most. For more information about my qualifications, training, and experience, check out my LinkedIn.
Currently available for:
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Keynotes, workshops and panels at conferences
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Guest lectures
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Professional development and training
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Podcast and media appearances
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Consulting & co-designed projects
Photo credit: Branding by Britt
Speaking & Storytelling
Neurodivergent Affirming Speaker for Conferences and Events
I speak from the heart of lived experience and therapeutic practice — weaving together story, research, ethics, and systems change. I speak to what it means to unmask, to burnout, to rebuild, and to reconnect with one’s authentic self in a world that often demands conformity.
Topics I Cover:
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Autistic & ADHD burnout across the lifespan
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Unmasking and identity integration
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Rejection sensitivity and healthy relational dynamics
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Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA)
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Neuroqueering professionalism
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Multi-exceptionality: navigating giftedness and asynchronous development
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Supporting neurodivergent clinicians
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Creating systems that honour, not erase, neurodivergent identities
Past Speaking Highlights:
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Co-host of Divergent Dialogues podcast
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Neurodivergent Minds Conference 2025 Presentation: When Lived Experience Speaks: Ethical and Embodied Self-Disclosure of Neurodivergence in Therapy
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Thriving Autistically 2025 Neurokindred: Burnout and Brilliance: Reconnecting with Our Values as Twice/Multi-Exceptional Adults
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Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference 2025 Panel Discussion - Paediatric Practice, Disability, and Learning Differences
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Yellow Ladybugs Conference 2025 Panel Discussion - Friendships and Safe Relationships: Recognising Red Flags and Green Flags
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Yellow Ladybugs Mentor Series - Building the neurodivergent support system you deserve
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ABC News — ADHD, shame, and systemic burnout
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Divergent Discussion – Kaboose — ADHD and Autistic Burnout
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Guest lectures — USQ
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Presentations for events - Government, NGOs and other organisations
Workshops & Professional Development
Facilitating Change through Inclusive, Participatory Learning
I deliver training and workshops that are relational, reflective, and practical. My approach centres neurodivergent voices, needs, and strengths while translating theory and research into accessible, engaging, and actionable learning. Every session is designed to spark insight and equip participants with tangible strategies for change.
Formats Available:
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Short sessions: 1–2 hours - online
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Deeper dives: Half-day - online or in-person (Please note: I am Brisbane-based)
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Focus options: Reflective practice, skills-based learning, or blended approaches
Example Workshops:
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Burnout Beyond Self-Care: Tackling Workplace Stressors Systemically
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Communicating & Giving Feedback Across Neurotypes: Building Clarity, Connection, and Growth
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Everyday Neuroinclusion: Shaping Cultures of Belonging
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Ethical and Embodied Self-Disclosure of Neurodivergence in Therapy
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Neurodivergent Affirming Supervision: Practical Tools for Supervising Autistic and ADHD Social Workers
Past Training Highlights:
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Delivered national professional development training for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), including the CPD Live Webinar: Neurodivergent Affirming Supervision – Practical Tools for Supervising Autistic and ADHD Social Workers.