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Speaking & Facilitation

Cathartic Collaborations

​​Neuroaffirming Speaking, Training & Facilitation​​

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Hello! I’m Caitlin (she/they) — a proud Neurodivergent Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), therapist, supervisor, educator, and PhD researcher based in Brisbane.

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I am the founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a practice dedicated to relational, neurodivergent-led support, learning, and systems change.

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My work sits at the intersection of lived experience, clinical practice, and research, bringing together story, ethics, and practical insight to support more inclusive and neuroaffirming spaces.

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I live and work within the intersections of Autism, ADHD, giftedness, and queerness — identities that deeply shape how I understand wellbeing, systems, and the process of becoming more fully ourselves.

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My work is deeply informed by my own lived experience of late diagnosis, burnout, unmasking, and rebuilding, alongside my clinical practice and doctoral research exploring neurodivergent affirming approaches to autistic mental health care.

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Whether I am presenting at a conference, facilitating a team training or sharing my story publicly, my goal is to create spaces that are reflective, inclusive, and regenerative — where people can explore complexity, challenge assumptions, and reconnect with what matters most.​

 

For more information about my qualifications, training, and experience, check out my LinkedIn.

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Currently available for:

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  • Presentations for organisations or events

  • Professional development and workplace training

  • Keynotes, workshops and panels at conferences

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Photo credit: Branding by Britt

Speaking & Storytelling

Neurodivergent Affirming Speaker for Conferences and Events

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I speak from the heart of lived experience and therapeutic practice - weaving together story, research, ethics, and systems thinking.​​ I speak about unmasking, burnout, navigating systems that were never designed with neurodivergent people in mind, and reconnecting with one’s authentic self in a world that often demands conformity.​ I speak not only as a clinician, but as someone who has walked the path I support others on — navigating complex identities, systemic barriers, and the transformative process of becoming more fully ourselves.

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Through story, reflection, and practical insight, my presentations invite audiences to think differently about neurodivergence, mental health, and professional culture.​ My aim is not only to raise awareness, but to support deeper understanding, relational change, and more inclusive environments.

 

Examples of Topics:​

  • Autistic & ADHD burnout

  • Unmasking and identity integration

  • Rejection sensitivity and healthy relational dynamics

  • Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA)

  • Neuroqueering professionalism

  • Multi-exceptionality: navigating giftedness and asynchronous development

  • Supporting neurodivergent clinicians and helping professionals

 

Past Speaking Highlights:

  • Co-host of Divergent Dialogues podcast

  • The Neuro Nurture Conference 2026: PDA Presentations

  • Neurodivergent Minds Conference 2025 Presentation: When Lived Experience Speaks: Ethical and Embodied Self-Disclosure of Neurodivergence in Therapy

  • Thriving Autistically 2025 Neurokindred: Burnout and Brilliance: Reconnecting with Our Values as Twice/Multi-Exceptional Adults

  • Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference 2025 Panel Discussion - Paediatric Practice, Disability, and Learning Differences

  • Yellow Ladybugs Conference 2025 Panel Discussion - Friendships and Safe Relationships: Recognising Red Flags and Green Flags

  • ABC News - ADHD, shame, and systemic burnout​

  • See Media page for more information

Workshops & Professional Development

​Facilitating Change through Inclusive, Participatory Learning

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Alongside speaking engagements, I deliver training and professional development workshops designed to translate neuroaffirming theory and research into practical, actionable strategies.​ As both a practitioner and researcher, I am committed to challenging deficit-based narratives and supporting more ethical, relational, and neurodivergent-affirming approaches within mental health and professional spaces.

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My workshops are reflective, relational, and participatory, centring neurodivergent voices while supporting organisations and practitioners to move beyond awareness toward meaningful change.​ Sessions are designed to create insight while equipping participants with tools they can apply within their workplaces and professional practice.

 

Example Workshops:​​

  • Burnout Beyond Self-Care: Understanding systemic contributors to burnout and exploring practical workplace strategies.

  • Communicating & Giving Feedback Across Neurotypes: Building clarity and psychological safety across different communication styles.

  • Everyday Neuroinclusion: Practical approaches for creating cultures of belonging in workplaces and organisations.

  • Ethical and Embodied Self-Disclosure of Neurodivergence in Therapy: Exploring the ethics and relational impact of lived experience disclosure in clinical practice.

  • Neurodivergent Affirming Supervision: Tools and strategies for supervising Autistic and ADHD professionals

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Past Training Highlights:​

  • 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.

  • Neuro Nuggets - Kaboose

  • See Media page for more information

Speaker & Facilitation Enquiry Form

Thank you for your interest in inviting me to speak or facilitate training. This form helps me understand your event, audience, and intentions so I can confirm fit, check availability, and tailor a response to your needs.

Include the name of your business, organisation or event.

Type

What is one specific topic or theme you would like me to present about?

What are your goals for the session, and what would you like participants to leave with?

Audience Type
Audience Size
Under 20
20-50
50-100
100+
Session Length
30 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
1.5 hours
2 hours
Delivery Format
Online
In-Person

Please note: I am based in Brisbane.

If in-person: Please share address/venue if known.

Please list your preferred date(s) or general timeframe for session delivery. If there is flexibility, please note this.

Please share any access needs, accommodations, or inclusion considerations that would support an accessible event.

Find information about my fees here. As a neurodivergent practitioner, I carefully balance paid and unpaid opportunities to maintain sustainable work practices. Reduced rates may occasionally be available for community-led or grassroots initiatives aligned with my values and capacity. If you are enquiring about an unpaid event, I genuinely welcome the conversation, though I may not always be able to say yes.

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