S4 E3: Neurodiversity, trauma and being a 'boy mum' with clinical psychologist, Dr Jo Carlile

It's World Mental Health Day, and so I'm honoured to be talking with the wonderful Dr. Jo Carlile, a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist.

Jo shares her experience of neurodivergency, being a new mum in Covid and her transition from a 15 year NHS career to private practice. As well as letting us in on her new role as Tech Founder with her upcoming mental health support platform, The Norm.

Of course, mental health and trauma particularly in relation to motherhood was a huge topic of conversation, and it was great to hear Jo's perspective on the 'well/not well' false dichotomy that so often seems to be the attitude to mental health. As well as how she has 'designed a life that suits the way she's wired'. Which sounds like an absolute luxury, but is also sort of the point of being a business owner, right?

We also bonded over being 'Boy Mums', if that's you, listen in for some sympathy, commiseration and tips. It's been a real revelation to me dealing with all the masculine energy in our house, truck fatigue is a real thing. Very comforting to hear I'm not alone and some advice on how Jo manages it herself.

Right at the end of the conversation, Jo said the phrase 'it's self FULL not selfish' which I think should be the mantra of all mums/women/everyone everywhere.

Takeaways

• Changing attitudes to neurodivergence and Jo's own journey with it

• Mums with ND just don't have the same capacity to mask their symptoms in the way they could pre kids

• Trauma - how we react to it, how it shapes us, and Covid

• Jo's experience of young motherhood in Covid

• The dangers of comparison: your story is your story

• Jo's transition from 15 years in the NHS to self employed after realising full time employment didn't match her new mothering life

• We're being more proactive with our mental health now

• Trauma and PTSD for mums

• Getting to know your 'mothering self'

• Being a 'Boy Mum'

• How Jo looks after her brain and what brings her joy

• Jo's new tech platform to support mental health 'The Norm'

• Reframing selfish to self FULL

Resources

Noise cancelling earbuds: https://www.loopearplugs.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jo Carlisle 02:23 Jo's Journey into Psychology 05:56 Understanding Neurodiversity and Motherhood 10:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health 15:30 Transitioning from NHS to Private Practice 22:30 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Care 24:01 Exploring EMDR Therapy 29:45 The Need for Comprehensive Support for New Mothers 34:05 Navigating the Challenges of Raising Boys 44:08 Finding Joy in Motherhood 49:01 Introducing the Tech Platform: The Norm 56:33 Final Thoughts on Mental Health Support

Links:

Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/

About Dr Jo Carlile

Dr. Jo Carlile, BPS Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Trauma and Neurodiversity Specialist and Mother of Two. Jo is the woman behind the scenes disrupting the culture of mental health. Previously an NHS Senior Clinical Consultant Specialist in Neurodiversity, Jo was supporting children, families and adults presenting with a variety of issues, or needing to support to improve their mental wellbeing. Jo is now the founder of Carlile Psychology, a service that provides individuals and businesses with specialist psychology support, supporting employees, founders, and businesses championing the ND perspective and supporting companies to create inclusive environments. And on top of all of this, she is soon to be a tech founder.

Dr Jo Carlile's Links:

Website: https://www.carlilepsychology.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjocarlile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlilepsychology/

Instagram (The Norm): https://www.instagram.com/welcome_to_the_norm/