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Tips for Making Dating Easier-Benjamin Meyer

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Content provided by Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

During this episode with Benjamin Meyer, LCSW we talk about how important it is to be open to understanding each person's differences throughout the dating process. We also address:

  • Different kinds of connections and chemistry
  • Asexuality
  • Gender Identity
  • Difference between romantic and sexual feelings
  • Different kinds of romantic feelings
  • Being upfront about your needs
  • Meeting people who have similar special interests
  • Getting to know people over time
  • Understanding different perspectives and double empathy
  • Managing rejection

You can contact Benjamin at: www.benjaminmeyerlcsw.com

If you would like more information about the resources Mona has available you can check out her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com

  continue reading

217 episodes

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iconShare
 
Manage episode 464969789 series 3391990
Content provided by Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

During this episode with Benjamin Meyer, LCSW we talk about how important it is to be open to understanding each person's differences throughout the dating process. We also address:

  • Different kinds of connections and chemistry
  • Asexuality
  • Gender Identity
  • Difference between romantic and sexual feelings
  • Different kinds of romantic feelings
  • Being upfront about your needs
  • Meeting people who have similar special interests
  • Getting to know people over time
  • Understanding different perspectives and double empathy
  • Managing rejection

You can contact Benjamin at: www.benjaminmeyerlcsw.com

If you would like more information about the resources Mona has available you can check out her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com

  continue reading

217 episodes

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If you are interested in learning more about the resources and services Mona offers, including support groups and individual and ND couples coaching you can click here. __________________________________________________________ During this episode with David Helfand, PsyD we explore brain mapping and neurofeedback, as well as other ways to understand how our brains work and can change. We also talk about how we can learn more about why we react or respond differently to triggers and experiences in our lives. In addition, we discuss the following: ◦Brain mapping is the diagnostic test. ◦Neurofeedback is physical therapy for your brain. ◦Using both can help you look at your brain activity and then learn how to change what may not serve you anymore. ◦Our brains are wired to focus on negativity to protect us. ◦Fight or flight is designed to deal with a real or perceived threat. Understand how to reset and create a plan for follow-up. ◦Having curiosity and empathy after a misstep. ◦Tend and befriend-protect what’s important and use your community for help. ◦Sometimes people will lie to get out of conflict. ◦Addictions are well worn pathways in your brain. ◦Asking questions can put your partner on the defensive. Ask yourself why you’re asking the question and rephrase what you are saying. ◦Understand how your different auditory processing speeds are impacting your relationship. ◦Remember...oil changes are a lot less expensive than an engine replacement!! ◦Learn how to create more happy hormones in yourself and your partner. ◦Based on research from Dr. William J. Doherty, 40% of couples who divorce regret it. ◦How unmasking can impact you individually and your relationship. ◦Executive functioning differences. Work on having more empathy for your partner’s challenges in this area. ◦Pillars of a happy relationship and what skills need to be learned. Then deciding if you can, or want to, learn new skills. ◦Your brain looks for sameness, so your nervous system will rebel against changes in your relationship. ◦Incongruency around political views in your relationship and connecting through kindness and curiosity. Work on the understanding behind your partner’s political belief. ◦Intimacy-"into me see". ◦Narcissism and borderline personality disorder and the impact trauma can have on the personality. ◦The importance of exploring challenges and differences in your relationships through curiousity, empathy, patience, and compassion. ◦How the retreat experience is different than traditional therapy. Information about David's couples retreats are available here. You can also get information about the other services David offers here.…
 
During this episode with Jamie Johnston you will learn more about how the Mattr app is making dating more enjoyable for neurodivergent folks and those with mental health challenges. In addition, Jamie talks about why he is so passionate about his work and how understanding his dyslexia and AuDHD is helping him assist others on their on-line dating journey. Other topics discussed include: We are taught that anything that can be "perceived" shouldn’t be shared on dating apps or while dating. During the pandemic vulnerability and transparency became more acceptable on social media, but not on dating apps. Vulnerability first is the focus of the Mattr app. It is an online dating platform where you can feel safe to share whatever you want. Dating in a digital space can be very challenging for neurodivergent people. Mattr is very user-friendly for people who have mental health challenges and/or are neurodivergent. The app is based on research and psychology/psychiatry. Dealing with rejection sensitivity dysphoria and dopamine hits through swiping or ghosting. The app uses colors that are comfortable for Autistic individuals and they have a "time out toggle". No swiping is involved and each person is given 6 matches. Some of the biggest challenges in dating and maintaining a relationship include: emotional regulation; rejection densitivity dysphoria; hyperfocus on a person or your special interest. ND folks may experience Inherent shame. Things to look for that may help you understand that someone is neurodivergent: reactions to the space you are in and sensory issues; hyperfocusing on a topic/infodumping; executive functioning challenges- like planning a date; different communication styles; emotional intensity (differences in emotional reciprocity; differences in physical intimacy preferences. “Be for someone, not for everyone” Why the Mattr app was created and different resources available through the app. Partnerships with lots of businesses in London, also have offsite events. You can learn more about the app here. They are hosting a special live event in London on June 25th. You can also follow Jamie on IG @Dating withJamie_ To learn more about the resources Mona has available for neurodiverse couples and individuals in neurodiverse love relationships click here.…
 
During this episode with therapist and coach Eva A. Mendes she shares some of the important information neurodiverse couples shared with her for her newest book titled: “Armchair Conversations on Love and Autism: Secrets of Happy Neurodiverse Couples”. Some of the important things that top performing neurodiverse couples do: Accept the diagnosis and talk openly about each partner’s neurotypes. Work together to understand the root cause of their challenges as a couple. Have a beginners mindset as an individual and a couple. Trust each other and be able to be influenced by their partner. Some of the other topics discussed include: The challenge with taking things personally and not understanding your partner’s love. Understanding different ways of communication with your partner and others. The importance of building on your strengths. Understanding what you each may need to do differently to connect. Staying humble and curious with your partner. Going “beyond the midline”for both partners. The importance of working with a professional who has experience working with ND couples. Both partners working on the relationship to the best of their ability. Addressing different issues that come up over the lifespan. Focusing on “solvable” not “perpetual” problems. Working on empathy for each other. Understanding your partner in the greater context of their life. Acknowledging that you can’t get everything from one person. It takes a village! Sometimes couples don’t have enough bandwidth for each other anymore. We are all here to grow and have an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our partners. Contact Eva by clicking here. Buy the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook Subscribe to the Neurodiverse Love Newsletter Follow Mona on Instagram Check out the Neurodiverse Love Website Listen to the Neurodivergent Connections YouTube channel Mona co-hosts…
 
During this episode with neurodivergent counselor Jarral Boyd we address the connection between trauma and neurodivergence and ways to think about romantic love as well as the following: ​Navigating neurodivergence and trauma ​Understanding your emotional vocabulary. ​Addressing challenges through somatics and getting to know your body and acknowledge what is going on. ​Creating a routine can be helpful to better understand your body and emotions and help you get more in tune. ​Understand how to experience joy in your body. ​Translating what’s happening in your body when you have alexithymia. ​Information shared through AANE certification includes using a 1-5 scale to share with your partner how you’re feeling emotionally. ​Memory issues during or after a meltdown. ​Apologizing when you don’t feel you have done anything wrong. ​Trauma can make being wrong scary and unsafe. ​Cassandra Syndrome ​Benefits of decentralizing romantic love for neurodivergent folx ​Removing relationship hierarchy and being open to different types of romantic relationships. This can help reduce expectations of one or both partners. ​The value of expanding the idea of love. ​Asking youself "Is it the person I want or the situation?" You can contact Jarral Boyd at: jarralboyd.com If you are interested in the free support groups Mona offers for the non-autistic/neurotypical partners you can email her at neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com to get the Zoom links. Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D. Host of the Neurodiverse Love Podcast Buy the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook Newsletter | Instagram | Website | YouTube Click here if you and your partner are interested in joining the support group Mona facilitates for neurodiverse couples on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:30-9pm EST.…
 
Joanne Davies is AuDHD and is a clinical hypnotherapist who works with individuals and couples. During this episode she shares so much valuable information about how hypnosis can help neurodivergent individuals and neurodiverse couples with sensory challenges, emotional differences and intimacy issues. The topics she addresses during this episode include: How hypnotherapy can help bridge the gap between neurotypes. The parts of hypnosis: Induction, deepening and healing. The process of hypnotherapy and how neurodivergent individuals and their partners can benefit. How it can be used to help with sensory processing. The value of pendulating between something that feels good and something that doesn’t. Can help to create safety and address triggers. “Cloaking” helps you create a virtual shield to help protect you from sensory overload. How to “anchor” in a certain feeling you had during hypnosis. How hypnosis can help with emotional identification and regulation. May be able to help with reducing meltdowns or shutdowns. Helps with “reparenting”. Understanding how to meet each others needs through hypnotherapy. Using tantric processes and body mapping to help with intimacy challenges. The process to use to create your own self-hypnosis process. You can contact Joanne at Jqhypnosis.com…
 
To learn more about the resources and information that Mona Kay has available you can check out her website at: neurodiverselove.com __________________________________________________________ During this episode with Sadie and her mom Lynn they share how unknown neurodivergence impacted Sadie's childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, In addition, they address the topics below: Terrible two's. Sensory overload and meltdowns. Restrictive eating and sensitivities. Not understanding why you are so different as a child. Masking in school and being different at home. Expectations in school were more structured and easier to understand. Overwhelm during high school and changes in social rules. Being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in high school. Stimming at home and walking in circles helps with nervous system regulation, Having a spiky profile. When younger, being able to socialize better with adults. Being a perfectionist and the struggle with some things that others do automatically. Challenges with learning to drive and driving…being “perceived” by other drivers. Masking and then having no spoons after school. Giftedness. Different ways that children may process and develop language.…
 
If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona offers you can click here . In addition, if you would like to join the new community that Mona is creating for non-autistic/neurotypical partners called "Neurodiverse Love Conversations" click here to register for the 4 week series that will be held every Thursday from June 5th-June 26th from 7-8:30-pm EST (US). The cost is ONLY $149 and each participant will get the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards and Workbook and lifetime access to the 2023 and 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference sessions. If you are trying to make sense of how two people could love each other yet repeatedly misunderstand and hurt each other, then this community is for you. If you are repeatedly confused and don't understand why conflict, contempt or stonewalling have become more the norm than the type of connection and attunement you are looking for then this community is where you will find understanding, tools and strategies that can help you work towards achieving more peace and joy in your relationship and life! Spaces are limited, so if you feel called to join this supportive community I hope you will register today ! ____________________________________________________________ This podcast episode was originally published on Jodi Carlton’s podcast called “YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship” and is a conversation between Jodi Carlton, Mona Kay and Michael Daniel, the developer of the " Neurotranslator" and his wife Elise. The goal for sharing this episode on the "Neurodiverse Love" podcast is to spread information about the life-changing Neurotranslator app and to highlight the story behind its creator and the challenges he and his wife had been experiencing before learning he was neurodivergent. The topics addressed in this episode include: How having children changed everything Learning about neurodivergence through a child’s diagnosis Communication challenges Being high masking in life and marriage How misunderstandings contributed to conflict Unmasking Understanding your identity after learning you are neurodivergent Reliving trauma through a neurodiverse lens How ability to function can change after diagnosis Autistic burnout Situational mutism Ableism Wishing you could have a husband with a NT brain How the “NeuroTranslator” was born Both partners need to work to understand each other You can learn more about the Neurotranslator app here…
 
Lori Crowley, M.A., LMFT, LPCC is a therapist and coach who works with neurodivergent families and couples. During this episode she shares some of her lived experiences and her expertise as well as the importance of taking a somatic approach to psychotherapy. We discuss so many important issues for neurodiverse couples to understand and addresss including: ​How to integrate sensory differences. ​Dealing with sensory overwhelm. ​Neurons that fire together wire together. ​Sensory resourcing. ​Understanding all of our senses including vestibular, neuroception, and interoception. ​Understanding being sensory seeking, sensory avoidant, neutral or a combination. ​ Brain story on Neuroclastic website ​Logicalizing or invalidating emotions. ​“Toward” energy and “Away” Energy. ​Rewiring your neural pathways. ​Double empathy problem. ​Changing the frame in which we are holding our experiences. ​Opposites can “complete” each other. ​Is it a “can’t” or a “won’t”? ​Overwhelm, lack of agency/choice and sense of imminent demise can lead to trauma. ​How do I repair? 1) Create safety in the environment: Person you are interacting with needs to be seen. Look at them through a sensory lens: 2) They need to be heard. Hold what comes at you; 3) Teding-people want to feel respected. This can help the other person’s energy relax. Remember not to say “but”, however you can say “and”. ​Unpacking some of the sensory issues in play that led to Mona moving forward on a divorce. ​Understanding if it’s overwhelm or lack of care? ​Understand that repair may not be possible, however forgiveness can be very healing. You can contact Lori for therapy here or for coaching here . If you missed the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can still buy "lifetime access" to the 31 sessions and the 4 recorded Q&A sessions. To buy access to the conference sessions or to learn more about the presentation topics, presenters and the bonuses you will receive click here. You can click here also learn more about the other resources Mona offers or at the links below: Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook Newsletter | Instagram | Website | YouTube…
 
During this episode with Mike and Amy Matthews you will learn about the challenges this neurodiverse couple experienced trying to find the root cause of Mike's depression and the difficult journey they went on to discover he had been in Autistic burnout for years and didn't know it. (I apologize for the tech glitches we had for about 5 minutes from about 20-25 minutes in.) Some of the topics we discussed are: How things changed after they had their first child. How before becoming a parent Mike had created a life that fit his brain. Little time for special interests after kids were born. Saw a psychiatrist and went on 5 different antidepressants and none worked. Loneliness of watching your partner go through this process. Psychiatrists and therapists said Mike couldn’t be Autistic because he showed “empathy” and could maintain "eye contact". Relationship challenges after trying to figure out what was happening for about 5 years. Mike did research on Autism and everything fit. Went for Autism assessment and the results were that Mike had schizoid personality disorder, but Mike now self identifies as Autistic. Probably wasn’t depression it was Autistic burnout. The importance of understanding sensory needs. Amy tried to enjoy the good days during the process. The importance of having a partner who wants to do the work. Creating a neuro-affirming household and family. Celebrating everyone’s differently wired brains. Understanding the ways you are different and sharing your needs without guilt. The importance of having positive role models. Many in the medical/mental health community do not have the education and knowledge that they need to understand and work with neurodivergent adults. Contact Amy at amatthews@prairiewellness.org or click here If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona offers including the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards & Workbook, the 2023 and 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference Sessions, support groups for Neurodiverse Couples and for the non-autistic partners, please check out her website.…
 
If you did not have a chance to join us live for the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can still get "lifetime access" to the video recordings of the 31 amazing sessions and the 4 Q&A panels. In addition, you will also get the FREE BONUSES (Neurodiverse Love Conversaton Cards & Workbook and lifetime access to the 27 sessions from the 2023 Neurodiverse Love Conference). Click here to learn more about the conference sessions and to buy access to the conference videos today. ____________________________________________________________ During this episode with returning guest and relationship and life coach, Robin Tate we talk about many important topics that may be impacting your neurodiver relationship including: How AuDHD presents for women and the self discovery process. Differentiation and overlap between Autism and ADHD. Seeing patterns in people. Executive functioning challenges in ND relationships. The importance of knowing that you can have a dual diagnosis of AuDHD. Executive functioning is every step you need to take to accomplish every task you do every day. Executive dysfunctioning challenges in communication. Object permanence. Time blindness, future planning and staying regulated. Creating interdependency around executive functioning. Grieving the relationship you thought you were going to have. You may not be compatible anymore if one of you has been masking. The struggle between ADHD and Autism when you are AuDHD and how that looks in a relationship. Behavioral differences and internal state of each partner. Understanding how your family of origin has impacted your life and your relationship. The positive impact of somatic therapy. Thinking about the potential stigma you may have to deal with when disclosing your neurodivergence to your family. Stephanie and Dan Holmes new book is -"Uniquely Us -Gracefully Navigating the Maze of Neurodiverse Marriage" (Robin wrote chapter 8 which is on Executive Function) You can reach out to Robin through her website at: www.robintatellc.com…
 
During this episode Mona Kay and her sister Ilysa talk about how so many things they experienced in their childhood began to make sense once they realized their father was Autistic (possibly AuDHD). Although their father passed away 20 years ago, the insights this understanding has brought have helped heal childhood wounds and bring understanding to dynamics in their family of origin and they have both learned more about how unidentified neurodivergence impacted the men they chose to love. Mona and Ilysa also talk about how their father made friends around special interests; not following through on his promises because of overwhelm; deep dives into lots of special interests; the importance of routines; sensory challenges that led to meltdowns; food preferences; smoking 3 pack of cigarettes a day and taking Valium; masking; dealing with the emotions of all his female family members; being financially secure and a good provider; choosing comfortable clothes to wear to work; black and white thinking; cutting family members off rather then dealing with emotions or conflict; being very blunt and the "unintentional" hurt; challenges with implementing boundaries; and mindblindness. If you are interested in learning more about the resources Mona offers you can check out her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com…
 
If you didn't have a chance to join us at the phenomenal 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can still learn from the more than 30 presenters who shared their lessons learned, lived experiences and expertise. For ONLY $97 you can get "lifetime access" to all 31 conference sessions and the 4 recorded Q&A panels. To begin watching the conference sessions today, or to get more information about the conference presentations and presenters click here. ___________________________________________________________ During this episode with coach Magi Nock we talk about ways to create more joy, safety and connection in your neurodiverse relationship. We also address the following: Accepting and acknowledging that the differences exist; Addressing grief that is unique to each partner; Compassion towards what is happening in your relationship; Cultivating curiosity about each others perspective; The bigger the trauma the more expanded your support system may need to be; Having tools and people to turn to when your dysregulated; Co-creating connection in unique ways; Finding unique ways to communicate; Understanding that you each can “choose” to stay in the relationship; There is hope and possibility for change. You can contact Magi and learn more about her coaching services here Neurodiverse Coaching…
 
The 2nd Virtual Neurodiverse Love Conference will be held on March 6th-8th, 2025. All the sessions are recorded, so even if you are not able to join us live you will get "lifetime access" to ALL 31 phenomental sessions! If you use the discount code Mona50 you will also receive $50 off the ticket price and the investment is ONLY $47 ! In addition, you will get some amazing FREE BONUSES WORTH OVER $120. To learn more about the sessions and to register click here If you have any questions about the conference please send an email to: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com ____________________________________________________________ During this podcast episode you will learn more about the "predictive processing framework" (PPF) from Autistic therapist, Sarah Bergenfield. Sarah shares why understanding this framework is so important and how learning more about it can positively impact any neurodiverse relationship. Sarah talks about the ways in which the PPF impacts social interactions, sensory processing, physical intimacy, routines, socializing, and change. This discussion will help increase your understanding of some the challenges you may be experiencing in your neurodiverse relationship and can help both partners create more connection, have more more grace, and possibly heal some emotional wounds and "unintentional' hurt. If you would like to contact Sarah please check out her website here. If you would like to learn more about the Neurodiverse Love Documentary click here.…
 
If you are looking for tools and strategies to learn how to manage the ups and downs of your neurodiverse relationship then you don't want to miss the 2nd Virtual Neurodiverse Love Conference. All the sessions are recorded and everyone who registers will receive lifetime access to all 31 sessions. Whether you are looking for ways to better manage change, improve emotional reciprocity or understand the sensory issues that may be impacting your relationship this conference is for you!!! Use the discount code Mona50 to get $50 off the registration price and your investment in yourself and your neurodiverse relationship is ONLY $47 You can see the list of presenters, their session topics and register here . ____________________________________________________________ During this episode with Jana M. Smith, you will learn more about the importance of nervous system regulation and how to expand your window of tolerance. In addition, we also discuss the following: ◦ Tools to manage undiagnosed ADHD; ◦ Addressing dysregulation in your marriage and family; ◦ Chronic pain and health issues and attempting to manage symptoms; ◦ Fight or flight hyper-vigilance; ◦ Sensory sensitivities; ◦ Rewiring your brain to begin healing; ◦ Getting out of survival mode; ◦ How your brain is responding to stress and how it’s maladaptive; ◦ Negativity bias keeps us in a dysregulated state; ◦ How to function more effectively in a neurodiverse relationship when both partners are dysregulated; ◦ Impact of challenges with interoception; ◦ Moving quickly from being fine to dysregulated; ◦ The importance of implementing somatic exercises; ◦ You can build new communication highways in the brain; ◦ Do your own work and then work together to understand what accommodations are needed; ◦ Expanding the window of tolerance and creating safety for the nervous system; ◦ The brain does not rewire from avoidance and the more we avoid the more sensitive we get; ◦ Learning how to expand your window of tolerance and what you can do to regulate your nervous system; ◦ How you support yourself when multiple family members are repeatedly dysregulated; ◦ Understanding your sensory profile; ◦ Challenges with physical intimacy when your nervous system is dysregulated; ◦ Have compassion for yourself and others in your life because there is hope for change. You can learn more about Jana and the resources and services she offers here…
 
I am SO excited to be hosting the 2nd Virtual Neurodiverse Love Conference from March 6-8th, 2025. Check out the list of presenters and sessions topics at: www.neurodiverselove.com You can register here using the discount code Mona50 to get $50 off the ticket price. In addition, you’ll get 3 FREE BONUSES worth more than $120.! All the sessions are recorded and everyone who registers will have lifetime access to all 31 sessions!!! During this episode, I have an opportunity to talk with Greg and Michelle Fuqua about their mixed neurotype marriage (Autistic/ADHD) and their journey together. More specifically we discuss: - How they met and what attracted them to each other. - Miscommunication and early triggers. - Challenges before knowing they were a neurodiverse couple. - Limited capacity to work a full-time job. - Addressing the need for autonomy. - Challenges after having kids. - Emotional barriers to protect oneself. - Cognitive dissonance. - Reframing experiences with a neurodivergent partner and child. - Not taking things so personally. - The benefit of individual therapy. - Improvements in communication. - Neglect and abandonment triggers. - Being able to communicate challenges clearly. - The importance of doing the work individually and as a couple. - Creating emotional safety for each other. - Loving each other for their differences. - Shame triggers. - What they would have changed that they now know caused the other unintentional hurt. - The importance of taking care of yourself.…
 
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