Top Couples Therapist: The Number One Reason ND Relationships Fail

Listen to this episode from The Hidden 20% on Spotify. What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation.In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals hard truths about unmet needs, communication breakdowns, and the dangers of fast-moving, intense connections.__________00:00 Introduction1:44 20 Years of Neurodivergence in a Relationship: What’s Changed?7:11 Late Diagnosis VS Relationships8:44 Post ADHD & Autism Diagnosis VS Relationships13:33 The #1 Struggle Most ND Couples Face14:02 Increased Communication Challenges: RSD & Emotional Dysregulation22:20 The Danger of Unavailability: Karen’s Top Tips27:24 ND VS Dating Apps: Karen’s Top 3 Tips30:07 The Neurodivergent Intense Connection: From 0-10033:58 Keeping The Magic Alive: Karen’s Top Tips40:55 The Biggest Unmet Needs in Neurodivergent Relationships44:16 The Impact of Neurodivergence On People’s Individual Lives45:55 The Biggest Transformations of ND Couples in Therapy47:33 Noticing Signs of Neurodivergence: Karen’s Advice for Couples52:11 Neurodivergence and Integration55:15 Should You Disclose Your ND Whilst Dating?57:08 Shutting Down ND Myths58:39 If ND Couples Therapy Resonates: What Next?1:00:35 Karen’s Green Badge Choice_____On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benKaren Doherty Relationship Therapist @karendohertycoachingIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.