About this episode
This week on the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Kate is joined by Jennifer McKenzie, a somatic trauma therapist and holistic educator.This week's episode covers something we haven't explored before: the impact of trauma, abuse, addiction and neurodivergence on the body resulting from years of masking, not fitting in, surviving and never quite feeling safe enough to stop.Jennifer speaks openly about her trauma and surviving homelessness, addiction, domestic abuse, and rape, raising four children whilst living with chronic pain and disability, and receiving her AuDHD diagnosis later in life. Jennifer's approach to healing is unapologetic and rebellious, reminding us that recovery and self-improvement are possible for everyone, no matter where they start.In this episode, we explore:Jennifer's personal story, the labels she received growing up, and how her lived experience shaped her path and her purposeHow alcohol and substance use became a way of masking, functioning, and navigating a world that wasn't built for JenniferWhy AuDHD women can be particularly vulnerable to risk-taking behaviours, manipulation, and abusive relationshipsThe impact of ADHD and autism on female relationships and the ongoing struggle for authentic connectionHow trauma and pain live in the body, from posture and digestive issues to emotional weight and chronic painThe role of fascia as the body's second nervous system, how it stores trauma, and its links to conditions like EDSThe power of movement and somatic therapy in nervous system regulation and genuine, embodied healingFor so many neurodivergent women, the trauma and pain they carry aren't just emotional. It lives in the body, in the nervous system. Jennifer's perspective offers real tools and a deeply compassionate belief that healing is always possible.The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Event Recording is here!My first-ever ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live event sold out, and now the full experience is available to you wherever you are, whenever it feels right.Alongside three neuro-affirming experts, we spent four hours exploring t