In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Mandi Dixon, LPC, EMDR therapist, and ADHD executive functioning coach, about the intersection of ADHD and perimenopause, an area with far too little research and awareness—despite how profoundly it impacts so many lives. Mandi shares both expertise and lived experience, highlighting the real challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals navigating this transition.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Perimenopause and Neurodiversity: The intersection of ADHD (and often autism) with perimenopause leads to increased and earlier symptom onset, more intense sensory sensitivity, sleep disruption, and overwhelming emotional changes.
- It’s Not All in Your Head: Many women (and people of all genders with similar physiology) are misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare providers. Recognize that these symptoms are hormonal and neurological—not character flaws or mental health failures.
- There Is Help Available: Specialized menopause practitioners (often accessible via telehealth) and resources like symptom trackers can empower individuals to advocate effectively for the care they deserve.
More about Mandi:
Mandi Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR therapist, and ADHD Executive Function Coach specializing in the intersection of ADHD and perimenopause in women. She’s a member of The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and her work has been featured in USA Today and Good Morning America. Mandi is based in Allen, Texas, where she sees clients and is currently writing her first book on ADHD and midlife hormonal health.
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✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
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✨ Portland, Maine, Summit 2026
The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit
Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Portland, Maine, Summit 2026
The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit
Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
Alma
Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode. Alma empowers you to confidently accept insurance backed by an all-in-one EHR that simplifies scheduling, documentation, and day-to-day practice operations. With a network of engaged providers and free CE courses, Alma makes it easy for you to build the practice of your dreams on your terms. Alma believes that when therapists get the support they need, mental healthcare gets better for everyone. Learn more at https://helloalma.com/ATPP.
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
