Episode #25 Multi-exceptionality, Overexcitabilities and Positive Disintegration with Dr Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson

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Trigger warning: Discussion of self-harm

Please note: Around 12:26, Chris said: "For those of us who have these multiple exceptionalities, it's a very lonely experience. And the thing about Dabrowski that is so amazing to me is that he had this experience. The episode we recorded with Caitlin, Emma brought up this book he wrote and how he says about himself, "I'm a psychiatrist and a psychologist," and he's grappling with these two parts of himself." What Chris meant was, "I am a psychologist and a schizophrenic." In the book Fragments From the Diary of a Madman, under his pseudonym, Cienin, Dabrowski wrote, "I am a schizophrenic and I am a psychologist. I do not know what helps what or what damages what." You can download the excerpt Chris was referring to here.

In this episode, Caitlin and Teena are joined by special guests Dr Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson from the Positive Disintegration Podcast! They dive deep into their personal experiences with Positive Disintegration, discussing the unique challenges of being multi-exceptional and the importance of recognising Giftedness as a form of neurodivergence. Tune in as they explore how to support neurodivergence and overexcitabilities in individuals while fostering their growth and development. Discover how the Theory of Positive Disintegration fits within the neurodiversity paradigm. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

If you're new to the Theory of Positive Disintegration check out Dabrowski 101, An Introduction to the Theory of Positive Disintegration

Chris Wells, PhD, LSW, is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent individuals, drawing on personal experience and a deep understanding of Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration. As a writer, guide, and committed Dąbrowski scholar, Chris explores how this transformative theory can contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of giftedness and neurodivergence. They serve as the founding president of the Dąbrowski Center and co-host the Positive Disintegration Podcast, where they aim to make this complex theory more accessible and relevant to everyday life. Chris writes for the Positive Disintegration newsletter on Substack, sharing insights that blend professional expertise with lived experience. 

Emma is a senior business analyst by day, and content creator by night. She is the Vice President of the Dąbrowski Center, co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast, and creates content on overexcitabilities and the theory of positive disintegration for her website Tragic Gift and YouTube channel Adults With Overexcitabilities. Exploring problems and finding solutions is her daily bread and butter, and she has a knack for simplifying technical information so it can be easily shared with others. She is also a creative soul, with zero cares about sharing skeletons in the closet, if it will help someone else. Most importantly, she has an un-killable passion for promoting the theory of positive disintegration to help people feel supported and understood.

For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:

• Caitlin Hughes

  • Cathartic Collaborations

  • Social media: @cathartic.collaborations

• Teena Mogler

  • Balance Centre for Mental Health

  • Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

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