In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, clinical psychologist Michaela Thomas discusses the pressure and myths surrounding the 'New Year, New Me' mentality. Michaela advocates for setting compassionate, intention-driven goals instead of rigid, outcome-based resolutions which can often lead to self-criticism and burnout. She explains the importance of being gentle and realistic, especially for neurodivergent individuals, and suggests focusing on manageable, long-term changes. Michaela also introduces her online course, the Compassionate Couple, and shares a special discount offer in honor of her birthday.

In this episode of the Pauses Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the challenges and tensions that arise during festive holidays and offers advice on maintaining compassion and connection with partners, especially in neurodivergent families. Michaela highlights the importance of self-compassion, meeting emotional needs, and understanding the dynamics of relationships. She talks about her book, 'The Lasting Connection,' and its accompanying online course, 'The Compassionate Couple,' which aims to help couples strengthen their bond. Michaela reflects on the book's release during the COVID-19 lockdown and expresses her desire to revive its message by engaging in more public discussions and events. She concludes with a special Christmas discount code for the online course.

Already feeling stretched by the festive season? This episode is your invitation to slow down and protect your energy. In this solo episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas explores why the holiday season can feel so overwhelming and draining, especially for women with busy brains, ADHD traits, or perfectionistic tendencies - and how to move through it with more intention and self-compassion. Michaela introduces the idea of balancing what drains you with what sustains you, and shares how using a visual schedule can help you manage energy more realistically, plan ahead, and reduce burnout. Rather than striving for a “perfect” Christmas, this episode encourages lowering expectations, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest before you reach exhaustion. Michaela also shares more about Golden, her immersive in-person experience for high-achieving ADHD women who need space to pause and recharge, reconnecting with their purpose and values. The episode ends with little permission pieces in reflections from women who attended the previous Golden event - gentle reminders that you’re not alone and that slowing down is allowed. ✨ In this episode: Why the festive season can feel especially draining for busy, ADHD brains The concept of drains vs. sustains and why energy matters more than time Using a visual schedule to plan with compassion Letting go of perfection and choosing rest Permission slips from other women just like youJoin the next Golden event on the 30th of January in London, grab your ticket here:https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-jan-2026/ 

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host I provide an in-depth guide on what to expect from an adult ADHD assessment, specifically focusing on the process at the Thomas Connection. The episode covers the stages before, during, and after the assessment, including the initial steps of self-identification and reaching out for a clarity call, the detailed assessment process, the importance of understanding one's life history, and the potential outcomes and support plans post-diagnosis. I also emphasize the importance of compassion and thoroughness in the assessment process, discusses the emotional impact of an ADHD diagnosis, and offer tips for preparing for and navigating the assessment journey.

Have you ever wondered whether running is helping your mental health… or draining it?In this episode, we dig into the real relationship between running and wellbeing - when it is helpful and when it is less helpful, or even outright harmful, to push the body through running exercise and marathons. I’m joined by Counselling Psychologist and passionate runner Dr Chloe Bedford for an honest, compassionate conversation about the complex dynamics between running, identity, and emotional regulation,  especially for busy, perfectionistic, or neurodivergent minds. We explore both the light and dark sides of running - the clarity, calm, emotional regulation, and resilience it can bring… and the perfectionism, guilt, pressure, and burnout that can creep in when movement becomes another place we strive or push too hard to beat a personal best or complete a particular race despite it making us ill or injured. Dr Chloe Bedford is a Counselling Psychologist working with adults, teens, and children struggling with their mental health. She has over 15 years experience of working in both the NHS and private practice. Chloe has spent time working in a specialist eating disorder service for teens and through this, as well as her own love of running, developed an interest in the complex relationship we can have with our bodies, eating and exercise. Chloe is an enthusiastic runner, and has run many half marathons and 10kms. One day she dreams of making it to the start line of a marathon, but as a mother she accepts that this might have to wait.  Together, we unpack how to approach running in a way that supports your wellbeing rather than drains it. We also talk about how fitness culture, social media, and societal expectations shape our beliefs about what running “should” look like - and the liberation that comes from choosing your own pace, your own goals, and your own rhythm. This episode is for you if you’ve ever: Used running to cope or regulate your emotions Slipped into all-or-nothing thinking around movement Felt guilty when you “didn’t do enough” Compared yourself to others or felt pressure to perform Wanted a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with exercise Chloe brings both psychological expertise and lived experience to help you create a version of running - or any kind of movement - that genuinely supports your mental health.Chloe is acutely aware of the benefits that running has had on her own mental well-being, as a psychologist, as a mother, and as a human. She shares her experience and the science behind how it can help, along with other mental health information, on her Instagram account (@the.running.psychologist), in the hope that this might help others.Connect with Chloe: www.marathonpsychology.com 

Black Friday is basically engineered to hijack an ADHD brain.  Countdown timers, flashing banners, urgency emails — it’s the perfect storm for impulsive buying and dopamine-driven decisions. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas shares three quick, compassionate strategies to help you navigate Black Friday with intention, self-trust, and calm, rather than getting pulled into impulsive spending. You’ll learn how to pause before you buy, check your emotional state, and create a tiny, intentional “YES list” that keeps you grounded instead of overwhelmed. Whether you’ve overspent before or simply want to approach the season with more steadiness, this episode offers practical tools you can use today — without shame, restriction, or perfectionism. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Black Friday is especially triggering for ADHD brains How urgency and dopamine hijack your decision-making The 10-second pause that protects you from impulsive buys How to spot when you’re “emotion spending” vs. choosing consciously How a micro 3-item “intentional yes” list keeps you grounded How to honour your needs and your values during the sales If you struggle with impulsivity, emotional regulation or burnout… You’re not alone — and you’re not broken.  These tendencies are part of your wiring, not a personal flaw. You might need support in learning to slow down for long enough to notice how you feel so you can regulate your emotions and nervous system. Connect with Michaela: Instagram: @the_thomas_connection Website: thethomasconnection.co.uk Join the newsletter for tools on slowing down with compassion on www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/newsletter

What happens when midlife hormones, ADHD traits, and the demands of running a business all collide?For many women, it’s the beginning of a powerful - and often messy - transformation and evolution. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Candice Mason, founder of Mother Cuppa Tea, about the realities of female entrepreneurship, hormone upheaval, and navigating neurodivergence in midlife. Candice shares her candid journey through endometriosis, peri-menopause symptoms, and building a product-based business from the ground up. Together, Michaela and Candice explore the pressures of social media visibility, the emotional load behind brand growth, and the overlap between ADHD traits and entrepreneurial resilience. You’ll hear: Candice’s journey into launching Mother Cuppa Tea and being loved by Fearne Cotton! How ADHD shows up in entrepreneurship - the strengths and the struggles Why self-compassion matters when you’re juggling hormones, business, and visibility Behind-the-scenes realities of running and growing a wellness brand Candice’s recent win - being selected by Mary Portas for a high-impact pop-up retail opportunity This is an honest, warm conversation about ambition, identity, and wellbeing - and how to build a business without burning yourself out. 💛 Connect with Candice:Website: www.mothercuppatea.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/mother_cuppatea ✨ Connect with Michaela:Website: www.thethomasconnection.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection 📘 Download Michaela’s free guide:👉 Calm the Overwhelm – your grounding companion for busy, neurodivergent mindswww.thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm 

What if the way you’ve been taught to succeed is the very thing burning you out? In a world that glorifies overwork, perfectionism and endless productivity, it can feel almost radical to rest, slow down, or say “no”. But that is where your business freedom lies.  In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Jo Hooper, founder of the Me First Method, about the mental health impact of patriarchal and capitalist work cultures — and how to build a business that supports your wellbeing instead of sabotaging it. Jo shares her experience of hitting breaking point in the corporate world, navigating multiple breakdowns, and reshaping her life and business around rest, boundaries and ease. Together, they explore how to step away from hustle culture, value your time and energy, and give yourself the permission slaps you need to reclaim your life. You’ll hear:  How patriarchal and capitalist structures fuel burnout  What meaningful, self-honouring boundaries actually look like  Why ease, rest and slowness are essential for long-term success  Practical ways to make your business easier to run  How to stop proving your worth through productivity This is an honest and compassionate conversation about redefining success on your own terms — and choosing spaciousness over self-sacrifice. 🎙️ About Jo Hooper Jo Hooper is the founder of the Me First Method, helping powerhouse women build businesses that support their mental health. After a decade in the corporate world — and two breakdowns — she rebuilt her work around rest and sustainability. Known for her Permission Slaps and belief in slow, spacious living, Jo now helps women work less, live more, and rediscover joy in their businesses. 🔗Connect with Jo Website Instagram Download Michaela's free guide to Calm the Overwhelm here  

You can be passionate about your exercise or sport, and still burn out from it. Have you ever pushed yourself so hard to “do better” or beat a personal best, that the joy disappeared?For many perfectionistic or ADHD minds, exercise can be too much of a good thing, so how to balance that is exactly what this episode unpacks. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, about the complex relationship between ADHD, high performance, and perfectionism in sport and exercise. Together, they explore how the drive for achievement can become both a strength and a struggle — especially for those with busy, high-achieving minds. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone using exercise to manage ADHD, this conversation offers insights into balancing motivation, wellbeing, and self-compassion. Dr. Perry shares her practical ‘coins system’ for tracking energy expenditure and understanding when you’re pushing too hard, offering strategies to prevent burnout, injury, and loss of joy in movement. Michaela brings her signature compassionate approach to exploring how ADHD traits such as hyperfocus, impulsivity, and perfectionism can show up in exercise habits — and how to turn these into sources of balance and fulfilment instead of exhaustion. You’ll hear: How ADHD and perfectionism affect motivation, recovery, and performance The fine line between discipline and overtraining Why self-compassion is the missing piece for sustainable success How societal pressures and body image ideals shape our relationship with sport Ways to bring more joy, purpose, and play into your training or movement routines About the GuestDr Josephine Perry is a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist who works with high performers in sport, stage and a range of sectors where people will be working outside of their comfort zones. She specialises in those struggling with performance anxiety and those who have ADHD. She is the author of 6 books including Performing Under Pressure, I Can: The teenage athlete's guide to mental fitness and, most recently, ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success.Connect with Dr Perry: performanceinmind.co.uk josephineperry.co.uk Download Michaela's free guide to Calm the Overwhelm here:www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm 

What It Really Looks Like to Prioritise Yourself (A compassionate nudge for busy, neurodivergent women and perfectionists) You know you should prioritise yourself — but what does that actually look like when you’re juggling ADHD, business, motherhood, and perfectionism? In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas explores what real self-care looks like beyond bubble baths and quick fixes. She shares the three types of clients she sees — from those running on empty to those beginning to create balance — and how each can benefit from more compassion and support. You’ll also hear real success stories from Burn Bright members who learned to set boundaries, manage their energy, and finally put themselves on their own to-do list. If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll prioritise myself later,” this is your gentle (but firm) reminder that now is the time.   🌿 You’ll hear about: Why self-care feels so hard for perfectionists and ADHD women The three types of clients Michaela works with — and where you might fit Real-life examples of women who learned to prioritise themselves How to choose between therapy and coaching for the right kind of support A final invitation to join Burn Bright before doors close Ready to stop running on empty? Inside Burn Bright, Michaela helps ADHD women in business find balance between ambition and rest through support, systems and self-compassion. ✨ Book your clarity call now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

You’ve seen the posts - “If you’re not up at 4am journalling and hitting the gym, do you even want success?”Michaela says: that's the pressure of perfection coming from the patriarchy - let that stuff go. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas shares why you don’t need to burn out to build something brilliant. She unpacks how hustle culture is ableist, unsustainable, and particularly harmful for neurodivergent women and mums with ADHD, whose energy is already stretched thin. You’ll learn how to redefine success on your terms, protect your nervous system, and build a business that feels balanced - not punitive. Ready to build success without self-sacrifice? Inside Burn Bright, Michaela helps ADHD women in business find sustainable success through support, systems and self-compassion. ✨ Book your clarity call: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright Doors close for applications 24th of October and the programme starts 5th of November!

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the importance of prioritizing self-care, especially for perfectionistic individuals and those with ADHD. She categorises her clients into three groups based on their progression in self-compassion and self-care and explains how each group can benefit from her Burn Bright program. Michaela provides real-life examples of women who have benefitted from prioritising themselves, setting boundaries, and managing energy, ultimately leading to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. She invites listeners to consider their needs and offers guidance on whether Burn Bright or therapy might be the best fit for them. 00:13 Understanding the Struggles of Prioritizing Self-Care 01:31 The Three Types of Clients 03:09 The Importance of Prioritizing Yourself 05:28 Success Stories from Burn Bright Members 07:48 Why ADHD Women Struggle with Self-Care 08:51 Final Invitation to Join Burn Bright 10:03 Encouragement to Take Action Now

Ever swing between unstoppable energy and complete inertia - buzzing with ideas one day and paralysed by overwhelm the next? In this episode, Michaela explores two sides of the ADHD experience she calls the Meerkat and the Sloth. One can’t stop, the other can’t start - and both are trying to help you. You’ll learn why these shifts aren’t inconsistency or failure, but signs of an ADHD brain managing energy and safety. Michaela shares how to move from shame to self-compassion, and find balance between overdrive and standstill. You’ll hear about: ADHD as attention regulation, not deficit The Meerkat (hyperfocus) vs Sloth (inertia) modes Why rest and action both deserve compassion Tools to steady your energy and find your rhythm Ready to build compassion for all of you? Inside Burn Bright, Michaela helps ADHD women in business find the sweet spot between ambition and rest - with support, systems and self-compassion. ✨ Book your clarity call: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-brightDoors close for applications 31st of October and the programme starts 5th of November!

Are you “too well” to get help for ADHD?In this solo episode, I shine a light on one of the most overlooked faces of ADHD — the women who look like they’re “coping” but are really over-functioning themselves into burnout. You’ll hear why being told you’re “too well” or “not struggling badly enough” can be just as invalidating and harmful as being dismissed entirely, and why support is still essential even if you appear to be managing. What you’ll learn in this episode:* "The many faces of ADHD" as the theme of ADHD Awareness Month* Why I don’t use the label “high-functioning”* My friend’s story of being told she wasn’t “struggling enough” for referral for assessment* The hidden shame of women with ADHD who look like they’re coping* Why coping isn’t thriving - you still need support even if you're holding it together 👉 Book a free call with me to explore my 6-month group coaching programme, Burn Bright: https://tidycal.com/michaela-thomas/burn-bright-clarity-call Doors close end of October, with the programme starting on Nov 5th!

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the concept of 'musturbation' and the harmful effects of forcing oneself to achieve goals out of obligation and fear. She highlights the importance of shifting from a mindset of 'should' to one of 'choose,' promoting self-compassion and conscious decision-making. Michaela encourages listeners to replace self-critical thoughts with intentional, value-driven choices, improving their mental well-being and productivity. The episode also includes practical exercises to reframe 'should' statements and an invitation to a free masterclass that Michaela is running on 9th October on how to Burn Bright Without Burning Out, specifically designed for ambitious women with ADHD. Sign up for my Masterclass: http://thethomasconnection.lpages.co/adhd

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In this episode, clinical psychologist Michaela Thomas explores the connection between rest and creativity, challenging the hustle culture notion that constant productivity leads to success. She emphasises that great ideas often come during moments of relaxation, not while grinding away at tasks. Michaela delves into the neurological basis for why rest enhances creativity, especially for neurodivergent individuals. She offers practical tips for incorporating short breaks and restful activities into daily routines to foster creativity and maintain mental well-being. Listeners are invited to join 'The Reset,' a free seven-day program designed to help regulate the nervous system, ultimately fueling productivity and innovation.   www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/rest

Have you considered whether you're ADHD or whether it's just parenting in modern life, or if it's the perimenopause? Maybe you're struggling because you are affected by all of the above!In this heartfelt episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas welcomes journalist Georgina Fuller, writer of the Telegraph article featuring the ADHD assessment she had with Michaela earlier this year. This is an honest conversation about the realities of being a neurodivergent woman raising neurodivergent children, and finding out your own diagnosis of ADHD in the midst of the chaos. Georgina shares her personal story, the impact of public writing on neurodiversity, and the importance of self-compassion in the face of stigma and online criticism. Plus, Michaela introduces The Reset, her upcoming nervous system reset experience, designed to help ADHD women find gentle, effective practices to make small shifts towards healthier habits for their rather overstretched nervous systems.   Resources & Links Read Georgina’s article in The Telegraph: Do I have ADHD? At age 47, I took the test to finally find out Connect with Georgina: MuckRack profile or search for her work online Free reset for busy ADHD brains: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset  ADHD assessment clarity call: Contact Michaela via Instagram or her website

Do you feel frazzled, fizzy, reactive, or on edge? Your nervous system might be dysregulated. In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I talk about something I know so many of us struggle with – regulating our nervous systems. You’ve probably seen all the advice flying around on social media – ice baths, cold plunges, endless hacks – but a lot of it isn’t grounded in science, and even more importantly, it isn’t tailored to you. Instead of chasing trends, I want to help you find regulation practices that actually work for your unique brain and body. For me, that looks less like forcing myself into an ice bath, and more like something simple and soothing – like warm water and slowing down with my breath. Breathwork is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools we all have at our disposal. And if you’d like a little help bringing your nervous system back into balance, I’ve created something special: The Rest to Reset experience. It’s a free 7-day reset, designed to give you practical, manageable tools to regulate your nervous system – without adding pressure or overwhelm. ✨ Join The Rest to Reset experience for free here → www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset We start 22nd of Sept!

Ever felt weighed down by shame, self-criticism, or parenting guilt as a woman with ADHD? You’re not alone. In this vulnerable episode, Michaela welcomes Kristin Carder, host of the hit podcast “I Have ADHD,” for a frank and compassionate conversation about the hidden struggles of ambitious, neurodivergent women. Together, they discuss how ADHD shows up as internal chaos, why criticism and rejection hurt so much, and what it takes to forgive yourself and repair with your kids. If you battle perfectionism, loud inner criticism, or regret how you’ve parented in the past, this episode offers comfort and practical support. Discover why compassion beats shame—and why it’s never too late to start again. Highlights: Kristin’s personal ADHD journey and how it shaped her podcast The reality of rejection sensitivity and harsh online feedback Why self-forgiveness is crucial for ADHDers and parents Simple strategies for softening your inner critic About Kristin:Kristin Carder is a certified ADHD coach and host of the “I Have ADHD Podcast.” Learn more: https://ihaveadhd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihaveadhdpodcast/ Find Michaela:Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-thomas/ Interested in Michaela’s Burn Bright group coaching for ADHD women? Doors are open for the Oct 2025 start: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright