Understanding Co-Consciousness and Plurality with Steph Robertson

"Our brain created this incredible adaptation to allow us to get through... I don’t think we would be where we are today if it weren’t for the incredible skill our mind had in using dissociation as a coping mechanism. I’m really grateful for what our brain has done."

—

In this profound episode, Kizzy and Andrew sit down with Steph Robertson, a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist, to explore the lived experience of navigating the world as a plural system (having multiple parts or alters within one mind/body). Steph provides insight into DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), moving the conversation away from sensationalised media tropes toward a reality grounded in her experience of survival, safety, and therapeutic progress.

The discussion bridges the gap between traditional pathology and neurodiversity affirming care, highlighting how amnesia and identity shifts exist on a spectrum rather than as rigid checkboxes. For SLPs and health professionals, this episode is a call to move toward relational, curious practice, emphasising that the most powerful tool in a clinician’s kit is the willingness to believe a client's internal reality without judgment.

About Our Guest

Steph Robertson is an autistic ADHD, CPTSD individual and plural system who works as a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist and advocate. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on challenging neuronormativity and supporting families through a trauma-responsive, transdisciplinary lens.

Inside This Episode

• Redefining amnesia (it’s not always a black hole).
• The "Passenger Seat" analogy for co-consciousness.
• Why "gentle curiosity" is one of your best clinical tools.
• And so much more :)

Resources Mentioned

• Film: Petals of a Rose
• Series: The Crowded Room
• Tools: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for DID — The Workbook by Johanna Knyn
• Concepts: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).
• Training:
• April 2026 Webinar with Steph Robertson and Christina Keeble on Interoception as a Protective Factor: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1533624
• Wilde Consulting: https://wildeconsulting.com.au/services/training-workshops/
• Guided Healing Psychology: https://www.guidedhealingpsychology.com.au/theteam
  

Connect with Steph Robertson:

• Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapy
• Email: hello@sgroccupationtherapy.com
• Website: https://www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/

—

Kizzy's Webinar on Trauma-Informed Practice:

Learn more: https://webinar.attunedspeech.com.au/registration_tip_210526

—

The Mindful Speechies Podcast:Instagram: @mindfulspeechies

Connect with Your Hosts:
Kizzy Searle

• Website: ⁠www.attunedspeech.com.au⁠
• Email: ⁠kizzy@attunedspeech.com.au⁠
• Instagram: @attunedspeech
• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzysearle/⁠

Andrew Watt

• Website: www.unitytherapy.com
• Email: andrew@unitytherapy.com
• X: https://x.com/SLPAndrew
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acwatt/
  

—

Enjoy the episode!