Top Couples Therapist: The Number One Reason ND Relationships Fail

What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation.

In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals hard truths about unmet needs, communication breakdowns, and the dangers of fast-moving, intense connections.

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00:00 Introduction

1:44 20 Years of Neurodivergence in a Relationship: What’s Changed?

7:11 Late Diagnosis VS Relationships

8:44 Post ADHD & Autism Diagnosis VS Relationships

13:33 The #1 Struggle Most ND Couples Face

14:02 Increased Communication Challenges: RSD & Emotional Dysregulation

22:20 The Danger of Unavailability: Karen’s Top Tips

27:24 ND VS Dating Apps: Karen’s Top 3 Tips

30:07 The Neurodivergent Intense Connection: From 0-100

33:58 Keeping The Magic Alive: Karen’s Top Tips

40:55 The Biggest Unmet Needs in Neurodivergent Relationships

44:16 The Impact of Neurodivergence On People’s Individual Lives

45:55 The Biggest Transformations of ND Couples in Therapy

47:33 Noticing Signs of Neurodivergence: Karen’s Advice for Couples

52:11 Neurodivergence and Integration

55:15 Should You Disclose Your ND Whilst Dating?

57:08 Shutting Down ND Myths

58:39 If ND Couples Therapy Resonates: What Next?

1:00:35 Karen’s Green Badge Choice

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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.

Host: Ben Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

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Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Karen Doherty Relationship Therapist @karendohertycoaching

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