Andrew Watt On Speech Therapy, Neurodivergence & Self-Discovery

“The more we understand ourselves as therapists, the more transformative our work becomes.”
— Andrew Watt

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In today’s episode, we explore the intersection of mental health and speech therapy with Andrew Watt, a speech pathologist, trauma-informed psychotherapist, and passionate advocate for mental health.

Andrew shares his path from studying international relations and Japanese language to becoming a clinician, shaped by his own mental health journey and lived experience of neurodivergence. He discusses his commitment to integrating psychotherapy principles not only into client care, but also into how we support ourselves as therapists.

As the founder of Unity Therapy Services in Canberra, Andrew offers trauma-informed speech pathology and psychotherapy. He also runs a psychotherapy focused practice via andrewwatt.com.au, where he draws on the Conversational Model and other relational frameworks to support deep, reflective healing.

In this episode, Andrew and Kizzy explore:

• Career pivots, identity, and vulnerability as a therapist

• Why personal therapy matters for both professional and personal growth

• How psychotherapy principles can enhance rapport, presence, and attunement

• The unconscious dynamics that shape therapeutic work

• Culturally sensitive referrals and finding the right therapist

• Practical steps for bringing mental health awareness into all forms of care
  

Resources mentioned:

• • Shapes and Sounds
  • Psychology Today

  
  

Whether you’re a therapist, student, or curious listener, this episode offers an honest and grounded conversation about what it means to integrate mental health into the heart of your work and life.

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The Mindful Speechies Podcast
Instagram: @mindfulspeechies

Connect with Your Hosts:

Andrew Watt

• Psychotherapy site: www.andrewwatt.com.au
• Trauma-Informed Speech Pathology & Psychotherapy: www.unitytherapy.com
• Email: andrew@unitytherapy.com
• X: @SLPAndrew
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/acwatt

Kizzy Searle

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

Enjoy the episode!

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.