Divergent Discussions
At Kaboose, Divergent Discussions are designed to be safe and affirming. We aim to empower individuals by honouring their authentic selves and creating spaces where they can grow at their own pace.
Our Discussions provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to discuss topics that are important to them and build meaningful connections without judgement or pressure.
These Divergent Discussions focus on building specific skills and confidence to navigate various life situations. This may include how we foster relationships or sharing guidance to better navigate the workplace.
Benefits of Divergent Discussion Events
Divergent Discussions:
Real Talk, Your Way
Forget awkward small talk—our Divergent Discussions are all about expressing yourself in a way that feels natural to you. Whether you love deep conversations, passionate rants, or just listening and chiming in when it feels right, this is a space where all communication styles are valued. It’s not about “getting it right”—it’s about connecting, sharing, and being heard in a way that feels genuinely you.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Discussions are facilitated from a position of strength, and support our community to recognise their abilities, talents and accomplishments to improve social, self-advocacy and workplace belonging.
Self-Advocacy and
Empowerment
Our Mentors can provide guidance on managing daily tasks, problem-solving, decision-making, and promoting self-reliance, enabling our community members to gain greater confidence and independence.
Emotional Support
Coping Strategies
Our Discussions can offer strategies for managing stress, coping with sensory sensitivities, and developing self-regulation techniques. Our aim is to support our community to learn about their neurodivergence in a way that works for them.
Some Examples of Previous Divergent Discussions:
- Navigating Neurodiversity
- ADHD & Autistic Burnout
- The Path to Unmasking
- Navigating the Workplace
- Managing Rejection Sensitivity
Upcoming Sessions
At Kaboose, we offer events with our neuro-affirming team to connect, learn and find purpose.
Meet Our Mentors
Annelil Desille
Clinical Psychologist
Bachelor Psych Science, Post Grad Psyc, Master Clin Psyc
Annelil, an AudHD’er clinical psychologist, focuses on intimacy and relationships using personal and clinical experience with neurodivergent individuals. Her interests include neurodivergence, mind/body connection, sexual health, attachment, and spirituality. She holds certifications in fitness, clinical psychology, psychology, and Reiki. Annelil creates inclusive events and resources for the AuDHD community, praised for their adaptability and resourcefulness.
Dr Naomi Malone
Director/Counselling Psychologist
DPsych (counselling, Bsc (hons), MAPS
Naomi, a counselling psychologist with over 20 years in rural Victoria, has extensive clinical experience and a deep understanding of resilience. Her neurodiversity-affirming, client-centered, trauma-informed approach draws from IFS, ACT, family therapy, EMDR, and narrative therapy. As a late-diagnosed Autistic/ADHDer, she mentors clinicians in NDA and trauma-informed care, focusing on early career and late-identified ND professionals.
Karla Pretorius
MA: Psych
PhD Candidate
Karla has over 20 years of experience in neurodiversity and is neurodivergent herself. She believes in practical support strategies, mindfulness, and focusing on individual strengths. Karla has a unique ability to read a room without saying a word, which she affectionately calls her "neurospidy sense." This skill enhances her effectiveness in providing tailored support.
Yenn Purkis
MFA
Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate and presenter. Yenn is the author of 17 published books, all about elements of autism. Yenn has many awards for their work including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2019 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award. Yenn is passionate about making a difference for neurodivergent and Queer folks. Yenn has presented all over the world including for TEDx Canberra in 2013 and in 2023 - they are among around 100 people in the world to have given more than one TEDx talk. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art. They also have a large public profile particularly in the autistic and transgender communities. Yenn lives in a house full of art and books in Canberra with their little tortoiseshell kitty, Sunflower.
