In this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the insightful and compassionate Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals. We explore the complexities of executive functioning, and how understanding our brain’s unique operating system can transform how we show up for ourselves and others.
Fizzah brings deep experience from her work with high-achieving neurodivergent clients in the tech, medical, and legal fields. Together, we discuss how neurodivergent brains often struggle not because they’re broken, but because they’re functioning differently—and those differences can also be sources of strength.
Fizzah Zaidi is a Chicago-based psychotherapist with a passion for working with neurodivergent adults. Her practice supports many twice-exceptional individuals in high-demand professions, and her work includes educating organizations on how to better support neurodiverse teams. Diagnosed with ADHD just before entering graduate school, she dove deep into understanding the brain and executive functioning through continuing education and real-world application.
Why rest isn’t always about being still—and how energizing activities can also be restorative.
The link between executive dysfunction and rejection sensitivity.
How big-picture thinkers can better support task initiation and follow-through.
Understanding the role of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system in executive functioning.
Why complex tasks might be easier than basic ones for some neurodivergent folks.
The importance of personalized strategies over one-size-fits-all "fixes."
Using self-regulation instead of self-control to support executive function.
Shifting the mindset from “fixing” to understanding your operating system.