A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: Neurodivergent Identity, Motherhood & the Path of Buddhist Practice (Part 1)

In this moving and deeply human conversation, Poh sits down with Amiee Pember, an autistic and ADHD perinatal psychologist and board‑approved supervisor based in regional Western Australia. In true Amiee fashion, she shows up with honesty, warmth, and profound self‑reflection.

In Part 1, Amiee shares the story of her early life, her intuitive path into psychology, and the transformative experiences that shaped her work — including motherhood, yoga, contemplative practice, and ultimately discovering her own neurodivergent identity later in life.

Together, Poh and Amiee explore the realities of being an early‑career psychologist, the anxiety on Sunday nights, and the relief that comes when we allow authenticity to lead the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how neurodivergence, Buddhism, ACT, yoga, and perinatal psychology intersect — this conversation will be an interesting one to listen to! 

In This Episode (Part 1), You’ll Hear About:

• Amiee’s early years and natural pull toward helping
• The impact of growing up in rural WA and community psychology
• How ACT, mindfulness, and yoga shaped her early career
• The vulnerable reality of imposter syndrome as a new psychologist
• The kindness of a therapist who helped her feel “human”
• How motherhood transformed her inner world and professional direction
• Discovering Buddhism through Ajahn Brahm, Tara Brach, and Gil Fronsdal
• How her neurodivergence was discovered through curiosity, compassion, and clinical openness
• What it feels like to realise “the mind is not a fixed object” but something fluid, expansive and context‑dependent

Who This Episode Is For:

• Neurodivergent therapists (or those wondering if they are)
• Clinicians curious about Buddhism, ACT, and contemplative practice
• Therapists navigating imposter syndrome or early‑career pressures
• Anyone who loves grounded, honest conversations about identity and growth

Episode Highlights + Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Practitioner’s Heart

04:20 – Introducing guest Amiee Pember

09:35 – Amiee’s early pull toward helping and community psychology

15:15 – First encounters with ACT, anxiety, and a compassionate psychologist

19:45 – Yoga and the bridge to Buddhist teachings

27:13 – Discovering Dharma teachers: Ajahn Brahm, Tara Brach & Gil Fronsdal

33:02 – First silent retreats & the moment Buddhism “clicked”

37:08 – Clients leading the way toward recognising her own neurodivergence

40:00 – How Buddhist practice helped meet this truth with compassion

41:47 – Closing: the mind as fluid, expansive, and context‑shaped

About Our Guest — Amiee Pember, Psychologist

Amiee is an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist, board‑approved supervisor, and educator whose work focuses on neurodivergent families in the perinatal period. She integrates ACT, CFT, and EMDR within a neurodiversity‑affirming, attachment‑informed framework.

Through her work at NeuroBloom, she models authenticity, reflective practice, and inclusive strengths‑based care.

Resources & Links: 

• Learn more about Amiee Pember's work at NeuroBloom Learning Hub
• Follow Amiee on Instagram
• Center for Perinatal Psychology (CPP)
• League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues (LOAPAC)

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for education and inspiration purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, clinical supervision, or professional training, and does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

Bodhi Inner Path Circle is a contemplative membership community for therapists who long for a regular, supportive, spiritually grounded place to practise meditation, learn Buddha‑Dharma in reflective practice, and connect with dharma friends. It is currently open for enrolment! You're warmly invited to join us to start your cultivation and practice today! 

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