A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: ‘Stop Trying’, Connection and Community (Part 2)

Welcome back to the second and final part of my conversation with the wonderful Amiee Pember, an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist.

In Part 1, Amiee shared her powerful journey of self-discovery. Now, we dive deep into the heart of practice. How do we integrate ancient wisdom into our modern, often overwhelming, lives as practitioners?

Amiee shares profound insights from her time on silent retreats, including a pivotal moment with Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm that taught her the "wisdom of not trying." We explore the struggle of maintaining a practice without a supportive community, the power of finding connection in shared silence, and the radical self-acceptance required to walk a spiritual path that is never a straight line. This episode is a compassionate guide for any practitioner who has ever felt they've "fallen off" their path and needs to hear that they are always welcome back.

About Our Guest:

Amiee Pember is an autistic and ADHDer perinatal psychologist and board-approved supervisor. Through her practice, Neuro Bloom, she provides neurodiversity-affirming, attachment-informed therapy. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to personal authenticity, professional integrity, and ongoing reflective practice.

In This Episode (Part 2), You'll Hear About:

1. The Buddhist view of being a "scientist-practitioner" of your own mind: test the teachings and see what works for you.
2. Amiee’s powerful story from a 9-day silent retreat and the life-changing advice to "stop trying" to meditate.
3. The importance of allowing your mind and body to rest and transition before expecting stillness.
4. The challenge of integrating deep spiritual insights back into a busy life without an accessible community (the sangha).
5. The profound sense of connection and "oneness" that can be experienced in a silent group setting.
6. How Buddhist teachings on interconnectedness ("we-ness") can help evolve Western psychology's individualistic focus.
7. Amiee's core takeaway for all practitioners: The spiritual path is not about perfection, but about self-acceptance and being kind to yourself, especially when you feel disconnected.

Episode Highlights + Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to The Practitioner's Heart 

02:12 - Part 2 Introduction 

04:11 - Buddha as scientist practitioner

04:41 - The practice of pause 

07:20 - No perfect path 

08:34 - Amiee's first silent 9-day silent retreat

11:23 - The wisdom of stop trying 

14:43 - The transition into retreat as a neurodivergent 

19:10 - Bringing practice home 

24:07 - The importance of community

26:14 - The 'we' in psychology 

28:33 - Amiee's message for listeners 

32:06 - Where to find Amiee 

Resources & Links:

1. Learn more about Amiee Pember's work at Neuro Bloom: www.neurobloomlearninghub.com.au
2. If you missed it, listen to A Conversation with Psychologist Amiee Pember: Neurodivergent Identity, Motherhood & the Path of Buddhist Practice (Part 1)
3. Mentioned in this episode: Teachings of Ajahn Brahm.

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2. Visit our Website
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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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