Dr. Maria Georgiou Shippi

07/01/2026

What if the behaviors labeled as "controlling," "resistant," or "hyper-independent" aren't character flaws—but your nervous system's way of protecting something essential?

Discover how understanding PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) in autism and ADHD transforms shame into self-understanding, and why honoring your need for autonomy might actually be the pathway to deeper, more authentic connection.

Through a powerful case example, explore how reframing changes everything: from pathologizing to understanding, from "fixing" to supporting, from fighting yourself to finally making sense.
A warm, holistic exploration of nervous system needs, relational healing, and the sacred moment when you stop seeing yourself as broken.

Explore the profound impact of reframing narratives around PDA, helping individuals honor their needs and create healthier, supportive relationships.

09/12/2025

Heard of PDA? It stands for "Pathological Demand Avoidance" or "Pervasive Drive for Autonomy" (more neuro-affirming!).
PDA describes when your nervous system perceives a threat to your autonomy, control, or social equality - triggering intense emotional responses. It's commonly seen in autism and ADHD.
Here's the key: It's not defiance. It's protection. Your nervous system is responding to what feels like a genuine threat. 💚

26/11/2025

https://www.drmgshippi.com/pda-in-autism-and-adhd-its-not-what-you-think/

PDA isn't about being difficult—it's about a nervous system protecting itself. This post helps newly diagnosed autistic & ADHD people understand Pervasive Drive for Autonomy and find strategies that actually work. 🌟

13/09/2025

Agenda: psychoeducational workshop regarding emotional awareness and coping with big feelings.

Using images, drawing and conversation we explored how emotions present themselves as physical sensations, body and facial expressions and what we can do to cope with them.

Thank you Montessori Training Centre & The Child's Workshop Kindergarten for the hospitality and opportunity to assist your children in learning about emotional regulation.

08/08/2025

It is important to acknowledge the complex emotional landscape people often experience when beginning to recognize their neurodivergence. Contradictory feelings that commonly arise - like relief mixed with grief, or excitement alongside uncertainty
These feelings are normal and people need gentle encouragement to proceed the exploration of their self-discovery, since it is valuable at any stage of life.

25/07/2025

Proud to have contributed a chapter to the newly published book "When Therapy Goes Wrong". My chapter explores managing risk in remote practice - an area that's become increasingly relevant and important in recent years.

The chapter highlights the complexities of providing remote therapy across borders. It captures my emotional turmoil and ethical challenges when handling a remote su***de risk. Through supervision and reflection, the crisis transformed into growth, strengthening safety protocols and deepening my commitment to ethical, responsive, and emotionally attuned remote practice.

Grateful to be part of this thoughtful collection, and always open to conversations about how we navigate challenges and safeguard good practice in a digital age.

You can find the book on Satinder Panesar's website - the mastermind who made this happen (link in photo) and Amazon.

11/07/2025

Let’s move beyond the stereotypes. Let’s talk about female autism and neurodiversity within LGBTQ+ communities. 💬💙
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04/07/2025

Your experience is valid. Your journey to understanding yourself matters. Consider these elements in searching for a practitioner to help you with your goals.

27/06/2025

Seeking support to better understand your autistic experience? I work with autistic adults navigating identity, relationships, and authentic living.

18/06/2025

Professional, verbal, and successful - yet workplace dynamics and relationships still feel like navigating unwritten rules? As a recently Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, I offer autism-informed therapy that addresses the unique challenges you face in career and personal connections.

You've built a successful career. You communicate effectively. You navigate daily life with competence and skill. Yet sometimes, the workplace feels like a puzzle with missing pieces, and relationships seem to follow unwritten rules that everyone else instinctively knows. If this resonates with you,...

09/05/2025

Deciphering your values can guide your decision making and guide your actions. You can use the link below to start exploring.

Values Exercise Living in alignment is about matching your “real” behaviors with your “ideal Values.” Living out of alignment is a source of stress, dissatisfaction and poor decision-making. As the first step in our Alignment Model, our Values Cards provide an interactive way to define what ...

02/05/2025

As a practicing psychologist, I am guided by core principles that shape every client interaction. These fundamentals inform my approach to mental health care and represent my commitment to ethical, effective practice.

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or continuing your mental health journey, know that these principles guide my work and my commitment to supporting your wellbeing.