The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

E74: Understanding Aphantasia: Navigating Invisible Barriers in Therapy with Carley Richards, RP

The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

Show Notes

Today your hosts psychotherapists Christina Crowe and Katie Richardson, love making invisible things visible and are talking about a lesser known condition called Aphantasia, and how it shows up in the therapy session room. We are joined by our friend and colleague, psychotherapist Carley Richards from Ottawa, who shares our interest in talking about all these neat things that crop up as we learn more and more about neurodivergent brains.

Katie, Carls and I talk about:

Their own personal experiences at opposite ends of the visualization spectrum as therapists, and as clients themselves.

The predominance of visual techniques in psychotherapy interventions and the implications for someone with hypophantasia or aphantasia.

How therapists can notice whether a client might not be able to visualize and how to adjust their approach accordingly.

Resources for After the Show:

Five things I’ve learned about aphantasia as a therapist by Christina Crowe

The Aphantasia Network

The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire

The Imagination Spectrum test

The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub.

Find our guest, Carley Richards, RP: Website | Instagram | Tiktok

Find Katie (CRPO #11244): Website | Instagram

Find Christina (CRPO #3908): Website | Find a Therapist | Get Assessed by an NP in Ontario | Instagram | TikTok | X

A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina nor Katie are not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above or our Resources page on our website.

LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio | AmazonMusic | RSS

More from The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

Dec 8, 2025

Certified Financial Planner Julia Chung joins host and psychotherapist Christina Crowe, to break down why traditional budgeting advice fails ADHD brains and what actually works. They explore systems that reduce overwhelm, the emotional beliefs that shape money decisions, and how to build financial stability without shame. A clear, grounded conversation for anyone who wants money to feel less chaotic and more aligned with real life.

Nov 17, 2025

When ADHD goes undiagnosed, the line between coping and addiction can blur fast. In this candid conversation, Christina and her guest, psychotherapist Kathleen Killen, both therapists, explore how late ADHD diagnosis can reshape the story of substance use, recovery, and self-understanding. Together, they unpack the grief of missed years, the fear of taking stimulants in sobriety, and the ongoing work of emotional regulation and healing.

Nov 10, 2025

Compassion fatigue and prolonged isolation have left us caring alone. Join Psychotherapist Christina Crowe for a brief exploration of how to rebuild collaboration and co-regulation in our post-isolation culture.

Oct 20, 2025

In this Hot Take, psychotherapist and group practice owner Christina Crowe, RP, shares an unfiltered look at why running a group practice is not just “more therapy” but an entirely new career path in entrepreneurship and leadership. Drawing from a decade of experience building a successful Ontario group practice, Christina breaks down the training gaps, financial strains, leadership struggles, and blind spots that many clinicians face when they dive into business ownership without preparation. If you’re a therapist considering starting a group, this episode offers both a reality check and encouragement. It’s not about failure; it’s about understanding the truth of what you’re signing up for and why mentorship, systems, and self-awareness are non-negotiable for long-term success.

Oct 13, 2025

How do we make an impact without falling into the trap of co-opting ideas or voices that aren’t our own? In this short hot-take episode, Christina Crowe, RP, reflects on the importance of authenticity, attribution, and integrity in the mental health field and beyond. Drawing on years of professional and lived experience, she challenges us to slow down, acknowledge those who came before us, and recognize the difference between being inspired and taking credit. This candid reflection unpacks why crediting sources matters, how to avoid performative advocacy, and why real impact depends on trust, reciprocity, and community. What You’ll Take Away: Why giving credit is essential for authenticity and trust.

See all episodes →