the creator
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar The Steady Therapist
I’m Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a BACP-accredited trauma therapist, and many know me as The Steady Therapist because of my focus on helping people navigate emotional regulation, particularly in the neurodivergent community. Diagnosed later in life with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD, I’ve learned to turn my challenges into strengths, creating tools and platforms that make emotional support accessible, inclusive, and compassionate. I’m the creator of the Talky Talk platform - a free, online space designed to spark meaningful conversations. Read More >
I’m Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, a BACP-accredited trauma therapist, and many know me as The Steady Therapist because of my focus on helping people navigate emotional regulation, particularly in the neurodivergent community. Diagnosed later in life with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD, I’ve learned to turn my challenges into strengths, creating tools and platforms that make emotional support accessible, inclusive, and compassionate. I’m the creator of the Talky Talk platform - a free, online space designed to spark meaningful conversations. Read More >
I built Talky Talk because I believe that talking is one of the most powerful tools we have to steady our emotions and advocate for our needs.
For many, especially those who are neurodivergent, traditional ways of communicating can feel overwhelming or inaccessible. I wanted to create a bridge, a safe and creative way to start conversations, build skills that encourage understanding, connection, and self-regulation.
For me, emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing or calming feelings – it’s about finding steadiness in the storm. Talking helps us process, connect, and feel less alone, which is essential when emotions feel too big or hard to understand.
This work is deeply personal for me. Growing up in a world that didn’t always understand me, I know how isolating it can feel to navigate emotions without the right tools or support. Talky Talk isn’t just a platform; it’s my way of giving back. It’s a space where I hope others feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their emotions.
Whether it’s through my therapeutic practice, workshops, or creative resources, my mission is simple: to help people – especially those in the neurodivergent community – find their steady, one conversation at a time.
How Talky Talk Cards Can Help

Encouraging Meaningful Conversations
Talky Talk Cards are designed to make starting conversations easier, especially when discussing feelings or difficult topics. Each card offers prompts that inspire open sharing, helping individuals articulate their emotions, thoughts, and needs in a safe and structured way. This creates opportunities for deeper understanding and connection.

Bridging Communication Gaps
For those who find traditional conversations challenging - like many neurodivergent individuals - Talky Talk Cards offer a creative solution. With visual and text prompts calland clear, engaging language, the cards make communication more accessible. These visual cues help spark ideas and make it easier to express thoughts, especially when words don’t come easily.

Supporting Emotional Regulation
Talking is a powerful tool for emotional regulation, and Talky Talk Cards provide a gentle, guided approach to naming and exploring emotions. By working through prompts, users can process feelings, reduce stress, and find steadiness, even during challenging moments.
The Foundation of Meaningful Relationships
Being able to communicate is the cornerstone of every meaningful relationship. It allows us to share our thoughts, emotions, and needs in ways that foster connection and understanding. When we can express ourselves clearly and listen openly, we build trust, resolve conflicts, and deepen intimacy with the people who matter most to us.
Navigating Unique Communication Challenges
For neurodivergent individuals, communication can often be layered with unique challenges—whether it’s difficulty finding the right words, sensory overload, or misunderstandings arising from different communication styles. Yet, when communication works, it becomes a bridge that unites us, helping to navigate these challenges with empathy and clarity.
Communication as a Tool for Emotional Regulation
Crucially, communication supports emotional regulation. Talking through emotions helps us name and process them, reducing the intensity of what we feel. It allows us to seek comfort, validation, or solutions from others, which can steady us during moments of stress.
Creating Safe Spaces in Relationships
In relationships, effective communication creates a safe space where both people feel heard and valued, even during difficult conversations. This mutual understanding lays the groundwork for navigating challenges together with patience and compassion.
Connection Beyond Words
Ultimately, effective communication isn’t just about words – it’s about connection. When we share openly and listen deeply, we affirm our commitment to understanding and supporting each other, laying the foundation for relationships that thrive.