Mar 9, 2026
Psychotherapist Ivy Rizzo has a master's degree, speaks multiple languages, and owns her own business... but she struggles with doing basic math, remembering important dates, and recalling events in chronological order. Dyscalculia is often dismissed as just being "bad at math," but for Ivy, it has a wide-ranging effect on her life.
In this episode, Ivy talks about:
- How the severity of her dyscalculia impacts her math, memory and sequencing skills
- What it was like for her growing up with dyscalculia in the 1980s-1990s
- How dyscalculia impacts her adult life, including work, parenting and friendships
- Her viral post about how she visualizes the months of the year
- The shame of being misunderstood by educators and supervisors, who misinterpreted her dyscalculia in traumatic ways
- How her neurodivergence helps her support and strengthen her client relationships
- Using her strengths and tech tools to help accommodate her dyscalculia
To find out more about Ivy and her work, visit her website and follow her on Threads.
If you enjoyed this episode about dyscalculia, you may also enjoy my episode about dyscalculia education and advocacy with Elena Chambers (episode 190).
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*