The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland , LMFT

In this episode of The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast , Julie Bjelland, LMFT, shares what she has learned from thousands of conversations with autistic women, her own late autism discovery, autism assessments, and her work writing Autistic Women: A Clinician’s Guide to Neurodiversity-Affirming Identification and Support . Julie explores common themes many autistic women recognize in themselv...

Social conditioning shapes women’s lives in ways that often go unrecognized. From an early age, many women are taught to be agreeable, accommodating, and easy to be around. Over time, this conditioning can lead to overriding, dismissing, or ignoring their own needs in order to maintain connection and avoid discomfort for others. Julie explains how this pattern becomes automatic, how masking develo...

Many women ages 35–55 describe this stage of life as feeling like they are suddenly falling apart. Patience disappears, tolerance drops, exhaustion deepens, sleep becomes disrupted, emotions feel closer to the surface, and the body often hurts more than it used to. For sensitive, autistic, and neurodivergent women, this experience can feel especially intense and confusing. In this episode, Julie B...

Being highly sensitive or autistic has often been misunderstood, dismissed, or labeled as “too much.” Many of us grew up hearing painful messages that we were too emotional, too anxious, too quiet, too intense, or too sensitive for the world around us. In this special episode, therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT , offers a powerful message of validation and belonging: there is nothing wrong...

In this deeply heartfelt and validating episode, guest host Carol Roesler welcomes Lara Rodwell , founder of The Lonely Club and journalist, for an empowering conversation about autism, sensitivity, loneliness, and self-discovery. Lara shares her personal journey through misdiagnosis, the loneliness that often follows, and how self-identifying as a sensitive autistic neurotype became a turning poi...

In this heart-centered conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff returns to the podcast to talk with host Carol Roesler about the gifts of being a highly sensitive person, her new children’s book The Highly Sensitive Rabbit , the role of empathy in healing, and practical tools for emotional regulation, self-love, and hope in a chaotic world. The interview was recorded live on a full moon inside the Sensitiv...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, shares profound insights from her work with women discovering their autistic identity later in life. Many sensitive women spend decades feeling different, masking their struggles, and being misdiagnosed by outdated, male-centered assessments. Julie introduces the concept of the  Sensitive Autistic Neurotype —a strengths-based way of understandi...

Do you feel called to work for yourself? In this episode, Willow explores the real path of self-employment for HSPs. The challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep inner transformation that happens when you follow your truth. Discover why self-employment often tests us in the very areas we’re here to transform, how to stay true to yourself when things get hard, and why authenticity is the greates...

In this special anniversary episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast , guest host Carol Roesler leads a heartfelt celebration of the Sensitive Empowerment Community’s six-year anniversary . Joined live by members from around the world, Carol shares reflections, community stories, and heartfelt messages of gratitude for Julie Bjelland , LMFT — founder of the community and podcast. Togeth...

In this enlightening conversation, guest host Carol Roesler and Dr. Judith Orloff explore the profound themes of sensitivity, empowerment, and the importance of nurturing sensitive children. They discuss Dr. Orloff's new book, 'The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,' which serves as a guide for both children and adults to embrace their sensitivities as superpowers. The dialogue emphasizes the ne...

In this special episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, guest hosts Carol Ressler and Carolina Mariposa explore how parents and caregivers can create safe, supportive spaces for sensitive and neurodivergent children during life transitions—like moving to a new home, starting school, or welcoming a sibling. They share real-life examples of cozy nooks, sensory-friendly play areas, and c...

So many sensitive and neurodivergent people know the pain of trying to fit in, hiding parts of themselves to feel accepted. In this episode, we explore how our true power lies not in blending, but in embracing the unique way we see, feel, and sense the world. You’ll be invited to recognize your sensitivity as a natural design, a gift meant to connect you more deeply with life, others, and yourself...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest co-host Willow McIntosh explore why many sensitive and neurodivergent people—especially those with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—were never meant to “fit in.” Together, they share personal stories, clinical insights, and practical guidance on releasing the pressure to conform, reclaiming your authentic self, a...

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal and profoundly urgent. After years of working with women around the world—especially sensitive and neurodivergent women—I’ve seen a heartbreaking pattern: a lack of belief in self, chronic disempowerment, silencing, medical dismissal, and burnout. And yet, it’s women who are most needed right now. We are the ones with the empathy, strength, an...

In this deeply validating episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, explores 25 common traits within the sensitive autistic phenotype —a presentation of autism often overlooked in women and those socialized to mask. These traits offer insight into why so many highly sensitive people are discovering, often in adulthood, that they are actually autistic. If you’ve felt “different” your whole life or struggled t...

We are all living in tumultuous times and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. When our nervous system is out of balance, we are more likely to have heightened emotional responses to what’s going on around us. In this insightful interview, Dr Melanie Joy shares how highly sensitive people can experience dysregulation due to high empathy, weakened boundaries, taking on the responsibility to create...

I focus on the concept of “glimmers”—those fleeting, positive moments that provide hope when life feels overwhelming. As someone who identifies as highly sensitive and neurodivergent, I share personal stories of grief, self-reflection, and the practical ways I train my brain to notice and savor moments of joy or relief. You’ll learn how cultivating glimmers can help regulate the nervous system, ea...

This episode dives into the concept of the “sensitive autistic phenotype,” highlighting how many highly sensitive adults are discovering they are autistic later in life. The discussion emphasizes the need to view autism holistically, recognizing the intersection with gender, race, and other identities, and focuses on strength-based approaches and self-advocacy for better well-being. Emerging Persp...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the powerful topic of sensory sensitivity and sensory overload , exploring how these experiences shape our lives and impact our wellness. Episode Highlights: What is sensory sensitivity, and why do neurodivergent individuals experience it? The challenges of sensory overwhelm and its physical and emotional effects. Examples of sensory overload in everyday life,...

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the life-changing experience of discovering you're autistic as an adult. She shares personal insights and stories from others who have embarked on this journey, highlighting the emotional and physical costs of masking, the unique traits of late-discovered autism, and the power of finally understanding yourself. Julie discusses common challenges faced by aut...

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the powerful parallels between biodiversity in nature and neurodiversity in humanity. Discover how every unique mind contributes to the resilience, innovation, and balance of our world, much like every species plays a vital role in thriving ecosystems. Julie dives into: The lessons biodiversity teaches us about neurodiversity. How rigid societal norms stifl...

Dive into the topic of burnout recovery and prevention, particularly for sensitive and autistic individuals. Burnout is a pervasive challenge for many neurodivergent people, and Julie provides practical tools, strategies, and insights to help listeners identify, manage, and prevent burnout. Topics Covered: Understanding Burnout: Emotional, physical, behavioral, and sensory signs of burnout, includ...

In this episode of  The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast,  I explore why so many sensitive individuals, particularly women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB), are discovering their autism later in life. Together, we’ll tackle the misconception that autism is a “fad”—an idea that suggests people are falsely claiming to be autistic as part of a trend. I’ll explain why this view is not onl...

Description : In this episode of The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast , Julie Bjelland explores how injustice can deeply affect sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. With heightened empathy and a strong sense of fairness, many of us feel overwhelmed by the injustices we witness in the world. Julie shares 10 actionable strategies to help you manage these emotions, find empowerment, and prep...

Life can feel overwhelming and distressing in uncertain times, especially for sensitive and neurodivergent people. That’s why it’s even more important to turn inward, ground ourselves, and find a sense of stability within. By nurturing our inner world, we can create a safe, steady space amidst the external chaos, allowing us to respond with greater calm and resilience. Welcome, everyone, to The Se...