Unapologetically Sensitive

Navigating Neurodiversity: The Struggle to Figure out the Rules We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, & allowing oneself to feel the full range of emotions. We talk about the struggle to figure out what the unspoken expectations are. We talk about how neurodivergent brains process information compared to neurotypical brains, as well as communication styles that may be more effective...

I Needed to Become the Person I Needed Most   Kelly took the HSP Course 3 years ago. When life threw her a curveball 18 months ago, she had no idea the profound impact the Course would have on her. Kelly embraced her emotions without judgement, and she began to heal and grow. She allowed people to be there for her. She shares the mantras she used, and she talks about the beauty she experienced whi...

Regulating your Nervous System: Setting Boundaries and Self-Care while Travelling  On a Saturday, I decided to fly to Philadelphia the next day. This episode addresses travelling considerations when you're neurodivergent. I had to set some boundaries and I also had to implement a lot of self-care. We talk about strategies for travelling, and how to anticipate, prepare, execute, and communicate you...

I Am Learning That There is Nothing Wrong with Me Finding a community of people who are wired like you is healing and validating since HSPs often feel isolated in traditional social settings. As a result of taking the Online HSP Course, Kathy shares how she learned that nothing is wrong with her, and how she learned to trust herself. The Group models what a functional "family" is like, and everyon...

Female Autism: Challenging Stereotypes, and the Need for Education Another Highly Sensitive Therapist and I discuss the challenges (and gifts) of being diagnosed autistic. We discuss how autism in sensitive females (Assigned Female at Birth AFAB) presents differently, as well as how autism in females tends to be very different than autism in males. We address common things that are said that may f...

The Art of Boundary-Setting: Nurturing Authentic Relationships Establishing boundaries can foster deeper connections by allowing us to remain authentic and present. You might feel dysregulated, and/or guilty when you set a boundary. Not all relationships will be close, and not all relationships are meant to last for years. There are also seasons in relationships. When we're genuine in our interact...

Words Matter: Claiming Identity Through Inclusive Language Co-regulation does not mean that you will feel calm. It's about attunement and being present with you in the moment. We challenge negative biases and stereotypes about neurodivergence, such as the idea that being pedantic is always negative. We discuss the importance of using non-judgmental language when speaking to someone about their exp...

Neurodivergent Considerations when Nurturing Authentic Relationships Are you struggling with self-monitoring and communication? We dive into some of the challenges faced by neurodivergent folks. Discover the power of authenticity and direct communication for neurodivergents. Explore practical strategies to navigate challenges, set boundaries and forge meaningful relationships.   Learn practical to...

Unlocking Your Voice: Strategies for Assertiveness and Connection We explore managing expectations, and the innate need for feeling seen and heard. You'll learn techniques to regulate expectations, express personal requirements, and foster authentic connections. We emphasize the importance of vulnerability, empathetic listening, and setting healthy boundaries. We also provide insights into the cha...

Embracing Neurodiversity: My Journey Continues to Unfold I may have dropped a bombshell in episode 191. I apologize and I provide more information in this episode. My understanding about neurodivergence has really expanded, and I'm recognizing myself in some new and unexpected ways. I share some insight, education, and how this expands my work with neurodivergent people with new understanding. I a...

Healing & Connection: Finding Your People Amidst the Storm We talk about honoring your neurodivergence, and bringing in self-compassion when you're having a hard time connecting with your strengths and gifts. We talk about having unrealistic expectations in friendships, and the fear of rejection if you ask for what you want. How do you recognize where you do have control of yourself, and how do yo...

Distorted Self-Image; Internalizing How You are Positively Reflected How can you internalize the positive ways others see you in order to shift your distorted self-perception? How do you nurture secure attachments? What prevents you from having intimate relationships with others? Jen and I talk about what it was like for her to come to CA, and for us to meet in person for the first time in our 5-y...

Embracing Vulnerability and Setting Boundaries for Deeper Connection Vulnerability can be an uncomfortable but empowering experience, resulting in stronger connections with others and increased emotional resilience. If you crave meaningful connections, you must allow yourself to be vulnerable, even when it feels uncomfortable. When setting boundaries, we often deal with a part that feels very youn...

Managing Stress Reactions through Self-Care How do you manage stress reactions—especially when you struggle to set boundaries? Sometimes it can be difficult to assert your needs. I share a story of risking looking like that person in my own home. We talk about the importance of understanding what you are willing to tolerate in relationships and what might come up if you struggle to set boundaries....

Managing Dysregulation with Compassion & Mindfulness In this episode, you will be able to: 1. Learn the importance of honoring your personal needs and setting boundaries to maintain your emotional well-being. 2. Recognize the impact of differentiating past traumas from present experiences to feel more empowered. 3. The importance of cultivating authentic connections through vulnerability and empat...

The Power of Speaking Up; Boundary-Setting in Therapy and Beyond How do you navigate ruptures in therapy if the therapist overshares, or does not meet your needs? Rupture and repair are possible. Are there ways to self-disclose in appropriate ways that benefit the client? We share a vignette about therapeutic rupture. As a client, do you know how to bring up concerns to your therapist? As a therap...

Setting the Groundwork for the Holidays with the Emotionally Immature Person part 2 Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents , and Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents explains why we repeatedly give in to an Emotionally Immature Person (EIP) even when you don't want to. She talks about how to stay in touch with your true self and how to plan your action...

Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of  Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents , and Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents explains why it's harder to deal with Emotionally Immature People (EIPs) around get togethers, and the likely pitfalls.   She talks about how to plan and prepare so the experience is healthy for you. She also explains why you may become paralyzed or feel like a small chi...

Setting Boundaries with Emotionally Immature People Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents , and Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents provides a 5-part process outlining how to set boundaries with an Emotionally Immature Person (EIP). She also talks about how to reinforce and reset those boundaries when they aren't honored. Dr. Gibson talks about how t...

Self Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents , and Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents talks about self-care regarding self-confidence, security, self-connection, self-awareness and emotional self-protection. She talks about how being an adult child impacts a person's choices and behaviors in rela...

How to Identify a Healthy Relationship GUEST Lindsay Gibson, PsyD. EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents describes healthy relationships look like, and she identifies characteristics of a person who is capable of having a healthy relationship. She talks about what to look for at the beginning of a relationship. She also talks about deal break...

What is an Emotionally Immature Parent, and how to Identify a Healthy Relationship Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of  Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents , &  Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents  explains what an emotionally immature parent is, and how this impacts their adult children.  I talk about crying when I got overwhelmed when my kids were young, and Lindsay comments on thi...

The Healing Power of Grief: Pet Loss, Self-Care and Support It is possible to heal as you grieve. You can be supported, & find meaningful ways to honor the memories your pet. There are so many ways to support someone who is grieving the loss of a pet. I discuss ways to honor your needs during what can be a tearful, and vulnerable time. I talk about ways to assess they types of comfort and support...

Managing Uncertainty, Anxiety and Potential Loss with Family and Pets Do you have rules to quell your anxiety in order to feel safe? I believed (HAHA) that if my kids lived close, I could keep them safe. One son is joining the Navy, and I am having an opportunity reframe what safety means, and to rumble with uncertainty and loss. In this episode, I talk about how to manage uncertainty, & to create...

Self-Advocacy and Needing Help Why is it taboo to talk about certain subjects? Our shared experiences need to be normalized and validated. Jen and I discuss some health issues we're experiencing, and how it can be difficult to ask for help, especially when we've been let down or shamed in the past. We also discussed the importance of advocating for ourselves in the medical system. Finally, we disc...