Creative Mind Audio

Julie Bjelland is a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, and author of many resources to help highly sensitive people (HSPs) worldwide.

In this excerpt of one of her podcast episodes, she is joined by Willow McIntosh, the founder of Inluminance and leader of the High Sensory Intelligence movement.

In her Show Notes, Julie Bjelland writes:

The human mind is wired to look out for us which can often mean thinking worst-case scenarios and a negative view of things.

It takes conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook for us all, which of course is not always easy.

As HSPs we sometimes have a tendency to turn our powerful cognitive processing ability in on ourselves. When this is coupled with low energy or a pattern of self-doubt and low self-esteem our own minds can quickly become a very difficult place to be.

The trouble is, it can be difficult to identify what are just low-frequency thoughts of fear and which are coming from a place of knowing and self-alignment.

In this episode, we look at some of the techniques we can use on a daily basis to help maintain a peaceful state of being, including ways in which we can create peace of mind when our energy is low.

We will also look at why we end up in conflict with ourselves when we are simply trying to find a sense of belonging and safety.

~~~

Listen to the full podcast episode in my article How to Manage Our Energy, Negative Thoughts, and Overprocessing as HSPs.

The article includes links to resources such as the Sensitive Empowerment Community, Willow’s Coaching Program, the HSP Podcast list, and Julie's main site Sensitive Connection.
....

View selected episodes and articles with more resources: The Creative Mind Audio Podcast page on the main site.

A number of wearable devices can help improve our physical and emotional health. In this audio, several people talk about the Apollo Neuro device, starting with Psychotherapist Julie Bjelland, LMFT.

She comments that highly sensitive people have a "unique and deep sensitivity to our surroundings and emotions, which grants us numerous strengths, including heightened empathy and creativity.

"However, this sensitivity and intense emotional responses to stressors can leave us more vulnerable to anxiety and reduced resilience."

She recalls a stressful construction project in her home, and how the Apollo device "reduced my anxiety and helped me feel calmer."

Dr Dave Rabin, a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, inventor, and cofounder of Apollo Neuro, comments that "the human body is amazing, adaptive and powerful, but it is not designed for the way we live."

Kathryn Fantauzzi, CEO and co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience, explains more about their wearable device: "It sends a signal to your brain that says 'Hey, this email is not going to kill you, the traffic is not actually going to hurt you'.

"And you have this moment of pause in the same way that you have in a moment of pause when you meditate or when you deep breathe, but in the moment that you need it and without you having to do anything."

Her comments (and some other people) in the last section of this Creative Mind Audio podcast episode are from this video:

~~~~

Ragga Ragnars, an actress and Olympic swimmer (at far right in the image at top), says "I use my Apollo throughout the day to help me relax, focus or get into social situations.

"In the evening I use it to prepare myself for sleep...My heart rate variability (HRV) has increased as well as my deep sleep and rem sleep.

"How do I know all this? Because I pair my Apollo with my Oura Ring. Tracking my health and sleep with Oura, while using my Apollo has been a game changer."

[From an Apollo Instagram reel; quotes not included in this podcast episode.]

~~~

Therapist Karindy Ong comments about using an Apollo wearable device to help an autistic patient, and her aunt:

"Just sharing one use-case for the Apollo Neuro in Speech Therapy sessions. I share how I used this device to help a patient manage the stress of triggering sounds (babies crying) to stay present on the session and not run, his typical response to the sound.

"This can be helpful if you have a loved one who is at risk for elopement or aggression when overwhelmed by external stimulation. It helps regulate autonomic function so the body can modulate how inputs affect homeostasis.

"Taking my aunt to a Neuro appointment and she is wearing it to help her feel supported and calm even though these appointments can feel intimidating."

Karindy Ong, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a Myofunctional Speech-Language Pathologist, CFT Practitioner. This is a copy of her Instagram reel, shared to the Apollo Neuro Instagram site.

▶️ See video Playlist: Apollo Neuro - A health wearable for stress resilience, and enhancing sleep and energy.

~~~

» Learn more at the Apollo Neuro site.

» One of several posts by Julie Bjelland, LMFT: "Gentle 'Touch Therapy' Vibration to Activate Calm and Improve Resilience and Sleep From a Wearable Device" - See the HSP and Neurodivergent Blog section of her site.

~~~~

Note - Links on this page to free posts and information pages may be affiliate links, which means a company or publisher provides a small commission to me if you end up choosing to purchase a program or product. There is no extra cost to you. These commissions help support my work in creating free content on my various sites, and help pay for costs such as website hosting and software.

~~~~~

The first part of this episode is an excerpt from a Neurocuriosity Club Podcast episode:

Megan Griffith asks her guest Jennifer Harvey Sallin "What do we need to know as gifted adults trying to navigate the world? I know there's not one piece of advice that's going to be a one size fits all."

Jennifer Harvey Sallin, Founding Director of InterGifted: "First we have to know we're gifted... And that could sound like so simple... but it is really big because it's not automatic, you're not just going to find it out because that's a normal thing that's taught in the general population.

"And if you don't find it out and you struggle a lot with the things that gifted adults struggle with, and that's not even saying anything about twice exceptionality and multi exceptionality having giftedness plus other neurodivergence."

The 2nd, much shorter, part of this Creative Mind Audio episode includes comments by Julie Skolnick: "The topic of social-emotional needs and communication for 2e adults is a crucial area that often requires special attention and understanding. Explore strategies and insights that can help support well-being effectively."

She points out how valuable it can be to connect with other gifted people. One of her resources for that is The Haystack community for 2e adults.

See more on the list of Online communities that support creative, highly sensitive, gifted, neurodivergent people.

Is Giftedness a Neurodivergence? By Dr. Patty Gently (Formerly Williams) Bright Insight Support Network, June 23, 2024.

"So Is Giftedness a Neurodivergence?

"The quick answer to this question is a clear and resounding yes. I will explain this further though.

"In my glossary of terms in different publications and on the Bright Insight TERMS page, you can find a brief definition of giftedness as follows:

“A neurodivergence and measure of identity inclusive of qualities such as advanced cognitive abilities (sometimes seen as creativity or creative problem-solving), rapid pattern-finding and meaning-making, seemingly asynchronous development and compensation, and overexcitability/heightened intensity that all lend to a qualitative difference in depth and when compared to neurotypical experience and presentation.”

[Follow link to the longer article.]

The image at top is actor Kara Hayward in Moonrise Kingdom (2012) - See why I chose it below, plus more comments, articles, videos and other resources including:

Videos:

* Social Emotional Needs and Communication - A Crucial Area for 2e Adults, with Julie Skolnick

* Related video with Skolnick: What does it mean to be a 2e adult?

Related podcasts and posts:

* Thriving as a highly sensitive person, or autistic, or both - especially as a woman

* The complex experience of 2E adults with ADHD with Linda Roggli

* Online communities that support creative, highly sensitive, gifted, neurodivergent people

***

"I didn’t like to be touched, I laughed at inappropriate times, ate the same foods every day, and was frequently overstimulated by smells, textures and sounds.” || “There are huge crossovers between non-binary, transgender, and gender and sexual non-conforming people who are autistic. Huge crossovers." Zhara Astra

"Although there may be some similarities between the sensory processing challenges experienced by highly sensitive individuals and those with autism, there are some key differences..." Jules De Vitto

Therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT comments about her podcast Episode 189: Highly Sensitive, Autistic, or both? Understanding the Differences. See page on her site for the HSP and Neurodivergent Podcast.

"I discuss the differences that set autism apart from high sensitivity, particularly in women. I highlight the outdated diagnostic criteria for autism and the misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis in many women.

"We'll explore the unique characteristics of autistic women, such as the challenges of masking, the need for solitude, and the intense sensitivity across multiple senses. I also emphasize the importance of self-compassion and acceptance for autistic individuals and the need for a neurodiverse society."

Understanding Autism in Women - An Online Guide - Author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, summarizes: "This guide is important for individuals and practitioners and contains the most recent research and information we know about autism in adult women. Many sensitive women are discovering that they are also autistic because past diagnostic criteria has been inaccurate."

Also see her list of Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodiverse including "Brain-Training for the Highly Sensitive Person - Techniques to Reduce Anxiety & Overwhelming Emotions."

~~~

> See longer quotes, videos, plus links to other resources below.

"In my late 20s, I realized that I just couldn't work for somebody else anymore. It was becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demands of a workplace of having to go and be in a certain place every day, and having to sort of mask all the time and hide the needs that I had.

“And I know this will be familiar to a lot of the people listening to this today."

This Creative Mind Audio is an excerpt from a much longer Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast by Julie Bjelland, LMFT (link below).

Learn about her ongoing free class: Growing a Heart-Centered Online Business You Love in List of Free webinars for Highly Sensitive People.

Also learn about her course How to Grow a Heart-Centered Online Business - see List of Courses.

~~~~

From the original Summary of the podcast episode:

"Ellie Trier, a contemporary artist and illustrator, shares her journey of starting and growing a business to support her artistic talents. She discusses her experience as a neurodivergent person and how it influences her business.

"Ellie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-care in managing her energy levels and avoiding burnout.

"She also provides tips for managing sensory sensitivities and finding alternative mediums for artistic expression.

"Additionally, Ellie shares her insights on being comfortable in front of a camera and the importance of practice and setting boundaries.”

Continued below with a summary of topics, video of Trier in her studio in Copenhagen, plus links to the full episode, and resources on developing a business.

More from the notes for the full podcast Episode 188: Growing a Business to Support Our Creativity with Neurodivergent Artist, Eli Trier, hosted by Andrea Weber, from The Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast by Julie Bjelland, LMFT.

Takeaways

“Self-awareness and self-care are crucial for managing energy levels and avoiding burnout in a business.

Exploring alternative mediums can help artists with sensory sensitivities find ways to express their creativity without discomfort.

Practice and setting boundaries are key to becoming comfortable in front of a camera and sharing one's artistic journey with others.

Being neurodivergent can provide unique strengths and perspectives that can be leveraged in business.” ...

Learn more about Elinor Trier at her website.

Tour of her studio

Podcast host Andrea Weber is "the Business Group and Events Co-ordinator for the Sensitive Empowerment Community and founder of Expansive Happiness®. Andrea provides encouragement and practical strategies for environmental sensitivity management through her self-paced program, articles and posts, helping people navigate the day to day challenges of emf, chemical and mold sensitivity."

Sensitive Empowerment Community by Julie Bjelland - members have access to the Heart-Centered Business Group and many other resources.

The Sensitive Empowerment site of Julie Bjelland includes a page of Online Courses:

* Your Self-Discovery Journey

* The HSP Toolbox

* Brain Training For the Highly Sensitive Person

* Blooming Brilliantly Course

* How to Grow a Heart-Centered Online Business

Expansive Happiness site of Andrea Weber - "Creative writing and courses for highly sensitive and environmentally sensitive people."

~~~

Related podcast episodes:

Nicola Newman says "what I’ve found after years of making things, whether it’s been producing documentaries, renovating a house, making a website, writing a book, building a heart-led business, or making a painting is this, you’ve got to trust the process. But what does that mean – trust the process?"

~~~~~~

"You're not just getting by anymore. The work that you've done on your healing journey has created the possibility of transformation beyond what levels of health you've had in the past.

“And this is your physical health, your mental health, emotional health. You are a better person than you've ever been before." Aimie Apigian

"We now call this post traumatic growth, this possibility of transformation..." James Gordon

Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH is a Preventive Medicine physician and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated. James Gordon, MD is founder and CEO of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

This Creative Mind Audio is most of a previous Biology of Trauma Podcast episode: “A Blueprint for Healing: Lessons From A Pioneer in Mind-Body Medicine” by Dr. Apigian, interviewing Dr. Gordon.

From her page for the episode:

"What you’ll learn in this episode:

What are the Three P's of for an effective approach to trauma

The most serious biological consequence of trauma

How realizing trauma is a Universal Experience helps us with our healing

How do we create the possibility of transformation and Post-Traumatic Growth

Why we need to be intentional in our own healing

Dr. Gordon: “People who are dealing with stored trauma are often so shut down. I think long term the consequences of the freeze response and the consequences of being in situations that are overwhelming and inescapable are often enough repeated.

"Or they’re prolonged over a period of time that causes a freeze response which can have the most serious biological consequence. Partly, because it's so disabling, and it removes us from the capacity to feel.

"When it's prolonged over time it shuts us off from life, our own life, and the life all around us.”

~~~~~

{Image for this page is from article: Are We Really Stronger in the Broken Places? By Jen - "Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese tradition of repairing broken pottery with a strong, sealing bond that is mixed with gold, silver, or platinum...It exemplifies the way that healing our broken places allows us to emerge from darkness stronger and more beautiful."}

See video and more resources by Dr. Aimie Apigian below:

***

⏺ See more videos in Playlist: Trauma Healing

Resources for trauma recovery by Aimie Apigian, MD:

▶️ The 21 Day Journey for addressing stored trauma in the body and making your body feel safe.

📖 The Essential Sequence free guide - How to Release Stored Trauma

📖 Attachment Guide free ebook - Transform Your Trauma Response To Secure Attachment.

~~~

Related:

~~~~~

"In this episode, I take you on a deeply personal journey through some of the most challenging phases of my life.

Julie Bjelland continues, "I open up about the experience of facing an empty nest, the physical and emotional upheaval brought on by menopause, and the profound insights I gained from understanding how autism impacts me and others who are sensitive.

"These challenges led me through some dark times, prompting a pivotal moment of self-reflection and a strong commitment to prioritizing my health."

She adds, "This wasn't just about my physical well-being but about embarking on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

"By embracing changes and committing to learning more about my internal world, I discovered the nuances of autism and how it resonates with the experiences of sensitive individuals like myself."

Bjelland says this episode is "more than a story of personal struggle; it's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of health, and the journey toward understanding myself on a deeper level."

Psychotherapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, specializes in helping Highly Sensitive and Neurodiverse people.

This audio is most of her HSP Podcast episode 187: Empty Nest, Menopause, and Autism.

See her page: Resources Supporting Highly Sensitive People & The Neurodiverse - "Helping you lower sensitivity challenges so you can thrive to your fullest potential" - with free classes, Sensitivity Quiz, posts, HSP Podcast episodes, paid courses, The HSP community, Autism Resources, and more.

Continued below: a video with Mayim Bialik and Julie Bjelland (“Positives and Strengths of Being a Highly Sensitive Person”), some comments by psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman on painful emotions and personal growth, plus a few related Creative Mind Audio episodes on autism and high sensitivity.

"Attachment is not just one’s relationship style, it was one’s survival style for the first few years of life.

“These experiences influence our attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—and shape our ability to form healthy relationships."

Dr. Aimie Apigian says "everything that we know from attachment is that you need one primary caregiver, which is why it’s the mother first.

“The biological mother is your secure base. Usually, that’s for the first two years of life that you are developing that security with her. From that relationship, then you grow into other relationships."

But what if that initial relationship with our mother was not so healthy?

This audio is an excerpt from from the Biology of Trauma® Podcast Episode 69: "How Attachment Shapes Our Biology and Behavior" with Dr Apigian.

Dr. Aimie Apigian MD, MS, MPH "bridges the worlds of functional medicine, addiction medicine, neuroscience, attachment, and trauma therapy.

“Through her online courses, she leads self-help seekers and parents through the essential sequence for safely addressing stored trauma in the body.

“Best known for introducing the Biology of Trauma® lens, she integrates somatic work, parts work and biology work for accelerating the healing journey for lasting results, and teaches professionals to do the same..." [From profile on her YouTube channel.]

Resources:

▶️ The Biology of Attachment Pains Roadmap [free eBook]

▶️ Learn about Dr Apigian's program TheFoundational Journey for addressing stored trauma in the body.

▶️ See more videos in Playlist: Trauma Healing

Related video with Dr Apigian:

~~

Related podcast post:

~~~~

"I developed the analogy of the rainforest mind because I needed a way to explain giftedness to teachers and really anybody who wasn’t sure what does it mean. There are so many different definitions...some people think it’s achievement. Some people think it’s personality or brain."

Paula Prober is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in gifted adults and families. This episode includes excerpts from a couple of interviews.

She continues in one interview:

"So some people are like meadows, some are like deserts, or oceans, and some people are like the rainforest and all those ecosystems are beautiful and valuable and important.

"And the rainforest ecosystem is just the most complex. And that’s like our gifted people. They’re full of ideas and many layers, and there’s so much going on...colorful and intense and highly sensitive."

Continue below to see links to source interviews, some of her sites and books, links to articles, short video and more. Plus some related resources for gifted adults.

***

How does EMDR work? Can it help people recover from trauma, PTSD, addiction and other kinds of emotional health challenges?

The audio in the first segment is from a video conversation between Russell Brand and actor Jameela Jamil ('The Good Place' series).

Psychologist Cheryl Arutt finds EMDR is a "psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders." The second segment is an excerpt from her TED Talk "That Good Feeling of Control".

See videos and more in article:

Can EMDR Therapy Relieve Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Addiction and more?

~~~~

View selected episodes and articles with more resources: The Creative Mind Audio Podcast page on the main site.