March is a weird one. It’s the start of spring, a time for new beginnings, but for host Caitlin Fisher, it’s also a heavy traumaversary—marking seven years since leaving an abusive relationship. In this episode, Caitlin unpacks what healing looks like (spoiler: it’s pretty messy), how trauma responses sneak into even the most mundane moments, and what it’s like to be in a healthy relationship while still unlearning old survival patterns.

TL;DR: Expect deep feels, a little self-compassion pep talk, and maybe even a “Wow, I thought it was just me” moment! 

💬 “Be a mess because people who really love and respect you want you to be a human person—which means being a mess. You cannot remove mess and messiness from the human experience. You just need somebody who, when your soil is dry, will water it for you because they want you to thrive. ” - Caitlin Liz Fisher

Let’s talk about Breaking the Binary Mentality in Relationships:

• How seasonal shifts can shake up your mental health

• Why The Body Keeps the Score is basically a trauma bible

• Learning to navigate emotions with DBT skills 

• The way past trauma shows up in present relationships (yep, even at the grocery store)

• Sitting with discomfort, embracing the gray areas, and giving yourself grace to feel it all

  
  

Big Takeaway:

You don’t need to be "healed" to be loved. You just need people who will sit with you in the mess and love you through it.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Bluey (yes, it’s a kids’ show, but trust me—it’s healing!)

  
  

Read what Caitlin’s been writing on their blog: 

• My OCD Journey Begins

• How I Scaled Myself Broke

• Seam Rippers

• I Live In a Simulation

  
  

Support the Podcast: Membership Drive on Patreon!

🌈 Caitlin started fundraising on Patreon to support The Neurodivergent Creative Podcast and their work in general because they believe in an economy where autistic, queer, and chronically ill people keep their money in the community. 

💋 https://www.patreon.com/caitlinlizfisher

In February, our goal is to reach $500 in monthly mutual aid to get this podcast back up to four episodes a month and to help Caitlin buy higher-quality tissues.If you feel good about sharing a few dollars into the community to help Caitlin take care of their needs, create resources, and as well as continue to hire other chronically ill, disabled, queer creatives, we’d love to have you as a patron!

There are multiple tiers to choose from, starting at just $3, you can snag exclusive perks like shoutouts and even quirky merch. Take your pick! 💜

🌟 Discover Everything That Caitlin Liz Fisher Has to Offer! 🌟|Ready to transform your creative journey and dive into a world of tailored support? Caitlin Liz Fisher offers a range of services designed to empower neurodivergent creatives like you. Whether you’re looking to refine your copywriting skills, find your unique creative voice, or get personalized coaching, Caitlin’s got you covered!

Come here and take your pick 👉 https://www.askfishfisher.com/links

Join our little neurodivergent creative club!

🌞 Want to support these heartfelt conversations about mental health, creativity, and neurodivergence? Hop over to Patreon to keep the podcast going and join us in our free creative community, The Neurodivergent Creative Pod: https://www.askfishfisher.com/pod

Get a copy of the Audacity Bill of Rights when you subscribe to Cait’s newsletter! You’ll get weekly reminders of the power of living audaciously, straight to your inbox.

PS - Caitlin wants to hear from you! Drop Caitlin a DM on Instagram @caitlinlizfisher or leave a comment on the episode (especially if you're tuning in on YouTube).