What would happen if we were all more honest about what we're really going through? Amanda Griffith-Atkins, therapist and mother of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome, has built a powerful community around that very question. In this raw and refreshing conversation, Amanda challenges the "special needs warrior" narrative and toxic positivity that often surrounds disability and caregiving. She opens up about navigating her son's complex needs while maintaining her own identity, and shares how her journey transformed both her approach to therapy and her understanding of human connection. This episode offers a masterclass in scrapping the "at least" statements and embracing the messy, beautiful complexity of being human.

Key Takeaways:

• Stop starting sentences with "at least" - when someone shares struggles, they need acknowledgment, not silver linings
• "Name it to tame it" - explicitly naming difficult feelings helps process them
• Treat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a best friend
• Your identity doesn't have to be consumed by caregiving - it's healthy to maintain other parts of who you are
• Challenge traditional caregiving roles to create true partnerships
• Sometimes the most powerful response to someone's pain is simply saying "This sucks. I'm here with you."

Find more about Amanda:
Website
Instagram

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Music credit: Limitless by Bells