The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland , LMFT

In this episode, Sensitive Empowerment Community members Carol Huckle and Carolina Mariposa co-host quarterly Intuitive Parenting events, in which members discuss the joys and challenges of parenting as HSP's, while supporting one another in our parenting and caregiving journeys. While these events are not normally recorded to maintain privacy of participants, Carol and Carolina hosted this public Q&A session in which SEC members submitted written questions ahead of time. The themes that arose included how to support our sensitive children with intense emotions, how to stay calm while we support our children, and how to help everyone in the family thrive through the stresses of major transitions and unexpected events.

In this heartfelt interview, Rebecca introduces us to the practice of KonMari for sorting through belongings at such a difficult time in our lives. The method is particularly beneficial for highly sensitive people as it gently encourages mindfully letting go while regulating our nervous system with what is manageable and with what resonates with our emotional readiness.

In this conversation, Misa Hopkins discusses the topics of fear, doubt, self-worth, and perfectionism. She explains that fear and doubt stem from the separation of consciousness and the belief in unworthiness, abandonment, and rejection. Misa emphasizes the importance of understanding that these experiences do not indicate anything is wrong with us, but rather are a result of consciousness becoming self-aware. She also explores the role of ego in our lives and how it can be embraced and balanced to create a healthy relationship. Additionally, Misa discusses the deep discontent that often arises in our 40s and 50s and how it is a pivotal moment for spiritual growth and leaving a legacy. In this conversation, Misa Hopkins and Julie Bjelland discuss the importance of embracing creativity and curiosity in our 40s and beyond. They explore how fear and doubt can hold us back from pursuing our passions and how to gently work through these emotions. They also discuss the impact of fear and doubt on our relationships and the power of compassion in healing and transforming these dynamics. Misa emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy and how we can bring spiritual consciousness into the world. They also touch on the concepts of yin and yang energy and the need for balance in our lives.

Misa Hopkins is a 6-time bestselling author and a pioneer in feminine consciousness and women’s leadership for over 30 years. 

She has appeared on TV, film, and on stages with other conscious luminaries including Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Marci Shimoff. As the founder of SHE Rising Academy and the Guardian of a 2,000-year old feminine practice in spiritual awakening, she teaches women worldwide how to release the limits of their past and fulfill their Divine legacies. 

You can learn more about Misa and her teachings at https://misahopkins.com

Misa would love to gift everyone the Holding Guided Meditation, helping people discover the healing and awakening power of self-love. 

http://misahopkins.com/holding-meditation-gift/

Please note that while Misa does work mainly with women, anyone can practice the holding meditation and the yin and yang energy Misa talks about is present for everyone. We can often experience an imbalance of these energies which impacts our daily lives. When we understand the ways in which this can happen, it can help our overall wellbeing.

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. 

A love of writing and editing has led to the provision of these additional services for highly sensitive people.

Welcome to our latest episode, "Feeling Flawed," in which Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh share their personal experiences of sensitivity and neurodivergence. They explore the impact of feeling flawed, the importance of self-compassion, and how embracing our unique traits can lead to empowerment and well-being. Join us as we discuss creating supportive environments that celebrate individuality and foster positive change.

Julie’s Resources & Links

Willow’s Resources & Links

Summary In this episode, Julie Bjelland discusses the challenges of sensitivity and how they can impact highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. She shares her own experiences and highlights the importance of validation, understanding, and self-care. Some of the challenges discussed include sound sensitivity, feeling misunderstood, managing energy levels, sensory overwhelm, travel challenges, negative emotions, medical challenges, feeling different, managing other people's emotions, and social isolation. Julie also emphasizes the need for supportive communities and the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Resources Mentioned in Episode

Show Notes

Julie and Willow discuss the challenges of planning and traveling, the importance of trust and presence, and their love for animals and nature. In this conversation, Julie and Willow discuss the joy of observing sea creatures and the importance of deep connections. They share personal stories of friendship and the freedom of being authentic. They also emphasize the significance of embracing one's unique identity, especially during Pride Month. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to join the Sensitive Empowerment Community and to ask personal questions for future episodes.

Julie’s Resources & Links Mentioned in Episode

Willow’s Resources & Links Mentioned in Episode

The conversation between Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh covers self-acceptance, neurodiversity, sensory experiences, and the impact of personal discovery on mental and physical health. The discussion also delves into the importance of connection, shared experiences, and the significance of rest and self-care for highly sensitive individuals. The conversation covers sleep, neurodiversity in the workplace, children's books, identity, and the importance of creating a safe space for the sensitive and neurodivergent to explore their gifts and abilities. It also delves into the challenges neurodivergent individuals face and the need for acceptance and understanding in society. The conversation emphasizes embracing neurodiversity and creating a supportive environment for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals.

Show Notes

The conversation between Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh covers self-acceptance, neurodiversity, sensory experiences, and the impact of personal discovery on mental and physical health. The discussion also delves into the importance of connection, shared experiences, and the significance of rest and self-care for highly sensitive individuals. The conversation covers sleep, neurodiversity in the workplace, children's books, identity, and the importance of creating a safe space for the sensitive and neurodivergent to explore their gifts and abilities. It also delves into the challenges neurodivergent individuals face and the need for acceptance and understanding in society. The conversation emphasizes embracing neurodiversity and creating a supportive environment for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals.

Julie’s Resources & Links Mentioned in Episode

Willow’s Resources & Links Mentioned in Episode

In this episode, Krista discusses the topic of grieving the loss of a parent. She covers the messiness of grief, the factors that influence grief experiences, and the four tasks of mourning: accepting the loss, processing grief, adjusting to a new reality, and finding a lasting connection. She also shares the six needs of a grieving person, including having pain witnessed, expressing feelings, releasing guilt, addressing old wounds, integrating pain and love, and finding meaning in time. Krista emphasizes the importance of healthy boundaries and self-care during the grieving process. In this conversation, Krista discusses the different stages of grief and provides guidance on navigating the grieving process after the death of a parent. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, asking for help, and simplifying one's life during this time. Krista also highlights the challenges of acute grief, including practical tasks and the need for internal and external resources. She addresses the concept of secondary losses and the emotional intensity of grief. Additionally, she explores themes such as conflict, delayed grief, and the fluctuating nature of grief over time. Krista concludes by discussing the significance of creating safe containers for grief and finding meaning in the grieving process.

Guest:

Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui is a highly sensitive human, life partner of 30 years, and proud and affirming mom of 3, including her highly sensitive son, who died by suicide in 2019. She’s also a writer and Joyful Living Educator and lives on Treaty 6 Territory in central Alberta, Canada.  Through story, grief and trauma-informed education, and brave community, Krista’s words and work empower midlife women to befriend their True Selves and (re)claim freedom, health, and joy. https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/

Host

I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity and adult-diagnosed autism in women. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

Leave comments and explore more episodes at www.HSPpodcast.com

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, psychotherapist Julie Bjelland delves deep into the hidden world of autistic women, aiming to illuminate the unique challenges and strengths that have not been well understood until now. A significant focus is placed on the reality that many autistic women remain undiagnosed, often due to the subtle and internalized nature of their experiences.

Julie shares profound insights from her personal journey and professional assessments, emphasizing how these experiences can profoundly impact personal identity and societal interaction. The discussion explores the concept of the "supercomputer brain" that many autistic women possess, which allows them to rapidly process enormous amounts of information and maintain an intense focus on subjects of interest. This capability, however, is often accompanied by a challenging mismatch between their intellectual ambitions and physical energy levels, a disparity that can lead to significant frustration and burnout.

The discussion also addresses the necessity for adaptive environments that cater to the unique needs of autistic women—spaces where they can control sensory inputs and manage their energy more effectively. Julie discusses the societal pressures that lead to masking, where autistic women feel compelled to hide their true selves to fit into societal norms, which can diminish their sense of self-worth and lead to isolation.

Throughout the episode, Julie advocates for a greater understanding and acceptance of the differences that autistic women face. She invites listeners to join her Autistic Women's Group, providing a platform for connection and mutual support, and shares resources and courses designed to help manage energy and prevent burnout.

This enlightening discussion seeks to educate and empower listeners by validating the experiences of autistic women, encouraging them to embrace their unique attributes without shame. By exploring the hidden world of autistic women, Julie Bjelland helps to foster a community where autistic women can thrive by being their authentic selves.

Key Points Discussed:

Invitation to Join the Autistic Women's Group: Julie invites listeners to join her Autistic Women's Group for support and to share experiences, with links provided in the show notes.

Resources Mentioned:

Website Links: