240 Navigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment
Release Date: 04/23/2024
Unapologetically Sensitive
No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures In this raw and honest episode, Patricia (she/her) shares her ongoing challenges with neurodivergent miscommunication, community rupture, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. From neighborhood conflicts to horse training lessons, from cancel culture to navigating friendships and travel as an autistic person, Patricia opens up about the messy, contradictory realities of life, belonging, and growth. Listeners will walk away feeling less alone in their struggles with relationships, self-advocacy, and embracing both...
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The Push-Pull of ADHD and Autism: Stretching Without Breaking In this candid conversation, Patricia Young (she/her) and B Lourenco (she/her) dive deep into the realities of living with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. They explore the push-pull between self-accommodation and stretching ourselves, how shame and internalized ableism impact daily life, and what it means to create realistic support systems at home, in relationships, and in the workplace. Expect raw honesty, relatable stories, and practical insights for navigating neurodivergent life. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS...
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Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood In this deeply personal episode, Patricia (she/her) unpacks the fallout from a neighborhood rupture and the painful loss of community connection. Through the lens of being autistic and AuDHD, she explores rejection sensitivity, communication breakdowns, friendship trauma, and why repair isn’t always possible. She also shares how co-regulation, body doubling, Costco runs, and fierce family love provide grounding. This conversation is raw, tender, and validating for anyone who has struggled with being misunderstood...
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When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap Patricia (she/her) explores what it means to show up authentically as a neurodivergent person—especially when navigating the tension between wanting novelty (hello ADHD/AuDHD brains!) and craving sameness (thank you autism). She shares candid stories about celebrating her anniversary, managing low energy, social interactions, and dealing with conflict. Patricia also opens up about balancing autistic traits, ADHD novelty-seeking, PDA (persistent drive for autonomy), and honoring her sensitivity. If you’re autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or...
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When the Dogs Stop Saying Hi: The Human Need for Connection and Belonging Patricia (she/her) explores the complexities of community, being perceived, and the challenges of navigating relationships amidst misunderstandings and cancel culture. She shares personal experiences of rupture and repair within her community, reflecting on the emotional impact of feeling excluded and the importance of acknowledging one's behavior in relationships. Patricia also highlights the simultaneous beauty of connections and celebrations, even amidst challenges, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and...
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Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts In this heartfelt episode, Patricia (she/her) shares three powerful personal stories that highlight the challenges—and wins—that come with being a sensitive, creative, neurodivergent human. From navigating family dynamics around living arrangements, to reclaiming power after a disempowering volunteer experience, and even exploring the emotional depth behind a simple craving for an apple fritter, Patricia offers an intimate and validating glimpse into what it's like to be an AuDHDer who feels things deeply—and still...
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Friendship, Boundaries, and Other Olympic Sports for Autistic Brains Patricia gets real about friendship challenges, navigating communication mismatches, and how OCD and autistic wiring can shape our relationship expectations. She shares a behind-the-scenes peek into her new podcast project, the insecurities that surfaced while collaborating with her co-host, and how unexpected moments of validation reminded her that what she brings to the table is more than enough. HIGHLIGHTS · Patricia plans to release the podcast bi-monthly to...
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Breaking Down Internalized Ableism Summary In this conversation, Patricia explores the concept of internalized ableism, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. She discusses how societal stigma and expectations can lead to negative self-perceptions and feelings of inadequacy. Patricia shares personal experiences and insights on how internalized ableism manifests in various aspects of life, including relationships, self-acceptance, and the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards. She emphasizes the importance of unlearning these hurtful beliefs and embracing one's...
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Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses the challenges faced by AuDHDers and other neurodivergent individuals in communication, particularly regarding lack of responding to messages. She explores the concept of internalized ableism and how it affects self-perception and interactions. Patricia shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of flexibility in relationships and the need for authenticity in communication. The conversation emphasizes the struggles of neurodivergent individuals, including executive functioning...
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Coping and Prepatory Strategies for Overstimulating Situations Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses her experiences with content creation, coping strategies for overstimulation, and managing sensory sensitivities during significant life events like weddings. She shares insights on emotional preparation, adjusting to changes in family dynamics, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of self-care, embracing imperfection, and recognizing the rights of individuals to rest and be themselves....
info_outlineNavigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment
Patricia and Jen discuss navigating uncertainty and overwhelm, managing change and unexpected situations, balancing personal needs, the power of communication and validation, finding meaning and value in relationships, coping with anxiety and catastrophic thinking, choosing to assume the best, managing energy and boundaries, secure attachment and autonomy, dealing with uncertainty and seeking information, taking care of yourself in travel. They also reflect on their friendship
CO-HOST
Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC
HIGHLIGHTS
Summary
Patricia and Jen discuss various topics including body image, grief, historical trauma, emotional support, communication, and family dynamics. Patricia shares her personal experiences and emotions surrounding her son leaving for boot camp, which triggers both current and historical grief. They explore the importance of emotional attunement and the impact of different processing styles on relationships. The conversation highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and open communication in navigating intense emotions and supporting one another.
Takeaways
· Body image concerns can impact self-perception and emotional well-being.
· Grief can be triggered by current events and activate historical trauma.
· Emotional support and attunement are crucial in navigating intense emotions.
· Open communication and understanding of different processing styles can strengthen relationships. Navigating uncertainty and overwhelm can be challenging, but finding ways to manage change and unexpected situations can help.
· Balancing personal needs and family expectations is important for maintaining well-being.
· Effective communication and validation can strengthen relationships and provide support during difficult times.
· Coping with anxiety and catastrophic thinking requires self-awareness and the ability to assume the best in uncertain situations.
· Taking care of oneself and setting boundaries is crucial for managing energy and maintaining emotional well-being.
· Seeking information and being proactive can help reduce uncertainty and increase feelings of security.
· Finding security in relationships and in life involves developing secure attachment and embracing autonomy.
· Taking care of oneself during travel, such as having snacks and staying hydrated, can help manage stress and anxiety.
· Finding security in relationships and in life involves developing secure attachment and embracing autonomy.
· Reflecting on friendship and growth can bring appreciation and gratitude for the journey.
Additional topics discussed:
- Exploring the complexities of loss, grief, and change in personal experiences.
- Normalizing and validating diverse ways of coping with sadness and challenges.
- Reflecting on the interplay between present circumstances and past narratives.
- Nurturing compassion and gentleness in relationships to facilitate healing.
- Recognizing the value of secure attachments in both personal and life contexts.
- Strategies for dealing with uncertainty and finding resources for support.
- Cultivating wisdom in distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable aspects of life.
- The power of communication in addressing needs within relationships.
- Overcoming codependency and setting healthy boundaries in interactions.
- Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in sharing personal experiences.
- Balancing self-expression with consideration for others in relationships.
- Addressing feelings of inadequacy and the need for self-affirmation.
- Seeking empowerment through information and planning in uncertain situations.
- Building resilience through shared experiences and mutual support.
- Fostering a sense of autonomy and self-assurance amidst societal pressures.
Chapters (please adjust for the addition of the introduction)
00:00 Introduction and Checking In
00:28 Body Image and Self-Perception
07:09 Intense Grief and Emotional Support
08:02 Communication and Emotional Boundaries
12:09 Processing Grief and Emotional Reactions
14:58 Capacity for Emotional Support
20:06 Last Moments and Emotional Vulnerability
21:05 Navigating Uncertainty and Overwhelm
22:01 Managing Change and Unexpected Situations
23:24 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Expectations
25:17 The Power of Communication and Validation
26:15 Finding Meaning and Value in Relationships
27:09 Coping with Anxiety and Catastrophic Thinking
28:03 Choosing to Assume the Best
29:00 Managing Energy and Boundaries
29:26 Secure Attachment and Autonomy
30:18 Dealing with Uncertainty and Seeking Information
32:35 Taking Care of Yourself in Travel
38:33 Finding Security in Relationships and Life
40:18 Reflecting on Friendship and Growth
PODCAST HOST
Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you
CO-HOST BIO
Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC has been a psychotherapist for 20 years. She specializes in helping Highly Sensitive People thrive in love, work, and parenting Highly Sensitive Children. Jen is passionate about using mindfulness and compassion-based approaches to ameliorate human suffering.
LINKS
Jen’s Links
Email: Jen@heartfulnessconsulting.com
Jen’s website: https://heartfulnessconsulting.com/
Patricia’s Links
Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/
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Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com