Finding Light in the Darkness: Rediscovering Joy Through Hard Seasons with Julie Bjelland, LMFT and Willow McIntosh

Life can feel overwhelming and distressing in uncertain times, especially for sensitive and neurodivergent people. That’s why it’s even more important to turn inward, ground ourselves, and find a sense of stability within. By nurturing our inner world, we can create a safe, steady space amidst the external chaos, allowing us to respond with greater calm and resilience. Welcome, everyone, to The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast. I’m Julie Bjelland, a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, late-discovered autism in women, and neurodivergence. This podcast is a space for you to find comfort, connection, and tools to navigate the unique challenges we experience. In today’s episode, we will engage in a grounding meditation to help sensitive and neurodivergent individuals find calm during uncertain times. When life feels overwhelming and distressing, it’s a signal to turn inward. For those of us who are sensitive, these feelings can be magnified, making it essential to ground ourselves and cultivate a sense of stability within. By focusing on our breath, reconnecting with our bodies, and practicing mindfulness, we can nurture a steady anchor amidst external chaos. It’s not about ignoring the world but about creating a sanctuary within ourselves. This meditation is a gift to yourself—a way to reconnect with your inner strength, to feel rooted, and to find comfort and safety within your own body. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s take this time together to pause, breathe, and ground ourselves in a moment of peace. You are welcome to show up just as you are, without any pressure to feel or be a certain way. This is your space to simply be. If you’re seeking further support, visit my website at www.SensitiveConnection.com, where you’ll find additional free meditations, resources, and a loving Sensitive Empowerment Community for deeper connection and mutual support. Thank you for being here, and take extra good care of your beautiful, sensitive self. I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism. My passion is helping you live with more self-love and self-compassion and flourish more fully in the world. I’ve developed tools to balance the sensitive nervous system and reduce challenges so you can reach your fullest potential. My global support hub includes online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. I’m a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, and my mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. I look forward to supporting your journey. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/

We are all too often bombarded by disturbing and distressing media and this can be extremely overwhelming for sensitive people. We can find it extremely challenging to manage the intensity of emotions that are often felt from over-witnessing suffering and violence in our media. As a result, we can spend a great deal of energy intentionally avoiding being exposed. Some things are, however, simply can't be avoided. In this insightful interview, Dr Melanie Joy shares the psychology of why we turn away from the things we desire to change the most and shines a light on common misconceptions around what is required to instigate change. Melanie discusses how easy it is for our nervous systems to become dysregulated without adequate self-care to build resilience around challenging issues and gives practical suggestions for self-regulation strategies. Throughout the interview, the topic is discussed in general terms with particular reference to animal welfare, reflective of Melanie's expertise in this area. The Podcast is Founded by: Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism. My passion is helping you live with more self-love and self-compassion and flourish more fully in the world. I’ve developed tools to balance the sensitive nervous system and reduce challenges so you can reach your fullest potential. My global support hub includes online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. I’m a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, and my mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. I look forward to supporting your journey. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

Episode Highlights: Feeling Misunderstood: Julie and Willow explore the emotional impact of being misunderstood as sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, and how these experiences shape self-image and relationships. From Misunderstanding to Belonging: Julie shares contrasting experiences of recently feeling misunderstood in one situation and deeply connected in another. The Power of Belonging: Both hosts discuss the healing power of finding spaces where you are understood and valued, with Julie reflecting on her bonding experience in the Autistic Women’s Group. Self-Acceptance and Boundaries: They highlight the importance of setting boundaries and embracing self-acceptance, especially with those who may not fully understand or accept you. Grief and Emotional Processing: Julie opens up about her grief journey after her mother’s passing, emphasizing the need to create space for emotional healing. Community and Connection: The hosts stress the value of community for fostering a sense of belonging, particularly within the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Self-Care Tips: Practical advice on self-care practices that can help improve emotional well-being, especially during difficult times. Autism and Health Awareness: Julie encourages listeners with chronic health issues to explore the possibility of neurodivergence by taking her free autism quiz. Julie’s Resources & Links Explore all of Julie’s resources at https://www.SensitiveConnection.com Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community for live events, meet and greets, and niche support groups.: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community One-on-one with Julie: Therapy, Coaching, Consultations for the sensitive and neurodivergent and Autism Assessments: https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie Free Autism Quiz, Research, and Resources for the Sensitive: https://www.juliebjelland.com/autistichsp Explore Julie’s Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Explore Julie’s Resources for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow’s Resources & Links Book a free discovery call with Willow: https://training.inluminance.com/20-minute-session Interested in training to become an HSP Specialist? Visit: https://inluminance.com/the-coaching-program/ Find out more at https://inluminance.com Bios Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in supporting high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and adult-discovered autism. Julie has developed tools to help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help individuals reach their fullest potential. Through her global support hub, she offers online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. As a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, Julie’s mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and has been working in purpose alignment and lightworker facilitation for 17 years. He specialises in initiating people with High Sensory Intelligence to experience their reality as a gift that can be implemented into valuable products and services. https://inluminance.com/

In this episode of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, host Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh explore how to find light in the darkness, even during grief and difficult times. They discuss the importance of intentionally seeking joy, even in small moments, and how this practice helps manage overwhelming emotions and build resilience. Julie shares her personal experiences with grief after losing her mother, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it took on her and how finding moments of joy, like photography, helped her heal. The conversation touches on the challenges sensitive and neurodivergent individuals face, such as sensory overload and emotional depth, and the need for self-care, processing time, and emotional validation. They emphasize how acknowledging emotions without judgment and practicing self-compassion can ease the emotional burden. Willow adds insights into the journey of aligning with one's purpose, especially in business, and how important it is for sensitive people to embrace their truth and strengths. The episode supports and encourages those navigating emotional challenges and seeking resiliency and balance. Julie’s Resources & Links Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community for live events, meet and greets, and niche support groups.: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community One-on-one with Julie: Therapy, Coaching, Consultations for the sensitive and neurodivergent and Autism Assessments: https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie Free Autism Quiz, Research, and Resources for the Sensitive: https://www.juliebjelland.com/autistichsp Explore Julie’s Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Explore Julie’s Resources for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow’s Resources & Links Book a free discovery call with Willow: https://training.inluminance.com/20-minute-session Interested in training to become an HSP Specialist? Visit: https://inluminance.com/the-coaching-program/ Find out more at https://inluminance.com Bios Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in supporting high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and adult-discovered autism. Julie has developed tools to help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help individuals reach their fullest potential. Through her global support hub, she offers online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. As a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, Julie’s mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and has been working in purpose alignment and lightworker facilitation for 17 years. He specialises in initiating people with High Sensory Intelligence to experience their reality as a gift that can be implemented into valuable products and services. https://inluminance.com/

Welcome to this episode of the HSP and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest Willow McIntosh. This episode celebrates the 5th anniversary of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. We discuss milestones, including reaching listeners in 183 countries and ranking in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. Season Two Kickoff: Julie shares exciting news about starting Season Two after completing 200 episodes in Season One. Global Reach: The podcast now reaches 183 countries, highlighting the wide impact on sensitive and neurodivergent individuals worldwide. Grief and Growth: Julie opens up about her personal experience with grief after the loss of her mother and discusses the emotional growth that follows deep emotional pain. Diet and Health: Willow shares his journey of improving his health by cutting out processed foods and how mindful eating has helped balance his energy and digestion. Joy and Mindfulness: Both hosts discuss the importance of finding small moments of joy during difficult times, as part of the healing process. Photography as a New Joy: Julie is excited about a new hobby—photography—capturing nature and bird photos as a way to bring joy into her life. Community Growth: Updates on new groups within the Sensitive Empowerment Community, providing diverse and safe spaces for connection and support. Spiral Up Depression Group Sensitive Sages (60+) Autistic Women’s Group Soul Sanctuary for HSPs of Color Rainbow Room (LGBTQIA+) HSPs in Heart-Centered Business Self-Discovery Journey Course Discussions Julie’s Resources & Links Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community for live events, meet and greets, and niche support groups.: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community One-on-one with Julie: Coaching, Consultations for the sensitive and neurodivergent and Autism Assessments: https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie Explore Julie’s Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Explore Julie’s Resources for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow’s Resources & Links Book a free discovery call with Willow: https://training.inluminance.com/20-minute-session Interested in training to become an HSP Specialist? Visit: https://inluminance.com/the-coaching-program/ Find out more at https://inluminance.com Julie Bjelland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in supporting high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and adult-discovered autism. Julie has developed tools to help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help individuals reach their fullest potential. Through her global support hub, she offers online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, a top-ranked podcast, articles, webinars, and more. As a proud neurodivergent and queer therapist, Julie’s mission is to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and has been working in purpose alignment and lightworker facilitation for 17 years. He specialises in initiating people with High Sensory Intelligence to experience their reality as a gift that can be implemented into valuable products and services. https://inluminance.com/

In this episode of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, I share insights on managing the tough days that sensitive individuals often face. After recently losing my mom, I’ve realized how crucial it is to have a "Sensitive Person's Toolkit" to help navigate overwhelming emotions, sensory overload, and other unique challenges. I discuss common struggles like emotional burnout, strained relationships, social exhaustion, and grief, offering practical tips and tools, such as the use of cold water and ice for immediate relief, practicing self-compassion, and grounding techniques. I also invite you to join the Sensitive Empowerment Community, where you can connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive, ad-free environment. We’re celebrating our 5th anniversary with a special live chat on September 24th, and I’m excited to announce a new live course, "Nurturing Compassion as a Way of Being," starting September 16th, led by the amazing Gracie King. This course is free for all members and will guide you in cultivating compassion in your daily life. If you're looking for more support, visit sensitiveconnection.com to find resources, book sessions, and explore the tools I recommend for sensitive individuals. Please like, subscribe, and share the podcast to help others find this supportive space. Resources Mentioned in Episode Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community: SensitiveCommunity.com (get free access to the upcoming Nurturing Compassion Course Book Session with Me Course Mentioned: Get 50% off today! The HSP Toolbox Course: Daily tools to balance the sensitive nervous system Product Recommendations for the Sensitive including the essential oils, calming device, and all the products mentioned in this episode. Blog Post: The Sensitive Person's Toolkit for Tough Days by Julie Bjelland, LMFT Free 4/2/7 Calming Breath Technique and get signed up for my weekly newsletter to stay informed of new episodes and resources. Free Webinars: I mentioned the Sensory Overload one and the Sensitivity and Anxiety one. Learn more here Free Meditations on the Podcast: www.HSPpodcast.com and click the meditation button Free Teaching of the 3-Step Self-Compassion Practice I shared Directory of Sensitive and Neurodivergent Therapists, Healers, Coaches Explore all resources on my website: SensitiveConnection.com I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and adult-discovered autism in women and AFAB individuals. 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. LGBTQIA+ and Neuroaffirming. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

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. Co-host: Carol Huckle - co-author of the new children’s book series, The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive Dog and co-hosts “Intuitive Parenting” events inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community to support caregivers of sensitive little ones. As a volunteer Children's Librarian leading pre-K through 5th-grade reading groups, she often wished for books with characters that reflected the unique traits of bright, sensitive children. An introverted child, Carol’s favorite books were her best friends, inspiring the character Buttercup. Buttercup’s passion for research was inspired by Carol’s daughter, whose literary explorations discovered the unique, joyful dance of the blue-footed booby. This inspired the wonderfully extroverted character Blueberry. Carol is thrilled to collaborate with Julie in creating characters that celebrate being their authentic, unique selves! Get the book at https://www.juliebjelland.com/childre... Co-host: Carolina Mariposa - Carolina is an HSP mother of a preschool age sensitive and empathic child and will answer questions related to her specialty of HSP Youth/Therapy/Family Counseling. Carolina Mariposa , M.S., M.I.M., is a licensed psychotherapist and medical intuitive who specializes in working with highly sensitive children, teens and parents.  She is passionate about teaching HSP's to connect with their innate wisdom so that they feel more grounded, joyful, creative and empowered.  While she is endorsed in California as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, she loves supporting children of all ages and collaborating with those who see parenthood as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.  You can learn more about Carolina's work by visiting https://www.butterflygrovehsp.com/ Carolina has also featured on the HSP Podcast Episode 153: Strategies to Support Empathic Kids, Teens and Parents Episode 167: Helping our Young HSP Adults Through Times of Transition Julie Bjelland, LMFT - Founder of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, 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. LGBTQIA+ Affirming. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/

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. The method has a focus on the positive psychology of surrounding ourselves with what brings us joy and inspires gratitude. In this video, Rebecca will walk us through the main teachings of the practice so that we can start sorting belongings with kindness and compassion, rewiring our negativity bias and the need to live by external conditioning. Working with KonMarie principles has also assisted Rebecca and her family in their own consumption habits which is another added bonus to managing things in this way. Guest - Rebecca Jo Rushdy, Founder of Spark Joy & Flow Rebecca Jo Rushdy guides fellow HSPs & Empaths to declutter their hearts, minds and homes into sanctuaries that spark joy and flow. She was the first platinum KonMari Consultant in Malaysia, and in Edinburgh where she is currently based with her husband and two daughters. You can learn more about Rebecca and her work by visiting www.sparkjoyandflow.com Resources Rebecca’s Resources: Website - https://sparkjoyandflow.com/ Guided Checklist & Worksheets - https://sparkjoyandflow.ck.page/8dc7f... Additional Resources Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler - https://grief.com/sixth-stage-of-grief/ Growing Around Grief by Lois Tonkin - https://www.sueryder.org/grief-suppor... It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine - https://refugeingrief.com/books/its-o... Andrea Weber is the Business Group and Events Co-ordinator for the Sensitive Empowerment Community and founder of Expansive Happiness at https://expansivehappiness.com/. 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. Julie Bjelland, LMFT - Host of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, 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. LGBTQIA+ Affirming. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/

In this conversation, Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh share personal stories and insights about their experiences as highly sensitive people (HSPs). Julie talks about her rescue mission to save a baby seagull and how her sensitivity allowed her to notice and help the bird. Willow discusses his journey of self-discovery and the process of letting go of old patterns to embrace his true self. Both speakers emphasize the importance of embracing sensitivity and intuition and the power of connecting with our inner child. The conversation explores the natural state of humans and animals, the importance of embracing sensitivity, and the power of self-acceptance. It also discusses the creation of resources and programs to support highly sensitive people (HSPs) in their personal and professional lives. Julie’s Resources & Links New Children’s Book for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent: The Adventures of Niko the Highly Sensitive Dog. Visit SensitiveNiko.com One-on-one Coaching and Consultations with Julie Feel safe to be yourself in the world. LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC safe. Join Julie’s private, nurturing community: Sensitive Empowerment Community Free Autism Quiz Helping to Identify Women Autism Assessments for Women in California with Julie Explore Julie’s Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Explore all our episodes at HSPpodcast.com Find everything at SensitiveConnection.com Willow’s Resources & Links Learn more about Willow's Identity Program: https://inluminance.com/the-identity-journey/ Check out Willow’s free community and join an open facilitation session: https://www.high-sensory-coaching-community.com/ Interested in training to become an HSP coach? Visit: https://inluminance.com/the-coaching-program/ Find out more at https://inluminance.com

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.