When Life Feels Too Heavy: Discovering Those Tiny ‘Glimmers’ of Relief with Julie Bjelland, LMFT

In this deeply validating episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, explores 25 common traits within the sensitive autistic phenotype—a presentation of autism often overlooked in women and those socialized to mask. These traits offer insight into why so many highly sensitive people are discovering, often in adulthood, that they are actually autistic. If you’ve felt “different” your whole life or struggled to fit into neurotypical expectations, this episode may provide the clarity and self-compassion you’ve been seeking.Julie discusses topics such as:Feeling out of place, misunderstood, or “not quite right”Social anxiety and communication challengesSensory sensitivities and energy crashesBurnout, masking, and the impact of misdiagnosisDeep alone-time needs and strong emotional responses to injusticeYou’ll also hear more about Julie’s unique approach to autism assessments, her free autism quiz, and how you can access community support and resources.Resources Mentioned:💻 Free Autism Quiz📞 Schedule a Consultation or Diagnostic Assessment🧠 Discovering Autism as an Adult Course🤝 Adult-Discovered Autism Group (Free inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community)📘 Guide for Understanding Autism in WomenALL Autism Resources for the Sensitive Autistic PhenotypeShare This Episode If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your community. Together, we can help more people feel seen, supported, and empowered.Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism and developed Sensitive Autistic Phenotype Assessments, which recognize the internal, high-masking traits often missed in traditional evaluations. Julie offers therapy, consultations, and autism assessments, and her global resources include online courses, a top-ranked podcast, and the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her mission is to help sensitive and neurodivergent individuals thrive with self-understanding, compassion, and authenticity. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

We are all living in tumultuous times and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. When our nervous system is out of balance, we are more likely to have heightened emotional responses to what’s going on around us.In this insightful interview, Dr Melanie Joy shares how highly sensitive people can experience dysregulation due to high empathy, weakened boundaries, taking on the responsibility to create harmonious relationships and perfectionist tendencies.Managing the intake of distressing media, challenges around co-parenting, difficult and intense conversations, diet and lifestyle are all discussed with helpful and practical strategies to help regulate the nervous system and keep us grounded and supported. Throughout the interview, Melanie shares a number of useful resources for guidance along the way.You can learn more about Melanie at https://www.melaniejoy.org Get more of Melanie's Resources on the podcast page of my website at HSPpodcast.com~If you find this podcast helpful, please consider rating and sharing it with others so more sensitive and neurodivergent people can find it. I hope you'll consider joining our kindhearted family and our sensitive empowerment community where we host regular live events and meet and greets where you can make kind-hearted friends around the world, visit SensitiveCommunity.com

I focus on the concept of “glimmers”—those fleeting, positive moments that provide hope when life feels overwhelming. As someone who identifies as highly sensitive and neurodivergent, I share personal stories of grief, self-reflection, and the practical ways I train my brain to notice and savor moments of joy or relief. You’ll learn how cultivating glimmers can help regulate the nervous system, ease anxiety, and create anchors of stability and hope during challenging times.Resources Mentioned Sensitive Empowerment Community: A safe space to share experiences and connect with peers who “get it.” One-on-One Sessions: Personalized video sessions with me from anywhere in the world. Online Courses: Seven courses designed to help sensitive and neurodivergent people reduce challenges and thrive. Practitioner Directory: Find therapists and coaches experienced in high sensitivity and neurodivergence. Free Self-Compassion Video: A simple technique for building kindness toward yourself. Website: Click the menu to explore all my resources in one place. Newsletter: Get gentle reminders, supportive insights, and special discounts. Guided Meditations: Explore guided meditations and more episodes on self-compassion, emotional regulation, and empowerment.

This episode dives into the concept of the “sensitive autistic phenotype,” highlighting how many highly sensitive adults are discovering they are autistic later in life. The discussion emphasizes the need to view autism holistically, recognizing the intersection with gender, race, and other identities, and focuses on strength-based approaches and self-advocacy for better well-being. Emerging Perspective on Autism: Understanding why highly sensitive individuals may not have fit the classic autism stereotypes. Defining the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype: Emotional, sensory, and social sensitivity as core traits. Why This Matters: The importance of accurate identification for adults who’ve felt misunderstood, and the new approaches practitioners can take. Myths About Empathy: Correcting the misconception that autistic people lack empathy; in fact, many experience heightened empathy. Masking and Burnout: Exploring how camouflaging natural behaviors leads to exhaustion and long-term health impacts. The Double Empathy Problem: Shifting from ‘deficit’ to ‘difference’ in communication styles between autistic and non-autistic people. Self-Advocacy and Support: Practical tips on recognizing internal cues, using accommodations, balancing stimulation, and thriving within a society not set up for sensitive needs. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Video Autism Assessments Global Consultations: Available via video, phone, or live text chat. Autism Resources: research, education, articles, podcast episodes, and more. Online Courses: Explore six courses designed for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Autism Group within the Sensitive Empowerment Community: A supportive space for connection and thriving. Julie Bjelland, LMFT A consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the powerful topic of sensory sensitivity and sensory overload, exploring how these experiences shape our lives and impact our wellness. Episode Highlights: What is sensory sensitivity, and why do neurodivergent individuals experience it? The challenges of sensory overwhelm and its physical and emotional effects. Examples of sensory overload in everyday life, from coffee shops to social events. The long-term health impacts of repeated sensory overwhelm. Practical tools and strategies to manage sensory challenges. Embracing sensory joy and reframing sensitivity as a strength. Listener questions, including topics like sensory overload with age and how sensitivities vary among individuals. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free Autism Quiz Video Autism Assessments Global Consultations: Available via video, phone, or live text chat. Online Courses: Explore six courses designed for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Sensitive Empowerment Community: A supportive space for connection and thriving. Free Webinars, including Sensory Overload and How to Set Healthy Boundaries. Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to review and share it. Your support helps us reach listeners in over 188 countries and continue to spread awareness and empowerment. Connect with Me:Website: JulieBjelland.comJoin the conversation in our Sensitive Empowerment Community! Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the life-changing experience of discovering you're autistic as an adult. She shares personal insights and stories from others who have embarked on this journey, highlighting the emotional and physical costs of masking, the unique traits of late-discovered autism, and the power of finally understanding yourself. Julie discusses common challenges faced by autistic individuals, including sensory sensitivities, chronic health issues, and societal misconceptions. She also provides strategies for unmasking, embracing your authentic self, and finding supportive communities. Julie encourages listeners to embrace neurodiversity, honor their needs, and connect with others on the same path. Resources like the Sensitive Empowerment Community and the Autistic Women’s Group are available to support listeners on their journey. What You’ll Learn: Key traits and experiences of late-discovered autistic adults The emotional and physical toll of masking Why autistic individuals are often misdiagnosed The importance of sensory accommodations and honoring your needs Strategies to embrace authenticity and build genuine connections Resources Mentioned: Autism Assessments and Consultations⁠ with Julie Bjelland Course: Discovering You’re Autistic as an Adult helps you process the experience and provides scripts to help you talk about it with people and share it with mental health and medical practitioners. (self-paced) Sensitive Empowerment Community – A safe space for sensitive and neurodivergent people Autistic Women’s Group – Connect with others on this journey Connect with Julie:Visit JulieBjelland.com for resources, courses, and support. Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the powerful parallels between biodiversity in nature and neurodiversity in humanity. Discover how every unique mind contributes to the resilience, innovation, and balance of our world, much like every species plays a vital role in thriving ecosystems. Julie dives into: The lessons biodiversity teaches us about neurodiversity. How rigid societal norms stifle creativity and harm neurodivergent individuals. Why embracing and supporting neurodivergent people is essential for a resilient society. Practical ways to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Learn how we can collectively create a world that celebrates and supports neurodiversity as a vital strength. Resources Mentioned: Consultations: Individual, practitioner, and business support. Visit https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie The Sensitive Empowerment Community: A global space for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, offering events, discussions, and a sense of belonging. https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community Courses: Discovering Your Autistic Identity as an Adult. https://www.juliebjelland.com/discovering-youre-autistic-as-an-adult All Courses: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Guide to Understanding Autism in Women https://www.juliebjelland.com/understanding-autism-in-women-online-guide All Autism Resources: https://www.juliebjelland.com/autistichsp Free Resources: Blogs, articles, podcasts, and research at JulieBjelland.com. Take Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please like, review, subscribe, and share it to help spread awareness and create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated. Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

Dive into the topic of burnout recovery and prevention, particularly for sensitive and autistic individuals. Burnout is a pervasive challenge for many neurodivergent people, and Julie provides practical tools, strategies, and insights to help listeners identify, manage, and prevent burnout. Topics Covered: Understanding Burnout: Emotional, physical, behavioral, and sensory signs of burnout, including chronic fatigue, irritability, and decision-making struggles. Why Sensitive and Autistic People Are More Prone to Burnout: The impact of sensory overload, emotional exhaustion, chronic masking, and societal pressures. Consequences of Chronic Burnout: Links to chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and the differences between autistic burnout and depression. Early Signs of Burnout: How to recognize creeping burnout and respond before it worsens. Burnout Prevention Strategies: Sensory Care: Building a sensory toolkit with items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget tools. Scheduling regular sensory breaks and creating sensory-friendly environments. Setting Emotional Boundaries: Why boundaries matter for energy preservation and emotional safety. Tips for communicating boundaries effectively and overcoming guilt. Restorative Routines: Incorporating daily practices such as morning rituals, nature walks, and evening wind-downs. Proactively planning downtime around high-energy days to maintain balance. Burnout Recovery Tools: Permission to Rest: Rest as a necessary and productive part of long-term health. Physical Recovery: The importance of prioritizing sleep, nourishment, hydration, and gentle movement like yoga or stretching. Mental and Emotional Recovery: Grounding exercises, journaling prompts, and engaging in passions or special interests. Long-Term Resilience: Designing a burnout-resistant life by honoring sensory and emotional needs, reducing masking, and celebrating authentic self-expression. The importance of treating self-care as a daily practice and adjusting plans as needs evolve. Takeaways: Burnout is not a personal failure but a sign that your body and mind need care. Recovery and prevention require intentional self-care, boundary-setting, and creating routines that align with your unique needs as a sensitive or autistic individual. Explore More: Book a session with Julie for personalized support: https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community for daily connection and resources. https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community Watch my free boundaries webinar: https://www.juliebjelland.com/free-masterclasses-with-julie#masterclasses-healthy-boundaries Take my popular self-paced courses to learn practical tools to support your well-being: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Read more about chronic health conditions common in the sensitive and autistic: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-blog/why-chronic-health-conditions-are-higher-in-sensitive-and-autistic-individuals-by-julie-bjelland-lmft Learn 5 Steps to better sleep: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-improve-sleep Favorite Products, including the electrolytes and earplugs I talked about: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensory-friendly Explore everything on my website: https://www.juliebjelland.com/ Your well-being matters, and small steps can make a big difference. Take time to care for your beautiful, sensitive self. 🌟 I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, Consultant and Specialist in Late-Discovered Autism in Sensitive Women (AFAB), a neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I empower sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to embrace their authentic selves, improve their well-being, and thrive. Through my global support hub, I offer online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars to reduce overwhelm and balance the sensitive nervous system. As a proud LGBTQ+ member, I am dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.

In this episode of The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, I explore why so many sensitive individuals, particularly women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB), are discovering their autism later in life. Together, we’ll tackle the misconception that autism is a “fad”—an idea that suggests people are falsely claiming to be autistic as part of a trend. I’ll explain why this view is not only wrong but harmful and how greater awareness is helping people recognize traits that were overlooked for decades. I’ll also answer a listener’s question about whether heightened empathy is compatible with being autistic and challenge the myth that autistic people lack empathy. We’ll discuss the concept of “masking,” or hiding autistic traits to fit into societal expectations, and how this often leads to anxiety, burnout, and chronic health issues. Plus, I’ll share 14 common traits of autistic adults and explore how understanding autism can transform self-compassion, reduce self-criticism, and improve overall well-being. Links and Resources Mentioned: Book a Session with Julie: Explore your autistic traits, uncover strengths, and gain clarity with Julie’s personalized global coaching. ⁠Book here⁠ Autism Course: This is a step-by-step course for adults discovering autism later in life. To get notified (and an early discount) when it’s ready, sign up for my ⁠newsletter here⁠. Autistic Women’s Group Inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community: ⁠Join Julie’s community⁠ and access my autistic women group. Autism Articles: Explore Julie’s ⁠blog⁠ for in-depth resources about autism, sensitivity, and neurodivergence. Article: Chronic Health Conditions Common in Autistic Individuals. ⁠Read Here⁠ Leave me a Voicemail: Leave a question or comment for Julie to address in a future episode! Leave a voicemail here: ⁠https://speakpipe.com/sensitive⁠ If you’ve ever felt “different,” overwhelmed by sensory input, or driven by people-pleasing tendencies, this episode is for you. I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, Consultant and Specialist in Late-Discovered Autism in Sensitive Women (AFAB), a neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I empower sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to embrace their authentic selves, improve their well-being, and thrive. Through my global support hub, I offer online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars to reduce overwhelm and balance the sensitive nervous system. As a proud LGBTQ+ member, I am dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all. Discover more at⁠ JulieBjelland.com⁠.

Description:In this episode of The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, Julie Bjelland explores how injustice can deeply affect sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. With heightened empathy and a strong sense of fairness, many of us feel overwhelmed by the injustices we witness in the world. Julie shares 10 actionable strategies to help you manage these emotions, find empowerment, and prepare for meaningful action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Tips for focusing on what’s within your control. The importance of self-care and stepping into your light. Building confidence and empowerment to take action. Practical grounding techniques for when emotions feel overwhelming. How to reframe injustice to align with your values and purpose. The power of community and connecting with like-minded individuals. Links and Resources: Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community Explore More Resources From Julie Bjelland Bio I'm Julie Bjelland, LMFT, Consultant and Specialist in Late-Discovered Autism in Sensitive Women (AFAB), I am a neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I empower sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to embrace their authentic selves, improve their well-being, and thrive. Through my global support hub, I offer online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars to reduce overwhelm and balance the sensitive nervous system. As a proud LGBTQ+ member, I am dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.