Embracing Sensitivity: A Conversation with Dr. Judith Orloff

In this heartfelt solo episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, shares profound insights from her work with women discovering their autistic identity later in life. Many sensitive women spend decades feeling different, masking their struggles, and being misdiagnosed by outdated, male-centered assessments. Julie introduces the concept of the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—a strengths-based way of understanding autism that validates lived experience and removes the stigma of “disorder.”Through stories from her assessment work, Julie explores themes of masking, burnout, chronic health struggles, misdiagnoses, and the life-changing relief that comes with finally being understood. She also highlights the critical role of acceptance in childhood and the connection between sensitivity, autism, ADHD, and trauma.This episode is a must-listen for late-identified autistic women, sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, and practitioners seeking to better support their clients. Discover how self-understanding can bring healing, self-compassion, and the energy to thrive.More InfoRead : Why Outdated Autism Assessments Are Harming Sensitive Women and High-Masking Adults by Julie Bjelland, LMFTLearn more about The Sensitive Autistic Neurotype BIOJulie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. She specializes in supporting highly sensitive and neurodivergent people, with a focus on the growing recognition of late-discovered autism in women. Julie coined the term Sensitive Autistic Neurotype to describe a strengths-based way of understanding sensitivity and autism, helping people shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.Through her global courses, podcast, writings, and professional trainings, Julie has supported thousands of sensitive and neurodivergent people in over 190 countries. Her mission is to create a world where sensitivity and neurodivergence are seen as strengths to be celebrated.Learn more at JulieBjelland.com and join the supportive global community at SensitiveCommunity.com.

Do you feel called to work for yourself? In this episode, Willow explores the real path of self-employment for HSPs. The challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep inner transformation that happens when you follow your truth. Discover why self-employment often tests us in the very areas we’re here to transform, how to stay true to yourself when things get hard, and why authenticity is the greatest freedom of all. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take the leap, or what it really means to turn your sensitivity into your strength, this episode will help you see your path more clearly.Bio & Links - Willow McIntoshWillow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at www.inluminance.com or book your free discovery call here - https://inluminance.com/book-a-call/

In this special anniversary episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, guest host Carol Roesler leads a heartfelt celebration of the Sensitive Empowerment Community’s six-year anniversary. Joined live by members from around the world, Carol shares reflections, community stories, and heartfelt messages of gratitude for Julie Bjelland, LMFT — founder of the community and podcast.Together, they honor the deep connections, personal growth, and life-changing experiences that have blossomed within this safe space for highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Through live interactions, personal stories, and Julie’s guiding wisdom, this episode shines a light on what it truly means to belong, be seen, and thrive as a sensitive soul.Links and resources mentioned in this episode: The Sensitive Empowerment CommunityJulie's Courses for The Sensitive & NeurodivergentFree webinars WITH JULIE for the sensitive & Neurodivergent The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive DogPodcast Episode: We Were Never Meant to Fit In with Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntoshPodcast Episode: Embracing Sensitivity: A Conversation with Dr. Judith OrloffPodcast Episode: Intuitive Parenting Creating Cozy & Joyful Spaces for Sensitive Children to Thrive

In this enlightening conversation, guest host Carol Roesler and Dr. Judith Orloff explore the profound themes of sensitivity, empowerment, and the importance of nurturing sensitive children. They discuss Dr. Orloff's new book, 'The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,' which serves as a guide for both children and adults to embrace their sensitivities as superpowers. The dialogue emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and the role of sensitive individuals in creating a better world. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the significance of self-care, boundaries, and the journey of reparenting oneself to foster a loving and accepting environment for sensitive souls.TakeawaysSensitivity is often misunderstood as weakness.Empowered sensitive individuals can change the world.Support is crucial for sensitive children.Quiet time is essential for sensitive souls.Setting boundaries is a vital skill for empaths.Reparenting ourselves helps heal past wounds.Children need to be celebrated for their uniqueness.Sensitivity can be a superpower when embraced.Empaths often feel the emotions of others deeply.Creating safe spaces for sensitive children is important.Links mentioned in this episode: ⁠Dr. Orloff’s website: www.drjudithorloff.com. Here you can find the link to her newsletter that we spoke about as well as her book tour for The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, which is available to preorder before its release date of Oct 7. The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive Dog: A book series for sensitive & Neurodivergent childrenAn interview with Niko and his friendsThe Sensitive Empowerment communityEpisode 130: The Healing Power of Being an Empath with Dr. Judith OrloffFor more episodes and resources from Julie Bjelland, visit ⁠JulieBjelland.com

In this special episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, guest hosts Carol Ressler and Carolina Mariposa explore how parents and caregivers can create safe, supportive spaces for sensitive and neurodivergent children during life transitions—like moving to a new home, starting school, or welcoming a sibling. They share real-life examples of cozy nooks, sensory-friendly play areas, and calming rituals that help children regulate their emotions and feel secure. From crash pads and weighted blankets to twinkle lights, flower essences, and joyful pops of color, this heartfelt conversation offers practical, creative ideas to nurture sensitive kids. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, you’ll find inspiration for making home a sanctuary that meets the unique needs of sensitive children—and yourself.Links mentioned in this episode: The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive DogTed Talk: Where Joy Hides and How to Find It Carolina Mariposa’s websiteCarolina's emailFor more episodes and resources from Julie Bjelland, visit JulieBjelland.com

So many sensitive and neurodivergent people know the pain of trying to fit in, hiding parts of themselves to feel accepted. In this episode, we explore how our true power lies not in blending, but in embracing the unique way we see, feel, and sense the world. You’ll be invited to recognize your sensitivity as a natural design, a gift meant to connect you more deeply with life, others, and yourself.About Your HostsWillow McIntosh is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at inluminance.comJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest co-host Willow McIntosh explore why many sensitive and neurodivergent people—especially those with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—were never meant to “fit in.” Together, they share personal stories, clinical insights, and practical guidance on releasing the pressure to conform, reclaiming your authentic self, and honoring your natural needs. They discuss masking, nervous system care, the importance of intentional connection, and the unique role sensitive and autistic individuals play in creating a more compassionate world. Recorded live in the Sensitive Empowerment Community, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and a powerful reminder: your differences are your strengths, and the world needs your light.About Your HostsJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/Willow McIntoshWillow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at http://inluminance.com/

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal and profoundly urgent. After years of working with women around the world—especially sensitive and neurodivergent women—I’ve seen a heartbreaking pattern: a lack of belief in self, chronic disempowerment, silencing, medical dismissal, and burnout. And yet, it’s women who are most needed right now. We are the ones with the empathy, strength, and vision to rise and create change.I explore how gender bias in research has harmed women’s health, how reproductive rights are being stripped away, how trauma and unprocessed stress are impacting our bodies, and why so many of us have been conditioned to stay small.This episode is both a wake-up call and a collective invitation to rise—together.You’ll hear about:The epidemic of disempowerment and chronic illness in womenGender-based violence and the reasons survivors stay silentHow medical research has excluded women for decadesThe criminalization of miscarriage and reproductive injusticeThe impact of economic disempowerment and unpaid laborIntersectionality and why our liberation must include all womenMedical gaslighting and the misdiagnosis of sensitive, neurodivergent womenA vision for collective healing, empowerment, and actionIf you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure where to begin—this episode is for you. You are not alone. And you were never meant to do this alone.If you’re wondering what to do next, here are a few gentle first steps:Join my Sensitive Empowerment Community—a global space for education, connection, and healing. We rise stronger when we rise together.Explore one of my courses—I’ve created several to support you in burnout recovery, empowerment, and nervous system care.Work with me one-on-one—whether through coaching or consultation, I offer personalized support tailored to your needs.You can also explore a list of free resources available on my website. Remember, healing gives us the energy we need to take action in our lives and in the world. You don’t have to do this alone—and you were never meant to.I’d love to hear from you. Tell me how you’re taking care of your body and heart—and how we can rise above together.Let’s do this. Let’s make a difference. The world needs us now more than ever.Share 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.

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