The Adulting With ADHD Podcast Beating Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria with Jessica Summers
4 snips
Oct 3, 2025 In this discussion, Jessica Summers, an RSD coach and hypnotherapist, delves into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), explaining its emotional impact on those with ADHD. She shares her personal journey with RSD and the significance of naming this condition. Jessica emphasizes the RSD-free framework, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and self-care. Additionally, she introduces innovative strategies like hypnosis and NLP to create emotional safety and manage social situations, all while sharing insights from her book, Surviving Family Gatherings.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
RSD As Distinct, Intense Emotional Pain
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional pain in response to shame triggers that can feel imprisoning or make you want to escape your body.
- Naming RSD provided Jessica Summers and clients relief by distinguishing it from normal emotion and highlighting its severity.
Travel Forced Courage And Deeper Connections
- Jessica described moving to Europe with her family expecting escape and ease but instead facing difficult conversations and cultural barriers that forced growth.
- That experience pushed her to allow closeness in friendships she previously avoided because of fear of rejection.
Treat The Response, Not Yourself
- Do not blame yourself; recognize RSD as a separate limbic response rather than a character flaw or failed therapy.
- Personify the response (like an abused dog), set firm boundaries, and take charge so it stops controlling decisions.
