Unapologetically Sensitive

The holidays can be a really stressful time.  In preparation for the holiday, what are you really wanting? It's easy to get focused on perfection (the perfect house; the perfect family; the perfect meal), bt we often lose the opportunity to connect with those we love because we're so focused on perfection.  

EPISODE Episode 6 TITLE Creating Peace Through the Holidays GUEST Sharon Martin, LCSW EPISODE OVERVIEW We talk about ways to make the holidays smoother—in terms of travelling, having guests, dealing with family members who may be challenging, feeling obligated, overspending, expectations, and lots of ways that Sensitives can provide better care for themselves during these times of overstimulation, high expectations and lots of activity.  Sharon explains what it’s like if a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) has a narcissist (or someone with narcissistic tendencies) in their life.  We talk about feeling criticized, and no matter what you do, it never feels like you’re enough or you’re good enough.  We talk a little about anxiety and depression and how counseling or therapy can help to gain insight into patterns that are from childhood. We talk about ways to take breaks; looking at new traditions, and being sure to take care of our basic needs BIO Sharon Martin, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist, mental health writer, and media contributor on emotional health and relationships. Her psychotherapy practice, in San Jose, CA, specializes in helping perfectionists and people-pleasers embrace their imperfections and overcome self-doubt and shame. Her own struggle to feel “good enough”, inspired her passion for helping others learn to accept and love themselves. Sharon writes the popular blog Happily Imperfect for PsychCentral.com and is the author of the forthcoming book The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism. HIGHLIGHTS Which parts of the holidays are overwhelming? You don’t have to do everything Take a lot of breaks If you are travelling to see family, consider staying in a hotel Be sure you’re taking care of your basic needs—sleep, nutrition, time alone, exercise, quiet time How to deal with challenging family members who may be narcissistic or are very critical Setting realistic expectations Prioritizing your values Recognizing limited resources Identifying where you feel obligated Fear of disappointing others   LINKS website: https://LiveWellwithSharonMartin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonmartinlcsw/ blog: https://blogs.psychcentral.com/imperfect/   Dr. Elaine Aron www.hsperson.com Dr. Ted Zeff www.drtedzeff.com Movie—Sensitive The Untold Story Podcast—Highly Sensitive Person highlysensitiveperson.net/book A Highly Sensitive Person’s Life: Stories and Advice for Those Who Experience the World Intensely by Kelly O’Laughlin Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 17 TITLE One of my favorite stories about Josh and empathy GUEST Joshua Young EPISODE OVERVIEW Josh talks about his perspective about sensitivity. We talk about my anxiety and how it impacted him and what was helpful in how I communicated with him.  I talk about how when Josh was applying for college, at one point, I was asked to NOT talk with him about it, then my husband coached me to only ask him 2 questions at a time, which was very effective.  I talk a lot in the introduction about the mental load we carry when we have to remember all the details for everyone we care for, and what a toll it can take.  I give some suggestions about what worked for us. BIO Josh Young is a freshman at Cal State University Fullerton where he is a business major.  Josh has a wicked sense of humor, and loves to push the rules until they just about break.  Josh loves doing distance cycling, and he did his first triathalon a few years ago.  He also participates in marathon napping!   LINKS   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

Often we are afraid of feeling disappointed or angry and frustrated if we ask for something and we don't get it.  I share a few stories of taking a risk and asking, and getting some really positive responses and an unexpected outcome.  Also, I have a really exciting surprise for you that's really the reason why I recorded this episode.  There are 2 upcoming episodes that are geared to you as the listener and the holidays.   I mention Chel Hamilton who has a podcast Meditation Minis.  You can find all things Chel here https://chelhamilton.com/   LINKS     Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--@unapologeticallysensitive Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

My son Josh talks about what it's like having a therapist who's a mom.  We also talk about our relationship, and the areas where we are similar.  I ask Josh about the relationships his friends have with their parents.

Daniel Young (one of my twins) talks about how he feels about self-disclosure, and how he handled communicating with his teachers when he was in school. Daniel has ADHD and we talk about how he feels about this, and how he feels sharing it with others. I also ask him, "What do you want to say about me as a mom?"

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 13 TITLE Would I Be a Twin If I Had a Choice? GUEST Josh Young EPISODE OVERVIEW I had delightful conversation with one of my twins, Josh.  We talk about self-disclosure and why Josh chooses to share the way he does.  We talk about what it was like for Josh to have a twin, and the challenges it posed for him. Josh has a theory about why he thinks he and his twin are so different.  I have a different perspective, which I share in my introduction to our conversation.  Josh talks about telling his teacher his grandma was going to live in our backyard (before we added on to our house).  I talk about some of my shortcomings as a parent since Josh needed more protection than I gave him.  I also talk about the tattoos that they boys got on their 18th birthday and why it is so significant.   BIO Josh Young is a freshman at Cal State University Fullerton where he is a business major.  Josh has a wicked sense of humor, and loves to push the rules until they just about break.  Josh loves doing distance cycling, and he did his first triathalon a few years ago.  He also participates in marathon napping!   LINKS Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 12 TITLE When your kidult is engaging in behavior that doesn’t align with your values GUEST Daniel Young EPISODE OVERVIEW My twins were home from college for the weekend, and my son Daniel sat down with me to chat.  I asked him what it’s like to have a mom who’s a therapist. We also talk about how we navigated when Daniel started engaging in behaviors that did not align with our family’s values.  It’s controversial since most families would probably forbid the kidult against engaging in the behavior.  My relationship with my son was more important, and since he was going to be 18 soon and heading off to college, it felt more important to have open and honest conversations with him about his behavior; how to stay safe and what my concerns were.  I also think I may have been manipulative when I tell Daniel at the end that I love him.  I think I wanted you all to hear that my son tells me he loves me.   BIO Daniel is a freshman at Cal State University Long Beach where he is studying criminology.  Daniel is a talented rapper who writes and performs his own songs.  He is an amazing graphic designer and photographer.  He took all the headshots on my website (and the pic of me podcasting that I use for the podcast).    LINKS     Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

EPISODE 005 TITLE 005 I gave myself permission to be me, and not place undue expectations about who I should be, with Melvin Varghese, PhD GUEST Melvin Varghese, PhD EPISODE OVERVIEW Melvin talks about what it was like being born in India, and coming to the U.S. as a sensitive, minority male in a new culture.  Melvin talks about the collective consciousness in India compared to the individualistic values in the U.S. Before Melvin had the baby, he got up at 4:30 every morning; and he talks about his pre-baby morning routine, and what it looks like now. Melvin also talks about how he had to prepare for his first child, who was in the NICU after birth, and the values he wants to instill in his daughter.  Melvin candidly talks about his fears and what he has done to create multiple successful business ventures. Melvin’s business success is tightly yoked with his strong values for social justice. Melvin is creating a scholarship fund for kids who have been rescued from brothels from some of the proceeds from one of his businesses—Selling The Couch Directory BIO Dr. Melvin Varghese is a psychologist and successful entrepreneur, as well as the host of the podcast Selling the Couch, which was listed as one of the top 15 podcasts in iTunes in 2015.  It has grown by leaps and bounds since then! Melvin also has a podcasting course called The Healthcasters, and an online Directory for therapists called Selling the Couch Directory.  Melvin also has a private practice where he helps entrepreneurs overcome the mental roadblocks that prevent success. He uses a variety of research-based strategies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. In 2007, Melvin spent 3 weeks in Bombay in Bombay, India working with an NGO helping to end human sex trafficking (Bombay has the largest concentrated red light district in the world.). He decided to use his abilities to better the world and not just create income. Melvin met his future wife on a humanitarian trip to New Orleans in 2010 helping rebuild houses hit by Hurricane Katrina. He never imagined a Cowboy’s fan and Eagle’s fan living in one house. Melvin loves playing basketball weekly, and he loves spending time with his wife and new daughter.   QUOTES My needs shouldn’t be so, that I don’t think of the needs around me The point of parenting is to have a daughter who is kind and caring and develops the capacity to think through decisions and makes decisions that aligns with who she wants to be Business has never been just about business; there has to be a social mission or social justice to it Business success doesn’t just end with the financial goal. What we’ve done has impacted someone’s life—maybe for a generation Life was about who you were surrounded by. How do we serve those around us? Parenthood is teaching me to appreciate the moments Be kind and gracious to yourself. Don’t feel the pressure to conform. You’re not going to fit in a perfect box; nor should you   LINKS Website— http://melvinvarghese.com/ Selling the Couch-- https://sellingthecouch.com/   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 11 TITLE Not Allowing Others to Define Us GUEST Solo episode—Patricia Young EPISODE OVERVIEW How wounding from our past can cause bigger reactions in us than the situation warrants. This can also trigger a strong sense for us to want to be right about a situation (and to want to make others wrong). This is due to shame and wounding. I talk about how I show up in the world, and my expectation that others will fully embrace who I am. Obviously, this doesn’t always happen (LOL). This triggers my gremlins that tell me that I’m too much; I share too much; I don’t have boundaries and that I should reign in back in. Sometimes we allow others to take up too much space in our head even though it keeps us stuck, and there are people who are providing support. We get to choose to live our lives out loud and to be exactly who we are. This is how we claim what is true for us. I also talk about how HSPs often take longer to accomplish things. We beat ourselves up, but often we need the extra time, and there are payoffs and benefits that come from taking the extra time. The use of mindful self-compassion is what helps us honor our rhythms. BIO Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist in San Diego who is in private practice. Patricia works primarily with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) helping them understand their HSPness, and to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers. Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer. LINKS Podcast—How to Be a Girl by Marlo Mack Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com