Trauma, neurodivergence and menopause, a conversation with Paula Rastrick
This is such a rich conversation about hormones, trauma, neurodivergence, burnout and menopause - all of which feel really relevant in our 40s and 50s! In this episode I speak with Paula Rastrick about:
“Sensitive nervous systems” and her research into early life stress, adverse childhood experiences, ADHD, AuDHD and Highly Sensitive People and how that can emerge and impact perimenopausal hormonal changes.
Seeing menopause as a continuation of hormonal experiences from womb to present moment
Stress “sensitivity”, hypervigilance and “symptom” variation
Cyles of anxiety and what often lies behind that
Social connections (and challenges)
Expanding and acknowledging context
I am so grateful for this conversation and so pleased for you to have it as a resource. Paula has a Post Grad Certificate in Psychological Trauma, works as an Integrated Trauma Therapist (EMDR, Applied Polyvagal, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and Coach and is the author of a book called “Sensitive Women - A trauma informed, neurodiverse approach to hormonal sensitivity”. You can download her free e-book here Hormonal Sensitivity E-Book
Sign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:
Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right now
Indicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitioners
Perimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” - 4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support.
Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with.
Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here