Episode 105 : The Beauty and Burden of Autism with Dr. Sandra Paulsen
In episode 105 of The One Thing Podcast, Dr. Adam Rinde interviews @SandraPaulsenPhD Dr. Sandra Paulsen, a psychologist and author, about her expertise in psychotherapy with a specific focus on autism and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Dr. Paulsen discusses her own journey with autism, her therapeutic approach for treating trauma in autistic patients, and the benefits and challenges of autism. She emphasizes the importance of gentle and tailored interventions due to the sensitivity of autistic nervous systems. Dr. Paulsen also highlights her newest book, 'The Beauty and Burden of Autism,' which employs her original cartoons to illustrate various psychological constructs. Furthermore, she delves into the controversies surrounding autism in the mental health field, social dynamics, and systematic thinking in autistic individuals. The episode provides valuable insights into how EMDR can be adapted for autistic patients and the psychoeducation necessary for better understanding and support within the community. In the even the podcast exceeds 300 views (YouTube and Podcasts plays) in the first 30 days The One Thing Podcast will donate at least $100 EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program https://www.emdrhap.org/
In episode 105 of the One Thing Podcast, Dr. Adam Rinde interviews Dr. Sandra Paulsen, a renowned psychologist and author, about her professional journey and expertise in psychotherapy, focusing on her work with autism and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Paulsen discusses her own experiences with autism, her approach to treating trauma in autistic patients, and the need for gentle, tailored interventions due to their sensitive nervous systems. She also touches on the complexities and gifts of autism, the importance of recognizing emotional and physical sensations in therapy, and her use of visual aids and cartoons. Throughout the episode, Dr. Paulsen addresses controversial topics in the autism field, talks about her newest book, 'The Beauty and Burden of Autism,' and shares insights on the interconnectedness of autism with other conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Dr. Rinde and Dr. Paulsen reflect on the challenges and future prospects for those on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the importance of support and tailored therapeutic approaches.
In the event the podcast exceeds 300 views (YouTube and Podcasts plays) in the first 30 days The One Thing Podcast will donate at least $100 @emdrhap Humanitarian Assistance Program https://www.emdrhap.org/
Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
04:31 Dr. Sandra Paulson's Professional Journey
07:36 Discovering and Embracing Autism
09:42 The Beauty and Burden of Autism
17:27 Controversies and Misconceptions in Autism
31:35 Exploring Autism in Women
32:09 Challenges in Relationships
34:20 Masking and Camouflage
37:44 Spoon Theory and Terminology
39:36 Overlap of Conditions
42:31 Managing Sensory Overload
44:03 Therapeutic Approaches
46:45 Understanding Alexithymia
51:56 Diet and Environmental Factors
53:51 Future Hopes and Insights
01:00:09 Conclusion and Resources
About our Guest
Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., is an international instructor, author and illustrator of principles and procedures for using EMDR with complex trauma including structural and somatic dissociation and trauma held in implicit memory. Her books include coediting The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self. She wrote and illustrated Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients; and When There Are No Words: EMDR for Very Early Trauma in Implicit Memory, and coauthored We’re Listening Body: Integrating EMDR, Somatic and Ego State Therapies.
2024 publications will include: The Beauty and Burden of Autism: An Illustrated Guide and Workbook, and Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum, with Shelley Spear Chief. She also coauthored and illustrated a children's book that is also useful for dissociative adults called All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
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Sandra Paulsen PhD
Psychologist/Author
Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., is an international instructor, author and illustrator of principles and procedures for using EMDR with complex trauma including structural and somatic dissociation and
trauma held in implicit memory. Her books include The Beauty and Burden of Autism: An Illustrated Guide and Workbook, coediting The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self. She wrote and illustrated Looking Through
the Eyes of Trauma: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients; and When There Are No Words: EMDR for Very Early Trauma in Implicit Memory, and coauthored We’re Listening Body: Integrating EMDR, Somatic and Ego State Therapies.
, and Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum, with Shelley Spear Chief. She also coauthored and illustrated a childrens book that is also useful for dissociative adults called All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
She developed the first protocol for the use of EMDR with highly dissociative individuals, publishing cautions about EMDR with dissociation, and for first urging the screening of every client for dissociation before administering EMDR. She has trained thousands of mental health professionals in these special procedures since 1993. Sandra has numerous online workshops available through the Steve Frankel Group at
sfrankelgroup.com. For additional information see Sandra’s vitae at paulsenpsychology.com. She lives in a log house in the f…
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