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Are you a highly sensitive woman going through perimenopause? In this episode, two HSP psychotherapists, (who are themselves navigating the menopausal transition), discuss the shortcomings of the medical system, the importance of healing past traumas and losses, developing agency, and the journey towards self-discovery and joy.

In this conversation, Esther Kane, MSW and Michele Jenkins, MSW, discuss the emotional and psychological challenges women face during perimenopause. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging grief, embracing transformation, and developing agency over one's health.

Michele shares the TIDES framework she developed, which encourages women to tune into themselves, identify their needs, develop self-compassion, engage in self-advocacy, and slow down for self-discovery.

Esther and Michele also highlight the significance of community support and the need for women to prioritize their well-being during this transitional phase of life.

Episode Contents

00:00:00 Navigating Perimenopause: A Shared Journey
00:03:14 The Impact of Sensitivity on Mental Health
00:06:08 The Medical System's Shortcomings
00:09:03 The Role of Trauma in Perimenopause
00:11:54 Finding Agency and Healing
00:14:57 The Emotional Toll of Loss
00:17:53 Somatic Healing and Self-Discovery
00:21:12 Transformative Nature of Perimenopause
00:24:04 Embracing Joy and Relaxation
00:26:57 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience
00:34:57 Navigating Grief and Loss
00:37:40 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact
00:39:33 Embracing Transformation and Grieving the Past
00:41:23 The Importance of Agency in Women's Health
00:44:43 TIDES: A Framework for Self-Care
00:55:02 Developing Self-Compassion and Care
01:01:43 Engaging in Self-Advocacy and Creating a Plan
01:07:47 Slowing Down for Self-Discovery

Show notes:

Other Menopause episode mentioned:

Menopause Myths Debunked: Susan Willson on Trauma, Healing, and Empowerment

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2022477/episodes/15750303

Where to find Michele:

Michele Jenkins, LCSW
https://www.michelejhsptherapy.com
Instagram: @hspperimenopausetherapy

FREE resources:

To learn more about the Highly Sensitive Personality:

https://www.estherkane.com/highly-sensitive-people/

For Esther’s blog posts, videos and podcasts on Highly Sensitive People:

https://www.estherkane.com/category/highly-sensitive-personality-introversion/

To receive Esther's FREE report designed to help HSPs create better boundaries called, "10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy":

https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter

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Links

www.estherkane.com

Instagram:

@estherkanemsw

Facebook:

Esther Kane, MSW, RCC