The Beauty and Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Episode 105 with Dr. Sandra Paulsen

In episode 105 of The One Thing Podcast, I interview 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/

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.

Listen on your Favorite Podcast player here: or watch below

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