Why Sensitivity Is a Superpower: Dr. Julie Bjelland on Rest, Resilience, and Rewiring the Brain

Why Sensitivity Is a Superpower: Dr. Julie Bjelland on Rest, Resilience, and Rewiring the Brain

 

In this episode, our guest Julie Bjelland and I explore the deep connections between sensitivity, neurodivergence, and how we navigate the complexities of life—especially around money, rest, burnout, and compassion. Julie is a neurodivergent psychotherapist and the founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her insights are grounded not only in her clinical expertise, but also in her lived experience as a late-discovered autistic woman and a highly sensitive soul.

 

We talk about the challenges of growing up in scarcity and what it takes to move toward a sense of enoughness. Julie shares how tuning into nature, intentionally slowing down, and practicing radical self-compassion can transform the way sensitive and neurodivergent people relate to themselves—and to money. We also dig into the emotional impact of injustice, the myth that sensitivity is a weakness, and how rest can be one of the most powerful business strategies. As someone who also supports clients around money and nervous system care, it was a joy to connect with Julie on these deeply resonant themes.

 

Meet Our Guest

 

Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. 

 

Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

 

Podcast Highlights

 

[00:02:15] Meeting Dr. Bjelland and Defining Sensitivity
[00:03:45] Understanding the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype
[00:09:25] How Sensitivity Influences Money Anxiety
[00:12:35] Filling the Positive Tank: Intentional Joy and Boundaries
[00:15:15] The Power of Community and Being Seen
[00:16:45] Nature as a Nervous System Regulator
[00:22:15] Burnout, Overgiving, and Sustainable Activism
[00:30:35] Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance in Business
[00:39:45] Growing Self-Compassion as a Brain Training Practice
[00:49:15] Money Routines and Building Positive Financial Experiences

 

It’s rare to have such a grounded and nourishing conversation about money, nervous systems, and identity all in one place. This episode is an invitation to consider how your inner wiring shapes not just your emotions but your entire relationship to the world—including your work, your spending habits, your sense of rest, and your dreams. Julie’s lens offers a powerful reframe for those who’ve long felt like they were “too much” or “not enough.” 

 

Whether you’re a business owner burning out from your passion, or someone wondering how to navigate finances with more ease, you’ll find tools, compassion, and validation here. We talk about what it means to redefine success, how to come back to your body when the world feels like too much, and why the most sustainable way forward may be the softest one. This isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about honoring who you already are.

 

Resources

 

JulieBjelland.com
Free Resources
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Validation can reduce emotional intensity by about 50%.
Activating self-compassion deactivates stress centers in the brain