E1: Meet Sarah

Summary In this conversation, Sarah shares her background and her work as a therapist. She discusses her collaboration with pediatricians and her focus on play therapy. Sarah also talks about her training in different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and space therapy. She highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and the importance of providing support for them and their parents. Sarah also opens up about her own childhood experiences, including her role as a caregiver for her brother with special needs and her relationship with her stepfather. Sarah discusses how masking continued to develop throughout her life, from childhood to early adulthood. She shares how she would mask her emotions by doing what she thought she was supposed to do and not showing big emotions. Sarah also talks about the pressure she felt to be perfect and not let anyone down, which led to anxiety and self-criticism. She emphasizes the importance of unmasking and being authentic, both for herself and for her daughter. Sarah reflects on her journey of self-discovery and the support she has received from her parents and close friend, Cindy.