Who We Are & What We Need

In this conversation, Katherine Spearing discusses her new book, 'A Thousand Tiny Papercuts,' which explores the complexities of spiritual abuse and the journey to reclaim autonomy after leaving high-control religious environments. The discussion delves into the insidious nature of spiritual abuse, the confusion experienced by individuals trying to navigate their faith, and the emotional turmoil that often follows leaving such systems. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding the BITE model of control and the potential for thriving after leaving these environments, emphasizing the need for healing and self-acceptance.

Join Catherine Quiring in conversation with Megan Griffith, autistic and ADHD life coach, content creator, and author of Welcome to AuDHD: How to Survive and Thrive as an Adult with Autism and ADHD. This wide-ranging discussion explores what it means to live at the intersection of autism and ADHD, from communication differences and alexithymia to masking, self-trust, and disability identity.Megan shares her diagnostic journey through misdiagnosis, the research behind her book (including lived experience from her community), and practical tools like EFT tapping for emotional processing. Catherine and Megan discuss monotropic vs. polytropic thinking, the building blocks metaphor for masking, and how childhood emotional neglect affects neurodivergent people—even in loving homes where authentic selves weren't fully mirrored.This episode offers validation, clarity, and hope for anyone navigating neurodivergence, whether self-diagnosed or formally assessed.Resources:Neuroclastic DirectoryEFT (Emotion Freedom Technique) Tapping (with Sophia Graniela, another podcast guest)“HSP or Autism?”Neurodivergence Lived Experience Summit: 1/23-25/2026Connect with Megan Website - BookConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTube - Neurodivergent Self-Diagnosis ConsultationKey Topics:The History of AuDHD: Why autism and ADHD couldn't be diagnosed together until 2013 (DSM-5)Alexithymia Explained: Difficulty identifying emotions in the moment, but processing them later through "back doors" like journaling or intellectual processingEFT Tapping: A practical tool for accessing difficult emotions through meridian points and parasympathetic nervous system activationCommunication Differences: How neurotypical people give 70% of information expecting you to fill in gaps, while autistic people typically give 100%Monotropic vs. Polytropic Thinking: Flashlight (deep focus) vs. lantern (broad attention) approaches to thinking and workMasking as Building Blocks: A trauma response metaphor—not a removable mask, but borrowed blocks that became part of your towerSelf-Trust and Validation: How diagnosis (formal or self) can affirm "I was right about me all along"Disability Identity: Community perspectives on whether AuDHD is a disability, difference, or "it's complicated"Childhood Emotional Neglect: How unmirrored enthusiasm and unmet attachment needs affect neurodivergent childrenIntersectionality: Research findings on disability, police violence, and the "ugly laws" that prohibited visible disability in public until the 1970sPractical Tools:EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)Three-step process: Acknowledgment → Validation → Gentle ReframeTaps meridian points while processing difficult emotionsHelps access emotions through the "back door" for those with alexithymiaThe 24-Hour Rule for Self-TrustWhen trusted people disagree with your reality perceptionPut a pin in it for 24 hoursRevisit to see if your perspective has shifted or held steadyNeither perspective is necessarily "wrong"Meta ConversationsPausing during disagreements to discuss how the conversation is happeningAddressing tone, communication style, and assumptionsCreating clarity about different communication preferencesHi,⁠ I’m Catherine⁠. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx⁠ Befriend Your Inner Critic⁠,⁠ Become Your Own Best Friend⁠, and ⁠reclaim your untamed soul⁠.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and⁠ walking alongside you⁠ on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

Have you ever caught yourself in cycles of self-sabotage, then felt like this proved you were fundamentally flawed? For years, many of us were told this was evidence of our “sinful nature.” But what if that explanation isn’t just wrong—what if it’s creating the very problems it claims to solve?This episode explores religious trauma through Internal Family Systems therapy, revealing how “dying to self” theology creates internal oppression, and offering a revolutionary alternative based on self-compassion rather than self-control.What you’ll learn:✓ How religious environments create the “Inner Controller”—an internal slave master✓ Why “dying to self” doctrine is psychologically harmful, especially for sensitive minds✓ The neuroscience showing self-compassion works better than self-control for growth✓ Internal Family Systems alternative: parts with good intentions vs “sinful nature”✓ Why your “self-sabotage” might actually be self-protection needing updates✓ How to rebuild spirituality from wholeness rather than brokennessPerfect for:Religious trauma survivors questioning harmful theologyPeople deconstructing faith while wanting to maintain spiritual connectionAnyone taught their emotions, body, or instincts can’t be trustedThose struggling with shame-based identity from religious conditioningIndividuals healing from spiritual abuse or authoritarian religious environmentsKey theological reframes:Human behavior stems from need-meeting, not cosmic battle between good/evilYour core Self already embodies “fruits of the spirit”—they’re not borrowed from outsideParts of you labeled “sinful” may actually be authentic aspects needing integrationSelf-compassion isn’t self-indulgence—it’s neurologically necessary for growthImportant notes:This episode respects diverse spiritual beliefs while addressing harmful applicationsFocuses on psychological healing, not theological debateIncludes resources for religious trauma recoveryContent may be triggering for those with severe religious traumaIf you’re struggling with:Depression or anxiety related to religious experiencesThoughts of self-harm connected to religious shameSevere religious trauma symptomsPlease reach out to mental health professionals trained in religious trauma recovery.Part of the Befriending Your Inner Critics series: This penultimate episode addresses the Inner Controller—the critic formed in religious environments that taught you to distrust your own heart, mind, and instincts. Recovery involves updating these parts with compassionate truth.Next steps: Befriend Your Inner Critic CourseYour worth is not contingent on your performance. You are loved exactly as you are.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - Pinterest - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

Description: ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses psychological abuse and trauma. Please prioritize your safety. Crisis resources in description.If you’ve escaped a narcissistic or abusive relationship but still hear your abuser’s voice saying “you’re worthless,” “you’re stupid,” or “you’ll never amount to anything”—you’re not going crazy. That voice has a name: the Inner Destroyer. Understanding why this happens is the first step to reclaiming your worth.This episode provides trauma-informed approaches to healing from internalized abuse, breaking trauma bonds with your own self-attack patterns, and developing the tools to finally silence the voice that followed you home.What you’ll learn: ✓ How the Inner Destroyer differs from regular self-criticism (it attacks core worth, not behavior) ✓ Why you may have developed a trauma bond with your own self-attack patterns ✓ The exact tactics abusers use that become internalized (gaslighting, character attacks, future threats) ✓ How to develop “observer consciousness” to separate from destructive thoughts ✓ 6 practical steps for dismantling the Inner Destroyer’s power ✓ Specialized healing approaches for narcissistic abuse recoveryThis episode is essential for:Survivors of narcissistic, emotional, or psychological abuseAnyone whose inner critic sounds exactly like their abuserPeople who’ve left toxic relationships but the abuse continues internallyThose struggling with self-worth after gaslighting and manipulationAnyone experiencing the “trauma bond” with their own self-criticismKey insights:The Inner Destroyer uses your abuser’s exact voice, words, and timingSelf-criticism can feel “safer” than self-compassion for abuse survivorsYour adult self has resources your traumatized younger self didn’t haveRecovery means learning to handle difficult thoughts without being controlled by themSpecialized trauma therapy is often necessary for narcissistic abuse recoveryCRISIS RESOURCES:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Crisis Text Line: HOME to 741741National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988Additional resources for narcissistic abuse recovery linked belowImportant note: This episode is educational and not a substitute for professional help. If you’re struggling with trauma from abuse, please consider working with a therapist trained in narcissistic abuse and trauma recovery.Part of the Befriending Your Inner Critics series: This episode addresses trauma-specific inner critics that develop from external abuse. Unlike other critics that developed as protection, the Inner Destroyer requires specialized trauma-informed approaches.Next week: From Religious Control to Self-Compassion - healing the Inner Controller when spiritual environments taught you not to trust your own heart, mind, and instincts.Next steps: Befriend Your Inner Critic CourseYour worth was never up for debate. The voice telling you otherwise was wrong then and is wrong now. Recovery is possible, and thousands have walked this path to reclaim their lives.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

If you’re neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or creative, your inner critic probably attacks who you are, not just what you do. It whispers “you’re too much,” “you’re too weird,” or “you’ll never fit in.” This isn’t random self-doubt—it’s the Inner Underminer, carrying years of messages about being “different.”This episode explores why sensitive, creative, and neurodivergent individuals develop particularly harsh internal voices, how masking trauma creates identity attacks, and practical steps to reclaim your authentic self-expression.What you’ll learn: ✓ Why the Inner Underminer targets identity, not just behavior ✓ How “masking trauma” creates systematic self-attack patterns ✓ The 4 faces of the Underminer: Masking Perfectionist, Sensitivity Shamer, Creativity Crusher, Neurodivergent Comparer ✓ Why your “weaknesses” in traditional environments become strengths in the right contexts ✓ 5 practical steps for neurodivergent-affirming self-acceptance ✓ How to create environments that support rather than suppress your authentic traitsPerfect for:Neurodivergent individuals tired of hiding their natural traitsHighly sensitive people told they’re “too emotional” or “too much”Creative minds whose ideas are dismissed as “weird” or “impractical”Anyone whose inner critic specifically attacks their identity and way of beingPeople recovering from a lifetime of masking and conformity pressureKey insights:Your Inner Underminer developed to protect you from rejection for being differentMasking trauma is real psychological damage from suppressing authentic self-expressionYour adult self has resources your criticized inner child never hadAuthenticity attracts authentic connection—the right people celebrate your differencesYour sensitivity, creativity, and different processing are features, not bugsAddresses different neurotypes:ADHD: Transforming “distractible” into “notice what others miss”Autism: Honoring attention to detail while managing perfectionist anxietyHigh Sensitivity: Using emotional intensity as strength for deep connectionCreative minds: Celebrating unconventional thinking and multipassionate interestsThis episode is part of our Befriending Your Inner Critics series: Episodes 1-2 covered foundational concepts and common critics Episode 4 focuses specifically on critics that develop around neurodivergent/sensitive identity Episodes 5-6 will cover trauma-based critics (abuse recovery, religious trauma)Resources mentioned:Masking trauma research and recovery approachesNeurodivergent-affirming therapy resourcesOnline communities for authentic neurodivergent expressionNext week: The Inner Destroyer - healing from internalized abuse when you’ve escaped toxic relationships but the abuser’s voice followed you home.Next steps: Befriend Your Inner Critic CourseRemember: Your sensitivity, creativity, and different way of processing the world aren’t problems to fix—they’re gifts that make you uniquely valuable. Authenticity is a practice, not a destination.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

If you’re neurodivergent and traditional perfectionism advice like “just lower your standards” feels impossible, this episode explains why. Perfectionism works differently in ADHD, autistic, and other neurodivergent brains—and requires different solutions.This episode explores the unique intersection of perfectionism and neurodivergence, how masking trauma creates impossible internal standards, and neuroaffirming approaches that actually work for different brain types.What you’ll learn: ✓ Why neurodivergent perfectionism is often a survival mechanism, not just high standards ✓ How masking and perfectionism become dangerously intertwined ✓ The “Executive Function Paradox” - why perfectionist planning worsens ADHD symptoms ✓ How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) fuels perfectionist protection strategies ✓ Why traditional advice fails neurodivergent minds and what works instead ✓ Neuroaffirming strategies that honor your brain’s natural patternsSpecifically addresses:ADHD: Energy-based planning vs perfectionist paralysisAutism: Natural attention to detail vs anxiety-driven perfectionismHigh Sensitivity: Using emotional intensity as strength, not weaknessGifted/2e: Separating identity from performancePerfect for:Neurodivergent individuals whose perfectionism feels tied to survivalPeople labeled “high-functioning” who are actually burning out from maskingAnyone who experiences perfectionism as protection against being “found out”Those whose perfectionism creates more problems than it solvesKey research covered:Masking trauma and its relationship to perfectionist copingRSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and perfectionism connectionsExecutive function challenges that traditional advice ignoresNeuroaffirming therapy approaches vs conformity-based treatmentsPart of the Befriending Your Inner Critics series: This episode focuses specifically on how perfectionism manifests differently in neurodivergent minds and requires adapted approaches that honor rather than fight your natural neurological patterns.Next steps: Befriend Your Inner Critic Course,Become Your Own Best Friend (next rounds Jan/Mar 2026)Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

Do you feel guilty when you rest? Does a relentless voice tell you “there’s always more you should be doing”? Meet your Inner Taskmaster—the critic that measures your worth by your productivity and keeps you trapped in the hustle culture hamster wheel.This episode explores the most common inner critic many of us carry: the voice convinced your value equals your output. Learn why this protective part developed, how it’s actually sabotaging your effectiveness, and practical steps to transform it from a slave driver into a collaborative partner.What you’ll learn:✓ The difference between healthy motivation and your Inner Taskmaster’s demands✓ Why ADHD brains are especially susceptible to productivity prison✓ How the Taskmaster developed to protect you but became self-defeating✓ The real costs of tying your worth to productivity (hint: it makes you LESS effective)✓ A 4-step Internal Family Systems approach to befriending your Taskmaster✓ What changes when you shift from “I HAVE TO” to “I CHOOSE TO”Perfect for:People who can’t rest without guilt or anxiety about unfinished tasksAnyone caught in toxic productivity culture or hustle mentalityADHD individuals experiencing burnout from unrealistic productivity standardsThose who lie awake at night with racing thoughts about tomorrow’s tasksPeople whose identity is tied to being “the responsible one”Key insights:Your Inner Taskmaster isn’t lazy motivation—it’s fear-based protectionProductivity actually DECLINES after 55 hours/week (Stanford research)Adults with ADHD experience significantly higher workplace burnout ratesRest isn’t laziness—it’s neurological maintenance your brain requiresThis episode is part of our Befriending Your Inner Critics series: Episode 1: Why You Can't "Get Rid" of Your Inner Critic (foundation) Episode 2: Inner Taskmaster (productivity trap) ← You are here Episode 3: Inner Perfectionist (coming next week)Next steps: Befriend Your Inner Critic CourseRemember: Your worth isn’t measured by your productivity. Freedom begins when you recognize the voice demanding endless output is fear trying to keep you safe in ways that no longer serve you.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

That harsh voice in your head isn't going anywhere—and that's actually not the problem. The real issue is trying to fight or eliminate your inner critic instead of understanding what it's trying to do for you.What you'll learn:✓ Why your inner critic exists (hint: it's trying to protect you)✓ practical steps to befriend rather than battle your internal voice✓ What changes when you stop fighting yourself and start working with your mindPerfect for:Anyone exhausted from battling their own thoughtsPeople who've tried positive thinking but still struggle with self-criticismThose ready to understand their mind instead of fighting itThe goal isn't to silence your inner critic—it's to help it evolve from harsh taskmaster into wise counselor. When you understand why that voice developed and what it's actually trying to accomplish, everything changes about how you relate to yourself.Your inner critic isn't your enemy—it just needs better training. Let's figure out how to work with your mind instead of against it.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this follow-up episode, Catherine Quiring continues her story—this time focusing on the turning points that led her back to herself. Through self-compassion, somatic healing, and IFS, she learned to listen inward with curiosity instead of shame.Catherine invites us into the beauty of emotions as messengers, the wisdom of the body, and the medicine of Indigenous perspectives that remind us: everything is alive, everything is kin. This is a story of embracing parts once exiled, welcoming them home, and living an embodied life rooted in self-trust.For anyone longing to feel whole again, this episode offers hope, resonance, and a gentle invitation: you, too, can come home to yourself.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTube - Coming HomeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this episode of Who We Are & What We Need, Catherine Quiring shares the raw and tender story of her early years—growing up within authoritarian Christianity and the pressures of ableist meritocracy. These systems taught her to silence her desires, distrust her emotions, and hollow herself out to fit expectations of holiness and success.Through honest storytelling, Catherine explores how these environments shape our sense of self and leave us disconnected from our bodies, emotions, and inner knowing. This conversation is both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering language for the hidden wounds many carry.If you’ve ever felt pressured to be “good,” “perfect,” or “productive” at the cost of your own humanity, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTube - Coming HomeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

Every healing path has a rhythm, a shape, a pattern of descent and return. In this episode of Who We Are & What We Need, Catherine Quiring explores the archetypal forms of transformation—from labyrinths to the Eco-Heroine’s path.Through story and reflection, she begins to trace the contours of her own journey: moving through the harm of authoritarian systems, shedding what no longer served her, finding her center, and emerging into new life. Along the way, she invites listeners to recognize the cycles of grief, release, renewal, and belonging woven through their own lives.This episode offers both a map and a mirror—guidance for honoring where you are, and reassurance that every step, even the difficult ones, are part of the larger shape of coming home to yourself.Connect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

What happens when caring for everyone else means losing sight of yourself? In this episode, Catherine Quiring explores the hidden costs of people-pleasing and the journey of learning to trust yourself again. She shares why people-pleasing begins as a survival strategy, how hyper-empathy intensifies the pull to silence your own needs, and what it looks like to come home to your body, your emotions, and your inner compass.Together, we’ll walk through a gentle five-step cycle of reflection, release, reconnection, reclaiming, and re-emerging — a path that helps you shift from people-pleasing into self-trust. Along the way, you’ll discover how compassion and detached empathy allow you to care deeply without abandoning yourself.If you’ve ever felt exhausted from keeping the peace or longed to show up as your full self, this episode offers a roadmap back to authenticity, wholeness, and freedom.To delve into this deeper:Try the People-Pleasing to Self-Sovereignty CourseRead more about recovering from people pleasing: Trust Yourself Again: Reclaim Your Inner Compass After People-PleasingConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

This episode with Catherine Quiring examines self-trust as the cornerstone of psychological well-being and authentic living. Grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and research on interoception and self-compassion, Catherine explains how people lose trust in themselves under authoritarian systems or through people-pleasing patterns, and how to rebuild it step by step. Catherine delves into the developmental stages of self-trust through our lifetime. Listeners will gain practical insights into reconnecting with their inner compass, regulating emotions, and cultivating resilience so they can move through life with clarity and confidence.Consent & Closeness MatrixRead more about Self-TrustConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this episode, we explore the science, psychology, and spirituality of hyper-empathy—a rare gift that allows us to feel deeply and connect profoundly, but that can also overwhelm without the right tools.You’ll learn:The neuroscience of empathy—how the insula, ACC, amygdala, and mirror neurons shape emotional sensitivityThe spiritual perspective of clairsentience—“clear feeling” as intuitive empathyWhy hyper-empathy is considered a “risky strength” linked to anxiety, burnout, and internalizing disordersHow autism reframes the conversation through the Double Empathy Problem and experiences of hyper-empathyPractical strategies for thriving: mindfulness, boundaries, compassionate empathy, therapeutic support, and affirming communities✨ Hyper-empaths are not “too sensitive.” We are natural healers. By nurturing boundaries and practicing compassion with ourselves, we can transform empathy from burden into profound strength.👉 Tune in and discover how to embrace your gift of hyper-empathy—living with compassion, clarity, and resilience, not in spite of your sensitivity, but because of it.📖 Read more about hyper-empathy: Embracing Your Unique GiftConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

Join host Catherine Quiring for a deeply insightful conversation with Kristi Williams, a religious trauma coach, as they explore the intricate ways attachment patterns shape our spiritual lives. In this episode of Who We Are and What We Need, they delve into how early relationships lay the foundation for how we connect—to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. Kristi vulnerably shares her own path of healing from religious trauma, offering practical wisdom and empowering perspectives on reclaiming spiritual autonomy. You’ll come away with a richer understanding of attachment and how it can open the door to a more authentic, grounded, and soul-nourishing life.Connect with Kristi - WebsiteConnect with Catherine - Website - Substack - YouTube⁠Attachment Styles and Religious Trauma Therapy with Catherine Quiring on Martyr, She WroteHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor and self-trust coach living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this enlightening episode, Catherine and Ashley delve into the powerful synergy between spirituality and psychology, exploring how these two disciplines can be harmoniously integrated to foster personal growth. Join us as we uncover transformative insights and practical strategies that can help you navigate life's challenges with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding. Whether you're seeking to enhance your mental well-being or embark on a spiritual journey, this episode offers valuable perspectives to enrich your path. Tune in and discover how to align your mind and spirit for a more fulfilling life.Connect with Ashley: Website 1 - Website 2 - PodcastConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTube⁠Hi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

What do stress spirals, people-pleasing, and your go-to meltdown mode have in common? They all make perfect sense — once you know your Enneagram type. In this lively conversation, Catherine Quiring and Jackie Contessa dive into the wild world of the Enneagram, showing how this ancient tool can help you make sense of your quirks, calm your inner chaos, and finally get out of your own way.Jackie spills on how the Enneagram cracked open her self-awareness, and then breaks down how things like anxiety, anger, and shame show up for different types (spoiler: no one’s off the hook). They get real about why people-pleasing is exhausting, how your family role might still be running the show, and how coaching can help untangle the mess.If you're ready to laugh, learn, and maybe cry a tiny bit (in a good way), this episode is your permission slip to grow with curiosity, not judgment — and to reconnect with who you were before all the “shoulds” showed up.Resources:Enneagram 101Connect with Jackie: Instagram - WebsiteConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTube⁠Hi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this engaging conversation, Catherine Quiring and Joanne Kim explore the Enneagram, its relevance in therapy, and its application in understanding personal relationships and popular culture, particularly through the lens of Catherine’s favorite show Ted Lasso. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the role of instincts in the Enneagram, and how these concepts can help individuals navigate their personal growth and relationships.Enneagram 101Connect with Joanne: Website - Instagram - FacebookConnect with Catherine: Website - Substack - YouTubeHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: ⁠3 steps to trust yourself⁠.With a full heart,Catherine

In this special edition of "Who We Are and What We Need," Catherine Quiring delves into the profound impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy on her personal journey. Through heartfelt poetry and memoir excerpts, Catherine shares how IFS has been a catalyst for healing and self-discovery, offering a relational approach that transforms inner dialogue and fosters genuine connection with oneself. Join Catherine as she explores the nuances of this life-changing therapy and invites listeners to embark on their own path to self-awareness and healing. Tune in to discover the power of coming home to yourself.Befriend Yourself Program1:1 IFS CounselingComing Home: The Journey Back to MyselfI AM: Poems for Expansion and RenewalHi, I’m Catherine. I’m grateful to share this time and space with you.I’m a counselor living on the Emerald Coast of Florida, on the unceded land of the Muscogee. I am a creative, mystic, and neurodiverse adventurer. I love writing, creating, and connecting.I love helping folx Befriend Your Inner Critic, Become Your Own Best Friend, and reclaim your untamed soul.Thank you for being here in this sacred space we get to co-create, as we come home to ourselves and enjoy the fruit of that self-belonging. I love hearing from you and walking alongside you on your journey.My free gift to you: 3 steps to trust yourself.With a full heart,Catherine

In this conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with Dorcas Chang-Tozun about her work in social innovation, the importance of empathy, and the various ways sensitive individuals can engage in justice work. They discuss the unique challenges faced by highly sensitive people in activism and the need for compassion in a divided world. Dorcas emphasizes the significance of relational activism and the power of small, meaningful interactions in fostering understanding and connection. The conversation concludes with a focus on finding joy and community amidst challenges.Resources:Guides, Books, and PlaylistConnect with Nancy: Website - Books - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringShow Notes by AI and Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring (including graphic by @andrewpixel)