Unmasked Minds

The podcast episode delves into the challenges of parenting neurodiverse children and the impact of dysregulation on parenting. It explores the understanding and management of guilt, regulating anger, practicing nervous system regulation, identifying dysregulation triggers, tapping into the vagus nerve, establishing daily rituals, navigating grief and emotions, and the importance of repair and self-compassion in parenting neurodiverse children as a neurodiverse parent.TakeawaysRegulating the Nervous SystemParenting Neurodiverse Children

Podcast/Youtube Description:In this episode, psychologist Sarah Wills tackles what happens after you lose it with your kids and how genuine repair can actually strengthen your relationship more than perfect parenting ever could. Sarah explains why "sorry, but you made me yell" isn't an apology, the neuroscience behind fight-or-flight parenting moments, and her practical 4-step framework for repairing ruptures in a way that builds resilience rather than shame.Whether you've raised your voice once or found yourself in a full-blown yelling match, this episode will show you how to take responsibility without losing your authority, teach your kids that conflict doesn't end relationships, and break generational cycles of conditional love.Takeaways:Why even psychologists lose it with their kids—and why that's actually normal (and even valuable when handled correctly)The difference between real repair and deflection disguised as an apologyHow to recognize when you're in fight-or-flight mode and why nothing good happens when you try to parent from that stateA practical 4-step framework for genuine repair: remove yourself, understand what triggered you, reflect on what you'd do differently, and take responsibilityHow to have the "what happened" conversation with your kids without re-triggering the conflictWhy teaching accountability doesn't mean making everything their fault—and how to find the balanceWhat happens to children's self-esteem when they're consistently told your emotional regulation is their responsibilityConnect with Sarah Wills:Instagram | www.instagram.com/sarahthepsychLinkedIn | https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wills-b856974Subscribe to Unmasked Minds for more insights on parenting, mental health, emotional regulation, and breaking generational cycles from a psychologist who gets it.

In this episode, Sarah Wills discusses the concept of good enough parenting and the pressure parents feel to be perfect. She emphasizes the importance of repair and the impact of social media on parenting. Sarah encourages parents to embrace their humanity and normalize imperfection.TakeawaysGood enough parenting allows for mistakes and repair, promoting resilience in children.Social media can provide tools and awareness for parenting, but also leads to constant comparison and pressure.

The episode delves into the interaction between perimenopause and ADHD, exploring the symptoms and their impact on women's mental and physical health. It provides insights into understanding perimenopause, its symptoms, and the link between ADHD and perimenopause. Additionally, it discusses hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives for managing perimenopause symptoms.TakeawaysPerimenopause and ADHD interactionSymptoms of perimenopause and their impactChapters00:00 Introduction and Inspiration06:16 Physical Symptoms of Perimenopause11:21 Mental Symptoms of Perimenopause20:40 Link Between ADHD and Perimenopause

The podcast episode delves into the challenges and pressures faced by parents during school holidays, emphasizing the need to set realistic expectations, balance personal needs with family values, and establish boundaries to manage internal expectations. It also addresses the impact of screen time, the pressure of comparison, and the overwhelming chaos of school holidays. The episode provides insights on reframing expectations and finding contentment in the midst of parental challenges.TakeawaysSetting realistic expectations is crucial for managing the overwhelming chaos of school holidays.Establishing boundaries and managing internal expectations are essential for finding contentment and balance in parenting during the holidays.Chapters00:00 The Overwhelming Chaos of School Holidays06:25 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Values in the Holidays13:44 The Pressure of Comparison and Expectations in Parenting

The episode begins with an introduction and expression of gratitude for the positive feedback received. The main theme of the conversation revolves around the non-blank slate approach in psychology, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relatability in therapeutic relationships. The discussion covers ethical considerations, the role of social media in therapy, and the evolving landscape of psychology through new platforms like podcasting.TakeawaysNon-Blank Slate ApproachBuilding Trust and RelatabilityChapters00:00 Introduction and Gratitude05:03 Building Trust and Relatability10:13 Therapy and the Pursuit of Perfection17:19 Ethical Considerations in Therapy and Coaching22:31 Support and Collaboration Among Therapists

In this episode, Sarah Wills discusses the challenges of approval seeking behavior and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. She shares her personal experiences and explores the impact of childhood conditioning on approval seeking. Additionally, she delves into the concept of rejection sensitivity dysphoria as a trauma response and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in rewiring the brain to overcome these challenges.TakeawaysApproval seeking behaviorRejection sensitivity dysphoria

Sarah Wills shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as a woman in her 30s and discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD diagnosis in women. She highlights the impact of social media, the differences in ADHD presentation between men and women, and the reasons why women are being diagnosed later in life. Sarah also explores the benefits of seeking an ADHD diagnosis and the life-changing impact it can have.TakeawaysADHD diagnosis in women is often delayed due to misconceptions, challenges, and the internalized hypercritical nature of undiagnosed ADHD women.The impact of social media, changes in information availability, and the differences in ADHD presentation between men and women contribute to the increasing diagnosis of ADHD in women.

Sarah Wills shares her journey from corporate success to finding purpose in supporting women's mental and physical well-being. Her experiences with childhood trauma, career achievements, and personal growth shape her mission to help women thrive.TakeawaysResiliencePurposeChapters00:00 Unmasked Minds: The Beginning09:32 Career Success and Personal Struggles19:10 Women's Wellness Center and Purpose-Driven Work