Explore the powerful intersection of neurodiversity, trauma theory, and liberation in this in-depth conversation with therapist Sara Eldridge. Discover how understanding these three frameworks can help us navigate modern life with greater compassion and authenticity.

Sara explains why neurodiversity should be celebrated rather than "fixed," how trauma shapes our responses to the world, and why liberation means challenging oppressive systems while finding personal agency.

This episode offers transformative insights for anyone seeking to understand themselves better, support others more effectively, or create more inclusive communities. Learn why interdependence is the philosophy we need right now in a society that often values independence above all else.

⭐ Resources from this Episode:

- Things Sara talked about:

– Values assessment test: https://personalvalu.es/personal-values-test

– Values assessment choices: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/

– Book recommendations on Sara’s site: https://www.saraeldridgelcsw.com/recommended-reading

– Book recs (affiliate links to support the show if you wanna):

— Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman: https://amzn.to/42ZFvJd

— The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate: https://amzn.to/44WdNQa

— The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/439Oo39

— Normal Sucks by Jonathan Mooney: https://amzn.to/3RRB91J

— Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker: https://amzn.to/42YnVW8

- Things I talked about:

– 15 to Sunrise: https://forms.gle/81DHLF8Ef5YtMAgn7

⭐ Learn More about Sara:

• https://www.saraeldridgelcsw.com/

▶️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1

🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭

⭐ More about Joel Austin:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyisjoelaustin
• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin
• Site: https://joel-austin.com
• Email: [email protected]

⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4
• Podcast Platforms: https://joel-austin.com/beyond-walled-garden-podcast/
• All Other Links: https://linktr.ee/beyondthewalledgarden

#Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapeuticConversation