Season 9, Episode 4: Autonomy: Navigating Perfectionism, Procrastination and Self-compassion with Integrated Therapist Abby Rawlinson.

"Perfectionism is... holding ourselves to these, like unrealistically high expectations, and then criticising ourselves when we fail to perform the unattainable."

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of perfectionism, procrastination, and self-compassion with Abby Rawlinson, an integrative therapist based in East London. Abby specialises in working with Gen-X and Millennials, addressing issues such as anxiety, imposter syndrome, and low self-esteem.

Understanding Perfectionism:
Abby shares her insights into the true definition of perfectionism and dispels common misconceptions. Drawing from personal experience, she discusses how perfectionism manifests in her daily life, especially as a mother, navigating parenthood and the comparison trap.

Impact of Perfectionism and Procrastination:
Exploring the intersection of perfectionism and procrastination, Abby delves into how these themes affect our creative abilities. She explains the concept of regulating the nervous system and its significance in overcoming these challenges, drawing parallels from historical contexts to modern life.

Embracing Somatic Therapy:
Abby introduces somatic therapy and the importance of getting into the body. She educates us on the three states of the nervous system and shares practical techniques for regulation, emphasising the distinction between fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses.

Co-regulating and Boundaries:
The discussion extends to how others' nervous systems can impact our own, highlighting the importance of awareness and setting boundaries. Abby shares insights into identifying triggers and navigating people-pleasing tendencies, emphasising the importance of self-responsibility.

Cultivating Self-Compassion:
Abby concludes by exploring the practical application of self-compassion as a tool for personal growth and resilience. She discusses the significance of embracing authenticity and setting firm boundaries to foster self-compassion in our daily lives.

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IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Mental health and the effects of practices like cryotherapy on regulating the nervous system.
Personal experiences with therapy, self-discovery, and reconnecting with one's authentic self.
Perfectionism, people pleasing, and letting go of unhelpful coping mechanisms.
Understanding the different states of the nervous system and how to regulate emotions.
Recognising and managing triggers in relationships and communication boundaries.
Overcoming avoidant behaviours and taking gradual steps outside one's comfort zone.
The importance of self-compassion, acknowledging grief, and holding contradictory feelings.
Practical tools for labelling, sitting with, and allowing emotions to pass naturally.
The non-linear nature of healing and showing compassion for oneself.