THERAPY FOR REJECTION SENSITIVITY DYSPHORIA (RSD)

If you experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), you may recognise some of these experiences:

• You replay conversations for hours, worrying you've upset someone.

• A small piece of feedback can leave you feeling crushed or ashamed.

• You assume people are angry with you, even when there's little evidence.

• You work incredibly hard to avoid making mistakes or disappointing others.

• You find yourself people-pleasing to avoid conflict or rejection.

• You avoid opportunities or relationships because the fear of rejection feels too painful.

• Your emotional reactions can feel bigger or longer-lasting than you'd like.

RSD looks different for everyone, but at its heart is a fear of rejection and a tendency to turn difficult experiences against yourself.

Many ADHD adults have spent most of their lives feeling misunderstood, criticised or as though they don't quite fit in. Whether it was at school, at work or in family and romantic relationships, these repeated experiences can leave a lasting impact.

Over time, it's easy to begin believing the critical messages you've heard about yourself. You may start to expect rejection, even when it isn't there, and become highly alert to any sign that someone is disappointed, annoyed or pulling away.

Therapy isn't about proving that your feelings are wrong. It's about understanding why rejection feels so painful and recognising that these responses often make sense in the context of your experiences.

In therapy, we gently explore the experiences that have shaped the way you see yourself. 

Together, we'll make sense of your emotional reactions, understand the shame that often sits beneath them and begin to replace self-criticism with self-compassion.

As therapy progresses, many people find they spend less time overthinking and feel more confident trusting themselves.

The goal isn't to stop you feeling deeply. It's to help rejection become less overwhelming, so it no longer defines how you see yourself or the choices you make.