Episode 16 - Queering Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Discrimination Burnout

Not all discrimination announces itself. Sometimes it's the thing that didn't happen: the job that went to someone else, the room that went quiet, the invitation that never came. In this episode Jude and Alessio look at discrimination burnout, and specifically at how the weight of these non-events accumulates in neurodivergent and queer systems.

They explore minority stress theory, the particular exhaustion of hypervigilance, and the way self-blame can move in when there's nothing concrete to point to. Alessio draws on personal experience, and the conversation moves into what it might look like to find ground again, including through writing and advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Discrimination Burnout

03:03 Defining Discrimination Burnout and Non-Event Stress

07:46 Impact of Non-Event Stress and Unconscious Bias

12:39 Understanding Burnout in Neurodivergent Individuals

17:34 Self-Blame and Minority Stress

22:58 Resilience and Advocacy through Writing

29:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Burnout Vs autistic burnout explained here on Embrace Autism

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Disclaimer

This podcast is hosted by qualified therapists who share personal reflections and professional insights into therapy and mental health. The views expressed are those of the individual speakers or guests and are personal to them.

While we talk about therapy, this podcast is not therapy. It’s for information, reflection, and conversation only, and should never be considered a substitute for professional mental health support, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship.

Some episodes may touch on sensitive topics, so please take care while listening. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional in your area.

Guest opinions are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Contacts

Alessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) - ⁠⁠⁠www.therapywithalessio.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) with the IFS Institute - ⁠⁠⁠www.anchoredinself.co.uk⁠⁠⁠

Sound editing by Forbes Coleman