Rejection Sensitivity: Healing the Hurt, Fostering Safety and Deepening Connections with Compassion and Flexibility

Synopsis

Rejection sensitivity is characterised by intense, pervasive, and long-lasting emotional distress in response to perceived rejection. Well-known among ADHDers and Autistic people and seen as a key process in borderline personality disorder, rejection sensitivity is not limited to these groups. Indeed, therapists may also experience rejection in ways that have lasting negative impacts on well-being and valued living.

This workshop will explore the origins of rejection sensitivity in interpersonal trauma and the processes that may contribute to ongoing distress, including alexithymia, social confusion, masking, executive functioning and emotional regulation. Integrating recent research findings with clinical and lived experience, the presenter will outline an affirming framework for rejection sensitivity grounded in evolutionary and neurobiological contexts.

Blending experiential exercises, case exploration and discussion, participants will learn practical strategies to alleviate distress and promote recovery by soothing painful emotions, cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance, enhancing emotional clarity, and fostering interpersonal safety through supportive relationships and healthy boundaries. Participants will leave with a greater ability to help clients navigate the pain of rejection and build lasting emotional well-being.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this workshop, participants will be better able to:

Identify and describe the key factors that contribute to rejection sensitivity, including the possible roles of social confusion, alexithymia, masking, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Implement therapeutic strategies to alleviate the emotional impact of rejection by cultivating emotional awareness, self-compassion, self-acceptance, and interpersonal safety.

Foster a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that enables clients to explore their experiences with rejection, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate self-compassion in response to painful social experiences.

Workshop agenda

Presentation time	Presentation title
13:30 – 15:00	Rejection Sensitivity: Healing the Hurt, Fostering Safety and Deepening Connections with Compassion and Flexibility – Part 1 Understanding the causes of rejection sensitivity & rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) Rejection and mental health Recognising this in your clients
15:30 – 17:00	Rejection Sensitivity: Healing the Hurt, Fostering Safety and Deepening Connections with Compassion and Flexibility – Part 2 Overview of therapeutic approach Practical skills in supporting clients with rejection sensitivity and RSD

Program enquiries

Program Manager c/o MCI Australia

For all questions and enquiries about abstracts, speakers and program information.

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1200-1330	Lunch
1330-1500	SESSION 5 Diversity in psychological practice Traverse through a spectrum of disciplines—organisational, sport, coaching, management, research, teaching, justice, schools, hospitals—each thread interweaving the fabric of diversity. Gain insights into navigating varied contexts, from team dynamics to social justice, while working seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams.
1500-1530	Afternoon tea
1530-1700	SESSION 6 Psychologists are human too Join us for a deeply rejuvenating session, where we address practitioner burnout head-on. Delve into the healing power of the natural environment through a guided meditation, offering support for overworked souls. Celebrate our vibrant AAPi community and its unwavering dedication, embracing the strength of unity. And experience a holistic journey that acknowledges challenges, provides solace, and honours the spirit of togetherness.

	Great Hall
0830-1000	PLENARY SESSION 2 Psychology Across the lifespan Uncover the intricacies of peri-natal and post-natal experiences, the transformative significance of the first 1000 days, and the profound impact of the early years on development. Explore the dynamic fields of geropsychology, educational psychology, and child and adolescent psychology. Join us as we navigate the diverse stages of human life, delving into insights that shape understanding, support, and wellbeing across all ages. Alysha-Leigh Fameli
1000-1030	Morning tea
1030-1200	SESSION 4 Innovation and sustainability in private practice Explore groundbreaking approaches that fuse innovation and sustainability, revolutionising the way practitioners operate. Dive into creative strategies for enhancing client care, streamlining operations, and embracing eco-conscious practices. This session will explore the intersection of progress and longevity in private practice, gaining insights that propel you towards a successful, innovative, and sustainable future.
1200-1330	Lunch
1330-1500	SESSION 5 Diversity in psychological practice Traverse through a spectrum of disciplines—organisational, sport, coaching, management, research, teaching, justice, schools, hospitals—each thread interweaving the fabric of diversity. Gain insights into navigating varied contexts, from team dynamics to social justice, while working seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams.
1500-1530	Afternoon tea
1530-1700	SESSION 6 Psychologists are human too Join us for a deeply rejuvenating session, where we address practitioner burnout head-on. Delve into the healing power of the natural environment through a guided meditation, offering support for overworked souls. Celebrate our vibrant AAPi community and its unwavering dedication, embracing the strength of unity. And experience a holistic journey that acknowledges challenges, provides solace, and honours the spirit of togetherness.

	Great Hall
0830-1000	PLENARY SESSION 2 Psychology Across the lifespan Uncover the intricacies of peri-natal and post-natal experiences, the transformative significance of the first 1000 days, and the profound impact of the early years on development. Explore the dynamic fields of geropsychology, educational psychology, and child and adolescent psychology. Join us as we navigate the diverse stages of human life, delving into insights that shape understanding, support, and wellbeing across all ages. Alysha-Leigh Fameli
1000-1030	Morning tea
1030-1200	SESSION 4 Innovation and sustainability in private practice Explore groundbreaking approaches that fuse innovation and sustainability, revolutionising the way practitioners operate. Dive into creative strategies for enhancing client care, streamlining operations, and embracing eco-conscious practices. This session will explore the intersection of progress and longevity in private practice, gaining insights that propel you towards a successful, innovative, and sustainable future.
1200-1330	Lunch
1330-1500	SESSION 5 Diversity in psychological practice Traverse through a spectrum of disciplines—organisational, sport, coaching, management, research, teaching, justice, schools, hospitals—each thread interweaving the fabric of diversity. Gain insights into navigating varied contexts, from team dynamics to social justice, while working seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams.
1500-1530	Afternoon tea
1530-1700	SESSION 6 Psychologists are human too Join us for a deeply rejuvenating session, where we address practitioner burnout head-on. Delve into the healing power of the natural environment through a guided meditation, offering support for overworked souls. Celebrate our vibrant AAPi community and its unwavering dedication, embracing the strength of unity. And experience a holistic journey that acknowledges challenges, provides solace, and honours the spirit of togetherness.

	Great Hall
0830-1000	PLENARY SESSION 2 Psychology Across the lifespan Uncover the intricacies of peri-natal and post-natal experiences, the transformative significance of the first 1000 days, and the profound impact of the early years on development. Explore the dynamic fields of geropsychology, educational psychology, and child and adolescent psychology. Join us as we navigate the diverse stages of human life, delving into insights that shape understanding, support, and wellbeing across all ages. Alysha-Leigh Fameli
1000-1030	Morning tea
1030-1200	SESSION 4 Innovation and sustainability in private practice Explore groundbreaking approaches that fuse innovation and sustainability, revolutionising the way practitioners operate. Dive into creative strategies for enhancing client care, streamlining operations, and embracing eco-conscious practices. This session will explore the intersection of progress and longevity in private practice, gaining insights that propel you towards a successful, innovative, and sustainable future.
1200-1330	Lunch
1330-1500	SESSION 5 Diversity in psychological practice Traverse through a spectrum of disciplines—organisational, sport, coaching, management, research, teaching, justice, schools, hospitals—each thread interweaving the fabric of diversity. Gain insights into navigating varied contexts, from team dynamics to social justice, while working seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams.
1500-1530	Afternoon tea
1530-1700	SESSION 6 Psychologists are human too Join us for a deeply rejuvenating session, where we address practitioner burnout head-on. Delve into the healing power of the natural environment through a guided meditation, offering support for overworked souls. Celebrate our vibrant AAPi community and its unwavering dedication, embracing the strength of unity. And experience a holistic journey that acknowledges challenges, provides solace, and honours the spirit of togetherness.

Rejection Sensitivity: Healing the Hurt, Fostering Safety and Deepening Connections with Compassion and Flexibility

Synopsis

Learning outcomes

Workshop agenda

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