Navigating the thorny path of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in Relationships – 2023

Do you ever feel so devastated by the criticism from a partner that you struggle to rebound? Is it tough to avoid shame about things you do without thinking and regret later? Perhaps you are the partner of somebody with ADHD who hears any constructive feedback as blame, judgment or disapproval and then falls apart. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a common co-existing condition with ADHD, can strongly impact relationships and create toxic patterns of interaction in couples. Since people with RSD struggle with letting go of past hurts and experience heightened emotional sensitivity, it can be very complicated for couples to manage conflict, discuss delicate subjects and process emotions successfully. Dr. Sharon Saline, author, clinician, speaker and consultant, will show you how to manage the special challenges that arise in these relationships. She’ll teach you how both partners can regulate better and handle challenging conversations with less blame, negativity and over-personalizing while fostering connection and closeness.

About Sharon Saline, Psy.D.

Dr. Sharon Saline is the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck.  She specializes in working with neurodiverse children, teens, young adults and families and consults with schools internationally. Dr. Saline aims to help outside-the-box thinkers improve executive functioning and social-emotional skills while also building effective communication tools and self-esteem. She is a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work, blogger for PsychologyToday.com, serves on the editorial board of and hosts a bi-weekly Facebook Live event for ADDitudemag.com. Learn more at  www.drsharonsaline.com.