Rachel Harlich

Rachel Harlich I’m a therapist who works with neurodivergent people, trauma survivors, LGBTQ+ folks, sex workers, polyamorous/non-monogamous people, and BDSM-involved folks.

I also offer my expertise as a speaker and consultant.

Consultations and Intakes are happening now! If you, your clients, or someone you know could benefit from this group, no...
12/11/2025

Consultations and Intakes are happening now! If you, your clients, or someone you know could benefit from this group, now's the time to fill out the interest form! - bit.ly/futurecptsdgroups

I’m the last two ngl
11/28/2025

I’m the last two ngl

hey friends 💜I’m excited to invite you to a 10-week therapy group designed for folks who are living with the tough inter...
11/06/2025

hey friends 💜

I’m excited to invite you to a 10-week therapy group designed for folks who are living with the tough intersection of complex trauma and chronic pain. Together, we’ll explore and share things like understanding what’s happening in our bodies and minds, learning ways to advocate for ourselves with healthcare, and trying out some hands-on exercises in somatics and parts work. The goal is to build a toolkit of helpful skills to manage trauma and pain more effectively, all while connecting with others who really understand what you’re going through. The group is scheduled to start in January, will happen over Zoom, and open to those in NY state. Consultations are happening now until the end of November.

We know from research that survivors of childhood trauma often experience more persistent pain, and many of us feel that these two things are deeply linked. It’s like emotional distress and physical pain feed into each other—our brains react with heightened limbic activity (that’s the “danger! danger!” part), while the prefrontal areas that help us see things clearly become less active. That can send us into a cycle of feeling overwhelmed, where pain and emotion keep fueling each other in a way that feels endless and hard to break.

This group’s aim is to help you pause that cycle, find gentle ways to tend to your inner experience and develop compassion for all parts of yourself that play a role in your pain and distress. We’ll also work on understanding and reducing somatic dissociation (which, surprisingly, can make pain worse!), and foster a kinder, more loving relationship with your body.

I’ll be bringing my background in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Neurodivergent Somatics, Trauma-Informed Stabilization, and Internal Family Systems, along with expertise in trauma, pain science, and the challenges of navigating the medical industrial complex — as well as my personal experience as a disabled survivor. I look forward to sharing this supportive space with you!

If this sounds like a good fit for you or someone you know please fill out or send this interest form: bit.ly/futurecptsdgroups (link in bio as well)

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Happy ⛓️Daddies Day⛓️ and 🌈Pride month 🌈I thought I’d use this day as a chance to share my newly updated blog post (link...
06/15/2025

Happy ⛓️Daddies Day⛓️ and 🌈Pride month 🌈

I thought I’d use this day as a chance to share my newly updated blog post (link in bio) on why kink belongs at Pride.

Part op-ed, part plea for our q***r and trans youth, part celebration of our “weird”. For as long as q***r and trans people have existed, we have created innovative ways of transmuting pain & building consent-based play & shared community. These ways of being are part of our survival and our brilliance.

If you’re a fellow complex trauma survivor and this is historically a hard day for you, let this be a sign from a kink-affirming therapist, that there is no invalid way of transmuting your pain, no bad choice about re-negotiating your relationship with this day.

Tell me in the comments and the poll - do you want to see more content about kink from me? Specifically about?



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📣 NEW BLOG POST: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Do I have it and what do I do about it? 🫂Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria i...
06/09/2025

📣 NEW BLOG POST: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Do I have it and what do I do about it? 🫂

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is more than just being a little insecure and it’s more than “anxious attachment”. For neurodivergent folks, this phenomenon is an important part of our experience and ND folks and those who love us, need to understand it.

Today's blog will cover the question of 1) what is "rejection sensitive dysphoria", 2) how it's different than rejection sensitivity, 3) what the experience is like, 4) the impact it can have, 5) what strategies, tools, and frameworks help, 6) the role of support from loved ones, and 7) getting professional support.

You are not alone. Regardless of what RSD tells you, you are not a bad person or undeserving of love. There are things that can help!

Share with anyone who might need this information today. 💖

# RejectionSensitiveDysphoria

https://www.rachelharlich.com/post/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-do-i-have-it-and-what-do-i-do-about-it

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Your feelings make sense to me.
04/23/2025

Your feelings make sense to me.

04/23/2025

I’m embracing a radical acceptance of my wet hair and “um’s” to say: If you’re autistic and struggling in this particular social and political moment: you’re not alone.

Many of us struggle with one person perceiving us. A national and international conversation about us? Whew buddy. It’s A LOT.

Here are some options for resourcing yourself.

And we need community, allies, and accomplices more than ever. These ideas are no substitute for collective liberation, but I hope they offer some relief.

📣 NEW BLOG POST: Understanding Autistic & AuDHD Burnout - What It Really Looks Like & Supports for Recovery 🧠✨Burnout fo...
04/21/2025

📣 NEW BLOG POST: Understanding Autistic & AuDHD Burnout - What It Really Looks Like & Supports for Recovery 🧠✨

Burnout for autistic and AuDHD isn't just being tired—it's a very specific and unique experience that can feel like your ability to "be a person" is greatly diminished. And regardless of what is said on the (US) national stage — this says nothing about your worth.

My latest post dives into:

✔️ What this kind of burnout is
✔️ Recognizing the warning signs specific to autistic and AuDHD burnout
✔️ Resource guide for acceptance, unlearning the pathology paradigm, burnout-specific resources, executive functioning supports, and therapeutic support

Whether you're experiencing burnout yourself or supporting someone who is, this post offers practical insights beyond the usual "just rest" advice.

Link in bio! Share with anyone who might need this information today. 💜



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If RFK Jr.’s words hit you hard, I get it. In addition to the institutional power he holds and the fear you may have as ...
04/17/2025

If RFK Jr.’s words hit you hard, I get it. In addition to the institutional power he holds and the fear you may have as an autistic person right now, about what his views mean for your safety — his disgustingly bigoted and incorrect remarks replicate the real emotional harm many of us have endured, by way of ableist, neuronormative, neglectful, and/or abusive family members, teachers, bosses, and so-called friends.

Hearing it again on a national stage twists the knife deeper for many of us. I know. I’m with you in love, solidarity, and community.

We need you here. Anything else is a lie.

- an AuDHD therapist who believes in our collective liberation.

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