In this episode of the You Don't Have To Abandon Yourself To Belong Podcast, I speak with social psychologist, professor, author, and proud autistic person Dr Devon Price.

We explore the concept of systemic shame and how many of the struggles we experience as individuals may be rooted not simply in personal psychology, but in the social environments we inhabit.

Together we discuss:

• The difference between attachment wounds and systemic shame
• Why imposter syndrome may be a rational response to exclusion
• How shame shapes identity, belonging, and relationships
• The pressure to be exceptional in order to feel worthy
• Productivity guilt, self-sacrifice, and the struggle identity
• Vulnerability, connection, and what healing actually requires
• Why there was never anything wrong with you
• 
  

One of my favourite moments in the conversation is Devon's reflection that many people spend years believing they are fundamentally flawed, when in reality they simply had needs that were never adequately met.

About Devon Price

Dr Devon Price is a social psychologist, professor, speaker, and author of Unmasking Autism, Laziness Does Not Exist, and Unlearning Shame. His work explores neurodiversity, stigma, identity, belonging, and the social forces that shape our lives.

Connect with Devon
https://drdevonprice.substack.com

Instagram @drdevonprice

Connect with Alexandra
Website: https://alexandrastevenstherapy.com
Substack: https://fromtraumatogold.substack.com/p/im-writing-a-book-in-public
Instagram: @alexandrastevens

About the Podcast

You Don't Have To Abandon Yourself To Belong is a podcast exploring attachment, trauma, self-trust, creativity, belonging, and the ways we learn to move away from ourselves in order to maintain connection.

Hosted by Alexandra Stevens, EMDR therapist, Gestalt psychotherapist, author of You Don't Have To Abandon Yourself To Belong, and host of the You Don't Have To Abandon Yourself To Belong Podcast.