Episode 182 - Experiencing Divorce As A Highly Sensitive Woman

In this episode, Mardi Winder-Adams is joined by Sue Bruckner, a licensed professional counselor and holistic relationship coach, for an open conversation centered on supporting highly sensitive women through the experience of divorce and significant life transitions. Sue draws from both her own story and years of professional experience to paint a nuanced picture of what it truly means to be highly sensitive. She highlights that this trait, which is present in about 20 to 30 percent of people, is not a diagnosis or a flaw, but a natural, biological characteristic. Sue uses the acronym DOES to illustrate the experience: deeply feeling emotions, frequent overstimulation, heightened emotional responsiveness and empathy, and a fine-tuned awareness of subtleties in both people and surroundings. These traits, she explains, bring real strengths but can also create unique challenges, especially when navigating the emotional turmoil of divorce.

The conversation moves into practical territory as Sue describes how highly sensitive women are often drawn into patterns and relationships that echo their early life experiences, sometimes with partners who are less attuned or even emotionally distant. She underscores the importance of boundaries, both with others and with oneself, and how establishing them is tied not only to personal safety but also energy management and self-respect. Together, Sue and Mardi discuss the necessity of self-compassion, highlighting how learning to be kind to oneself is foundational for making positive shifts in your family, in the workplace, and in daily life.

Sue introduces the importance of clarifying core values as a way to guide difficult decisions and maintain healthy boundaries. She shares about her core values inventory, adapted from her work with Brene Brown, which she offers as a gift to listeners wanting to step into a more aligned and empowered new chapter. Through their warm and reassuring exchange, Mardi and Sue remind listeners that while sensitivity can bring vulnerability, it is also a profound source of strength, especially when met with understanding, thoughtful support, and self-acceptance. Those seeking further support are encouraged to connect with Sue directly for more resources and personalized guidance, reinforcing the message that sensitive women do not have to navigate these transitions alone.

About the Guest:

Sue Bruckner, a Licensed Professional Counselor turned Holistic Relationship Coach, is the founder of With Intention, a transformative personal development company created specifically for sensitive women who experience life deeply and often find their depth undervalued in relationships. After walking through the fire of an unhealthy marriage, navigating a challenging divorce, and facing unexpected widowhood, Sue transformed these profound experiences into her life's calling.

Sue's signature program, Tribe Rising, is an intimate online sanctuary where sensitive women navigating relationship transitions find not just healing but also profound transformation and authentic sisterhood. This unique membership platform operates at the community, group, and individual levels, meeting women exactly where they are on their journey. Through a powerful blend of growth mindset principles, spiritual awareness, and positive psychology, Sue guides women to transform emotional chaos into the intentional creation of their next chapter—where relationship endings become the most profound beginnings they could imagine.

For Sue’s gift, Core Value Inventory: https://wonderful-dawn-34642.myflodesk.com/et5zo892qv

To connect with Sue:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suebruckner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withintentioncoaching/

Community: https://wonderful-dawn-34642.myflodesk.com/i4jpplh08t