Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#14: Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person: Overcoming Overwhelm and Embracing Strength with Ruth Milsten
In this episode, hosts Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner sit down with therapist and yoga teacher Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C, RYT, to explore the challenges and strengths of being a highly sensitive parent. Ruth shares insights on recognizing high sensitivity, understanding nervous system regulation, and using somatic therapy to move beyond overwhelm. Whether you're navigating overstimulation, parenting with past trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, this episode offers practical tools and empowering takeaways. Tune in for expert guidance, personal reflections, and strategies to parent with more calm, connection, and self-compassion.
About Ruth
Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C, RYT, is a licensed clinical social worker, registered yoga teacher, and somatic therapist specializing in working with highly sensitive individuals, particularly women and mothers. With extensive training in trauma-informed therapy, Imago relationship counseling, and polyvagal theory, Ruth helps clients understand and regulate their nervous systems to move beyond self-criticism and overwhelm. She integrates somatic movement, yoga, and sound healing in her practice, offering a holistic approach to mental wellness. Ruth sees clients at Perilla Wellness in Arnold, Maryland, and teaches workshops on somatic healing and self-regulation.
Connect with Ruth
Website: https://www.reclaimwellnesstherapy.com/
IG: @reclaimwellnesstherapy
Other resources mentioned in the episode:
Free HSP quiz by Dr. Elaine Aaron
The Highly Sensitive Parent-Dr. Elaine Aaron
Perilla Wellness, where Ruth practices
Deb Dana's nervous system info
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
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Teen Savvy Coaching, Sam's coaching business for parents of teens and tweens
- Download Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Download Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Annapolis Psychiatry, Dr. Melissa's private practice
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