In this short clip Dr Jennifer Kemp explains rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD); what it is, how it manifests, and why it can be so distressing. RSD is an intense emotional and physical response to real or perceived rejection and Jennifer discusses the fight-flight response triggered by rejection cues and the looping “social autopsy” that can keep us stuck in this painful experience.
This video is taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ playlist on YouTube:
JENNIFER KEMP is a privately practicing Clinical Psychologist living in Adelaide, Australia. She specialises in helping people struggling with perfectionism, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, weight management, and chronic illness, and many of her clients are also neurodivergent. She integrates ACT and functional analysis with compassion-focused approaches and her lived experience to help her clients live fulfilling and meaningful lives.



