This blog post features a few key takeaways from Dr. Megan’s Wellness Your Way podcast interview with Dr. Nahal Delpassand about listening to your body, and the power of adaptation for true healing. Find the full episode here and be sure to subscribe to Wellness Your Way so you don’t miss future episodes!

Guest Bio: Dr. Nahal Delpassand

Dr. Nahal Delpassand is a licensed psychologist based in Austin, Texas, with nearly a decade of experience in private practice. She has particular expertise in working with individuals navigating chronic illness, disability, and the psychological implications of infertility. Her philosophy is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and the belief that even in times of distress, people carry strengths that can be reactivated for growth and healing. She encourages clients to “pause, reflect, and understand themselves more fully,” creating a therapeutic space for sustainable change.

Top Insights from Dr. Nahal Delpassand’s Interview

1. Why pushing through isn’t always a strength. Dr. Nahal explains how constantly overriding your body’s signals can disconnect you from important physical and emotional cues, especially for high-achieving women who are used to performing no matter how they feel.
2. What it’s like to live with an “invisible” condition. Although Dr. Nahal’s cerebral palsy may not always be obvious to others, she shares how the day-to-day impact is still very real. She also explains how exhausting it can be to manage other people’s perceptions while navigating your own challenges.
3. The surprising redefinition of strength. Instead of viewing strength as force or endurance, Dr. Nahal shares why true strength is often about precision, pacing, and knowing when to pivot.
4. How to start listening to your body again. Many people become so disconnected from their physical and emotional needs that they stop recognizing basic signals like fatigue, stress, or overwhelm. We talk about practical ways to rebuild awareness and responsiveness.
5. Why your health challenges are not your identity. Dr. Nahal discusses how easy it is to internalize symptoms or diagnoses as “who you are.” She explains why separating identity from biology can be an important step toward healing.
6. The importance of noticing small wins. When you’re struggling physically or emotionally, it’s easy to focus only on what isn’t improving. We discuss why recognizing even tiny actions that move the needle can completely shift your mindset over time.
7. What healthcare providers often miss about chronic illness. Dr. Nahal shares how invisible conditions are frequently minimized or compared to “worse” cases, which can leave people feeling dismissed or misunderstood.
8. How chronic illness affects relationships and confidence. From friendships to dating to professional life, we explore the emotional and relational toll that health struggles can create, especially when people feel pressure to hide what they’re experiencing.
9. Why boxing and Pilates became healing practices. Dr. Nahal opens up about how movement helped her reconnect with her body, manage frustration, and discover strength in a completely different way.
10. The mindset shift from “fixing” to accepting. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation centers around the idea that wellness may not come from constantly fixing yourself. Instead, it may come from learning how to adapt, accept, and work with your body instead of against it.

Want to hear the full episode, including why pushing isn’t always the answer, the power of listening to your body, how understanding your limits opens your possibilities, and so much more?

Check out the podcast episode here!