Podcasts about Hsps

Do you feel called to work for yourself? In this episode, Willow explores the real path of self-employment for HSPs. The challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep inner transformation that happens when you follow your truth. Discover why self-employment often tests us in the very areas we're here to transform, how to stay true to yourself when things get hard, and why authenticity is the greatest freedom of all. If you've ever wondered whether you're ready to take the leap, or what it really means to turn your sensitivity into your strength, this episode will help you see your path more clearly.Bio & Links - Willow McIntoshWillow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at www.inluminance.com or book your free discovery call here - https://inluminance.com/book-a-call/

In this episode, Alissa shares a powerful reflection on the connection between personal growth and expanding your tolerance for discomfort.She explains how the moments that stretch us, challenge us, and make us uncomfortable are actually the in-between spaces where transformation happens. Using real examples from her postpartum fitness journey and her early days coaching highly sensitive people, Alissa reminds us that confidence and self-trust are built through showing up in the messy middle, not avoiding it.You'll learn why avoiding discomfort keeps HSPs stuck in people-pleasing, how to recognize the growth hidden inside your triggers, and why the tension between who you've been and who you're becoming is exactly where your evolution lives.What You'll Learn:Why expanding your tolerance for discomfort is essential for growthHow to reframe tension and discomfort as signs of transformationWhy “the messy middle” is where confidence and self-trust are builtHow to move through people-pleasing and fear of judgmentWhat it really means to take ownership of your life and healingFor presale details about the Not Too Sensitive Club, DM me on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lifebyalissa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a written review of this podcast on Apple PodcastsEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

Do you feel pressured to do more than you can handle? In this episode, I talk with Amber Bateman, LPC about the cultural pressures to be perfect and:  • How to soften these pressures to take better care of yourself every day • The importance of creating a lifestyle and rhythm that embraces self-care  • Welcoming in curiosity, connection, and slow living to support your sensitive nervous system Amber is a licensed professional counselor with a background in communications and religious studies. She has over 15 years of experience in the helping profession, working in a variety of settings including a therapeutic wilderness camp, sexual assault response program, university counseling center, and private practice. She is a foodie and world traveler; lover of hot tea, herb gardens, and Marvel's Endgame.  Keep in touch with Amber: • Website: https://www.delvementalhealth.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberbatemanlpc  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.bateman.586617  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberbatemanlpc  Resources Mentioned: • Save Yourself Some Therapy: Four Modern Dangers to Mental Health & What To Do About It by Amber Bateman: https://www.delvementalhealth.com/book  • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593655030  Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you ever feel guilty for needing time alone—even when your body is clearly asking for it? As a highly sensitive person, your internal "processor" is working overtime. Without enough space to recharge, it's easy to hit the wall of overwhelm. But carving out personal space doesn't have to mean conflict, guilt, or isolation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why personal space isn't a luxury for HSPs—it's a necessity for emotional balance. Five practical, low-stress ways to reclaim your space without alienating others. How to navigate guilt and internal resistance when stepping back to care for yourself. Press play now to discover how to take care of you—without apology.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Are you absorbing other people's stress and losing your balance in the process? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), being around others who are anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive can feel like walking through a storm with no shelter. This episode will help you understand why that happens—and what you can do to stay grounded and compassionate without getting swept away. In this episode, you'll learn: Why HSPs are more vulnerable to emotional overwhelm around stressed people—and why that also makes them uniquely equipped to help. How to create healthy emotional boundaries without disconnecting from others. The one question that can instantly shift your stress response and restore your inner calm. Listen now to discover how to support others without sacrificing your own peace.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa talks about why comparison and imagined judgment keep you from enjoying the things you love—and how owning your values (not everyone else's) is the shortcut to feeling steady, confident, and truly free. Inspired by a conversation with a new 1:1 client, Alissa digs into how small decisions become litmus tests for self-worth. She shares honest, everyday examples and offers a simple perspective shift. When you know what you value and own it without apology, you stop performing for other people and start living from the inside out.What You'll LearnWhy your insecurities make you assume everyone is judging you (and how that distorts reality)A practical perspective flip: own your choices instead of apologizing for themHow clarity about values cuts through comparison and quiets second-guessingWhen a mindset shift isn't enough—and how inner work (healing self-worth) helps you actually stay confidentWhere to go next: tools and courses that help HSPs build unshakable self-worthTake your first step to reclaiming your inner peace and self-worth with the External Validation Cleanse Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

Have you ever been told you're “too sensitive,” “overreacting,” or “making a big deal out of nothing”? In this episode, Alicia Michelle explains the science behind being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why this God-given wiring is not a flaw but a unique gift. Discover the traits of HSPs, the brain science that explains their heightened awareness, and how to embrace this sensitivity as a strength while learning practical tools to manage overwhelm and stay anchored in God's truth. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: [00:00] What Does It Feel Like to Be Told You're “Too Sensitive”? [02:00] Understanding What It Means to Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) [04:00] Why Do HSPs Often Repress Emotions or Struggle With People-Pleasing? [07:00] Four Core Traits of Highly Sensitive People [10:00] How Do Mirror Neurons and Brain Science Explain HSP Empathy? [14:00] Common Kryptonites for HSPs: Overthinking, Perfectionism, and Emotional Overload [20:00] Are HSPs More Likely to Be Introverted? [22:00] Practical Habits to Protect Energy and Calm the Nervous System [25:00] How Can Sensitivity Become a God-Given Strength Instead of a Burden?  RESOURCES: Want practical help learning to manage your emotions better? Join us in Alicia's Emotional Confidence Club!    We're a Christ-centered community of women learning to process everyday emotions—like disappointment, overwhelm, and shame—using science-and-Scripture-based emotional management tools that make emotional healing practical, powerful, and personal.    Every 6 weeks we welcome new members and focus on a new topic.    Apply now to join the waitlist (limited number of spots available!) at AliciaMichelle.com/club.    RELATED EPISODES: Ep 299: Emotions in Marriage: When Should You Share (and When Should You Not)? Ep 312: What to Do When You Can't Stop Crying, Snapping, or Shutting Down Ep 326: A People Pleaser's Guide to Setting Boundaries (When You're Afraid to Offend Others) Send us a textWant support applying what you're learning here each week about managing emotions with science and scripture? Come join us in the Emotional Confidence Club—apply now at AliciaMichelle.com/club.

Are you chasing perfection… or simply doing your best? If you're a highly sensitive person, the pressure to get everything “just right” can feel overwhelming — but what if your perfectionism isn't a flaw, but a message? Perfectionism can feel like part of your personality — but it may be the root of your burnout. This episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People dives deep into how perfectionism sneaks in under the radar for HSPs, how to recognize when it's hijacking your peace, and the simple but powerful mindset shift that can restore calm and clarity. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize the quiet signs that perfectionism is running your life. The key difference between healthy high standards and perfectionism — and why it matters. A practical mindset shift that helps you reclaim energy, focus, and peace as an HSP. Press play now to learn how to embrace your strengths without being driven by fear.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Are you giving so much to your partner that you're losing yourself—or have you gone too far the other way? Many Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) struggle to find the sweet spot between honoring their own needs and showing up fully in their relationships. If you're feeling emotionally stretched, disconnected, or unsure where to draw the line, this episode offers a perspective shift you need right now. In this heartfelt Strategy Friday episode, you'll discover: Why it's so easy for HSPs to swing from self-neglect to overindulgent self-care in relationships How to recognize the signs that you're out of balance—and what your emotions are trying to tell you What true compromise looks and feels like when both partners' needs are valued and met Press play to learn how to care for yourself and your relationship without burning out or disappearing.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Do you ever find yourself asking: “What's wrong with me?”As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), it's a question that might feel familiar — but it's the wrong question to ask if you want to heal, grow, and thrive. In this episode of SelfKind with me, Erica Webb, I share why shifting from “What's wrong with me?” to “What do I need to feel supported?” changes everything. Using the example of my (slightly unruly!) Monstera plant, I'll show you how support — not self-blame — is the foundation for self-care, self-love, and resilience as an HSP.

In this episode, I speak with Nichola Gois, a therapist dedicated to empowering highly sensitive and empathic women. We explore the challenges faced by highly sensitive people (HSPs), particularly the risks of burnout when sensitivity is not acknowledged. Nichola's insights lead us to consider the power of community and shared experiences in the healing process, emphasising self-acceptance and the courage to embrace vulnerability. Cheers,Pete Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterwilliamstheinspirationalsoul Instagram: @the.inspirational.soul YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterwilliamsinnapowa923 Get in touch: https://www.theinspirationalsoul.com Follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Episode transcripts are posted on my website at https://www.theinspirationalsoul.com/podcasts/the-inna-powa-podcast Podcast production by Der Podcast Coach

INNER REVOLUTION is a podcast series where we walk through the fire of inner transformation and awakening together. The purpose of this series is to help you shed ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that isn't a true reflection of Who You Really Are, so you can fully embody your Divinity, Light, and Sacred Mission. Join me for this bonus episode, where we'll talk about: do you have a tendency to take on other people's emotions, moods, beliefs, and energetic states? how empaths, HSPs, and highly conscientious people tend to prioritize others' comfort and "okay-ness" over their own developing inner safety and stability regardless of what (or who) is going on around you letting go of the need to take responsibility for (and soothe or manage) other people's inner states personal story of how growing up with very STRONG women left little room for my own emotions & moods (and how I've resolved that over time) ******* You're lovingly invited to join my email community and get access to my free Akashic Records Mini Course + weekly newsletter: https://josephinehardman.com/akashic-records-intro/ Explore the next round of my Akashic Records Certification Program: https://josephinehardman.com/work-with-me/akashic-records-certification-program/ Connect through my website: https://josephinehardman.com Thank you for being here, doing your inner work, and leading the way for others with your light. It makes a difference! Inner Work 2025 All Rights Reserved.

If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), you may have internalized the belief that your sensitivity is a flaw — especially in a world that praises toughness, speed, and emotional detachment. This episode dives deep into how those beliefs are formed, how they silently drive your stress and self-doubt, and most importantly, how to break free from them. Discover how to: Reframe your sensitivity from a perceived weakness into a legitimate strength Identify the damaging comparisons that erode your self-worth — and replace them with fairer, more empowering perspectives Understand the real-life strengths HSPs bring to relationships, work, and emotional resilience Press play to reclaim your confidence and discover a more balanced way to see your sensitivity — one that affirms your worth and power.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa dives into one of her core beliefs: that life is always working in your favor, especially when it doesn't feel like it.Through personal stories, spiritual wisdom, and honest reflections, she explores how setbacks, triggers, and everyday annoyances can be invitations into growth. From ancient teachings like Buddhism's lotus flower to her own journey with chronic illness and sleepless nights as a mom, Alissa shares how challenges can become catalysts for resilience, self-trust, and transformation.This episode is a reminder that your hardest seasons often contain the very gold that will shape your most confident, unshakable self.What You'll Learn:Why highly sensitive people are impacted more deeply—but also benefit more fully—from life experiencesHow spiritual traditions across the world view struggle as a path to growthWhy setbacks and “dark nights of the soul” can prepare you for your greatest breakthroughsA mindset shift that turns daily frustrations into opportunities for empowermentReal-life examples of how painful seasons can lead to unexpected miraclesCurious about the Not Too Sensitive Club? Send Alissa a DM on Instagram @lifebyalissa to get the presale details and reserve your spot! Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are often called molecular chaperones. These crucial proteins spring into action when cells are under threat from environmental stressors, toxins, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Join us as we uncover how heat shock proteins function as the cell’s microscopic repair crew. Discover how this fundamental biological mechanism not only protects our cells from daily stresses but also holds promising clues to treating age-related illnesses like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Today on The Lab Report: 3:50 Heat shock proteins and cellular health 8:05 Types of cellular stress 9:30 Specific functions of HSPs 11:00 Metaphors are fun 13:05 How were these discovered? 14:00 Different than cold shock proteins 16:00 Clinical associations in disease 19:15 Naturally increasing your HSPs 21:25 Drug development and implications Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do you take care of yourself? In this episode, I talk with Angelique Foye-Fletcher, LMFT, RPT about breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice and:  • How your cultural upbringing shapes your identity as an HSP • Learning to take care of yourself when you grew up in an environment or culture that didn't have room for your sensitivity • Why simple acts of mindfulness are deeply healing and can change the way you parent Angelique Foye-Fletcher (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist who helps sensitive, neurodivergent adults and caregivers heal through her four pillars of Books, Nature, Play, and Connection. An INFJ, HSP, and Enneagram 4, Angelique brings curiosity, ritual, and deep empathy into her work—often lighting incense or walking in nature as part of her own healing practice. Keep in touch with Angelique: • Website: https://foyefletchertherapy.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyefletchertherapy  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foyefletcherllc  Resources Mentioned: • Parent/Caregiver Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/parentcaregiver-support-coaching  • Reconnect + Rejuvenate Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/coachingtherapy-packages   Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Highly sensitive people crave meaningful, soul-nourishing relationships—but what happens when that connection starts costing your peace? In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, Todd Smith explores the powerful draw HSPs have toward deep, emotional relationships and the hidden toll that can come with them. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or even lost yourself while bonding deeply with someone, this conversation will help you reconnect with what matters most—yourself. Here's what you'll gain from tuning in: Discover why HSPs are naturally built for emotional depth and authentic relationships. Understand the warning signs of going too far and losing balance in the name of connection. Learn practical strategies to create soulful connections without sacrificing your inner stability. Listen now to reclaim your peace while keeping your heart open. Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this week's episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, we look at the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and hypervigilance. As we finish our journey through the first HSP Owner's Guide, we turn our attention to hypervigilance. that feeling of being permanently “switched on,” unable to stop scanning for danger, even when we're safe. For highly sensitive people, vigilance is a natural part of sensory processing sensitivity. It helps us read the room, pick up subtle cues, and stay attuned to what is happening beneath the surface. But when vigilance tips into hypervigilance, it can leave us in a state of chronic over-arousal, disconnection, and exhaustion. In the episode, we explore why hypervigilance is such a common experience for HSPs, how it shows up in everyday life, and ways we might support our nervous systems in returning to a sense of safety and connection. I examine hypervigilance within a social and cultural context for HSPs, rather than from a clinical or individual psychological perspective. https://youtu.be/RCvrgSJH73I Vigilance vs. Hypervigilance Vigilance is an intrinsic feature of sensory intelligence. It anchors us in the awareness to notice and predict useful information to help us survive and thrive together. Hypervigilance is what happens when vigilance overspills, and we get stuck in a state of alertness with limited capability to move our nervous system into a state of connection. This can have roots in early life (especially for HSPs who are more impacted by their formative environments). But it can also develop over time because of the pressures and rhythms of the modern world, with constant notifications, cultural glorification of busyness, and a never-ending expectation to perform and prove our worth. Possible Signs of Hypervigilance Hypervigilance is not always dramatic. Often it shows up quietly and gradually, for example you might notice: Feeling flat or detached, as if life is happening behind glass Difficulty taking action, even on small plans Unusual tearfulness Brain fog and trouble focusing Ruminating thoughts on repeat Disrupted sleep cycles Anxiety or panic attacks seemingly “out of nowhere” Harsh self-criticism or low self-esteem If these feel familiar, they may be signs that your nervous system has been in “stay safe” mode for a long time. Why Hypervigilance Happens Hypervigilance is the nervous system's over-lean into the message, “stay safe by staying alert.” This is obviously appropriate in certain contexts, but when we carry this story everywhere, it takes its toll and can be a difficult pattern to get out of. Some common contributing factors include: Early Environments: Growing up in conflict or unpredictability can train the nervous system to always be on guard, especially in volatile environments where safety could be torn away at a moment's notice. Past Experiences: The nervous system may overlearn from painful experiences, remaining alert to avoid “ever letting that happen again.” Cultural Pressures: Hustle culture, social media outrage cycles, and global crises all create a background hum of threat. Worldview and Meaning-Making: Certain belief systems (political, religious, ideological) can divide the world into “us vs. them,” keeping us in a state of perpetual alertness to nefarious outside actors. Physiological Factors: Poor sleep, hormone shifts, or nutritional deficiencies can lower our threshold for perceiving danger. These are rarely isolated and often overlap in ways that reinforce one another. Meeting Hypervigilance with Creative Gentleness A helpful (though, not easy) way to meet everyday hypervigilance is to slow things down. Not necessarily by stopping altogether, but by letting engagement become gentler and more deliberate. Rather than rushing to solve, fix, or control, we can allow space to notice small sensory glimmers,

Ever felt like a small critique cuts deep—and you just can't shake it? You're not alone, especially if you're a highly sensitive person (HSP). Criticism can feel overwhelming for HSPs—not because we're weak, but because we process emotions deeply and care about doing things well. This episode reveals why criticism stings so much and how to shift your relationship with it, so it no longer hijacks your peace of mind. Learn why criticism feels more painful for highly sensitive people and how to reframe that understanding with compassion. Discover a powerful step-by-step process, based on The Work of Byron Katie, to handle criticism without getting triggered. Hear real-life strategies and mindset shifts that help turn judgment into valuable insight—and reclaim your emotional resilience.   Listen now to discover how to turn criticism from a source of pain into a path to greater confidence, clarity, and calm.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Are you secretly judging yourself for needing alone time? Discover why your need for solitude as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) isn't a flaw—but your greatest asset. In a world that glorifies constant hustle and social engagement, HSPs often feel out of step for needing downtime. This episode reframes alone time not as a weakness, but as a powerful tool to reclaim your energy, focus, and emotional balance. Here's what you'll walk away with: • A compassionate shift in how you view your need for alone time • The hidden costs of ignoring your downtime needs—and how they lead to burnout • A practical guide for integrating solitude with meaningful engagement without guilt Press play now to learn how alone time can become the foundation for your clarity, creativity, and calm.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa dives into one of the biggest blocks highly sensitive people face: insecurity. She explores how self-doubt and second-guessing can cloud your emotional intelligence—turning what should be a powerful superpower into a source of hypervigilance and overthinking.Through personal stories and practical examples, Alissa explains how insecurities often cause HSPs to take things personally, spiral into self-blame, and unintentionally block authentic connection. She shares how doing the inner work of healing old wounds allows you to show up with clean energy, hold space for others, and leverage your sensitivity as the gift it truly is.What You'll Learn:How insecurity clouds your emotional intelligence and keeps you stuckWhy taking others' moods personally blocks authentic connectionThe difference between empathy and energy-matchingA grounded way to support loved ones without making it about youTools to transcend insecurity and fully access your sensitive strengthsUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

197 One of the reasons so many marriages and relationships are not as good as they could be, or are really quite painful, is that we tend to approach our relationships in instinctual ways. Since instinct often comes not from our inner wisdom (that intuition's role), but from our inner protective patterning and our cultural conditioning, following our instinct in our relationship can often slowly –or quickly– erode the love and closeness in it. The truth is that building and maintaining the best possible marriage with our partner entails a lot of things that are not instinctual—that are actually quite counterintuitive!We want to embrace these counter-instinctual ways–and don't worry, over time they eventually do become natural or instinctual to do. But to embrace them, you need to know what they are, of course! So today I am going to share 18 counter-instinctual approaches or understandings that HEAL and CONNECT and lead to truly a fulfilling relationship with your partner.You'll also hear about how I followed my instinct in my first marriage until I ran into the ground, what the difference is between instinct, intuition, and skill, and how when I say counter-instinctual  approaches I also mean cutting edge, and well, simply effective. Seeing as the way we have been doing relationships for the last 70 years or more is obviously not yielding the loving, secure, mutually corroborating, deeply connected marriages we really want as women,  tune in today and learn 18 of the counterintuitive things to understand and live out to make your marriage one you feel so RIGHT in, so at HOME in, and so much LOVE in.SHOW NOTES:Take the FREE QUIZ: What's Your Best Next Step To Improve Your Marriage?Join Hannah for private 1:1 Marriage Coaching, and get her deep, super individualized support to make your marriage more full of security, connection, love, and mutual support than ever. Get started by filling out this form.  SEE WHAT PAST CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH HANNAH HERE.See her on-demand relationship courses for HSPs here.ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't miss an episode! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Leave  a review in Apple Podcasts--we are SO grateful!Get the Podcast Map by becoming a Podcast Supporter, so you can quickly identify the episodes most helpful for your unique relationship, by supporting the podcast (for as little as $3) 

Do you ever wonder if you're a true Highly Sensitive Person because you love meaningful adventures or crave experiences that make you feel alive? It turns out that many HSPs are also High Sensation Seekers, which often feels like you're living with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. But this isn't about chasing adrenaline; it's about seeking depth, richness, and significance. In today's conversation, my guest co-host Pam Watts and I dive into what it means to say a faith-based “yes” to opportunities that feel bigger than us. Pam pulls back the curtain on her current adventure — preparing to dance on stage for a cause she deeply values — and shares the very real tensions of excitement, discomfort, and determination.  This episode will encourage you to look for your own faith-based “yes”es — whatever size they may be, and wherever they may take you. Links & Resources mentioned: "Vote" for Pam in Dancing with the Waco Stars https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dancing-with-waco-stars-voting-2025-tickets-1548506768429  Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching https://pamwatts.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/  

Are Your Stress Management Routines Helping—or Holding You Back? Feeling boxed in by your own self-care habits? Discover how even well-meaning stress management rules can become sources of stress for highly sensitive people—and what to do when that happens. For many highly sensitive people (HSPs), routines provide a sense of safety and balance—but what happens when those helpful rules become too rigid? In this episode, Todd Smith explores the surprising signs that your stress management guidelines may be outdated, and how listening to your body and emotions can lead to deeper freedom and more effective self-care. Here's what you'll gain from tuning in: A simple way to tell when a “healthy habit” is actually stressing you out How to experiment with your routines without losing structure Why true freedom comes from blending boundaries with flexibility Tap play to learn how to reshape your stress management rules for more ease, balance, and inner freedom.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Most empaths and highly sensitive people get labeled as stubborn, but this trait might actually be a superpower. Stubbornness gets reframed from negative to positive, examining how HSPs develop this quality as protection in invalidating environments. Narcissistic parents view stubborn children as threats, creating shame around boundaries and independent thinking. Childhood stubbornness often masks deeper needs like safety that adults miss. Positive stubbornness becomes tenacity, authenticity, and leadership backbone for breaking cycles and maintaining values.

What if burnout isn't caused by overwork—but by something much deeper within? As a highly sensitive person (HSP), you may have tried resting, unplugging, even meditating—yet the exhaustion lingers. This episode dives beneath the surface to explore the hidden cause of burnout that no amount of vacation or exercise can touch, and why conventional fixes often fail HSPs. You'll discover: The surprising truth about what actually drains your energy as a highly sensitive person How misalignment between your values and daily actions silently fuels burnout A powerful, restorative approach to inner work that reconnects you to your natural energy and peace Listen now to learn how to realign with your true self and finally recover from burnout at its source.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this bonus, un-edited episode, I explore the role I believe we're called to play in the world as highly sensitive people and how we can support ourselves through challenging times.Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

Why Are Highly Sensitive People Actually More Resilient Than Others? Have you ever felt like your sensitivity was a weakness—especially when it comes to stress? What if it's actually your greatest asset? In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, Todd Smith reframes what it means to be resilient as a highly sensitive person (HSP). If you've ever struggled with feeling overwhelmed by stress or wished you had a thicker skin, this episode offers a liberating perspective: your sensitivity might be the very thing that makes lasting resilience possible. You'll gain insight into: Why having less of a “buffer” as an HSP leads to deeper self-awareness and earlier stress detection How sensitivity can actually prevent long-term emotional buildup and burnout What it means to turn emotional sensitivity into a pathway toward true inner freedom and resilience Tap play now to learn why your sensitivity might just be your secret superpower in managing stress.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa explores the concept of lucky girl energy—the magnetic way of living where things seem to effortlessly work out for you. While the term has become popular online, Alissa shares how cultivating this energy is actually the natural result of healing self-worth, neutralizing triggers, and embodying your most confident, unshakable self.Through personal stories—from meeting her husband, to landing her book deal, to finding her dream home—Alissa reveals how challenges and setbacks can become doorways into expansion when approached with the right mindset. This episode is an invitation to see life's struggles not as punishments, but as divine opportunities that ultimately make you more magnetic.What You'll Learn:What lucky girl energy really means (beyond the trend)Why healing self-worth is the foundation for magnetismHow rejection and setbacks can actually speed up your growthThe mindset shifts that make “miracles” feel inevitableHow to start embodying lucky girl energy in your own lifeUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

What is your connection to spirituality? In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Green, LCPC, SEP, MBA, MDiv about the benefits of feeling connected to something beyond yourself and:  • How spiritual practices help you embrace your sensitivity, care for your nervous system, enhance your natural intuitive ability, and create a sense of belonging • Three keys to developing a spiritual practice • The many ways to incorporate spirituality into your everyday life Tiffany Green is a trauma-informed, somatic coach and psychotherapist based in Chicago. She specializes in supporting women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ professionals with depression, anxiety and burnout symptoms. Using a culturally affirming, spiritual and body-based approach, Tiffany helps her clients redefine success on their own terms. She's passionate about creating space for rest, authenticity and sustainable healing. Keep in touch with Tiffany: • Website: https://www.charismcounseling.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charismcounseling  Resources Mentioned: • A Minus Coaching Program for Women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ professionals: https://www.charismcounseling.com  • The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182  • HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test  Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

What if your sensitivity wasn't something to manage—but a guide toward your truth?In this soul-stirring conversation, Daphnie is joined by spiritual healer and intuitive guide Colby Wilk to explore how highly sensitive people can stop absorbing everyone else's energy and start directing their own.Together, they unpack:Why sensitivity isn't a flaw—it's a built-in GPSThe connection between high sensitivity and life purposeHow HSPs can rewire old patterns and live on-missionThe truth most HSPs avoid (but deeply need to hear)This episode is a powerful reframe for empaths and sensitives who are ready to feel energized, not drained—on purpose, not overwhelmed.

Do you find yourself constantly saying “yes” to others—only to feel emotionally drained and overwhelmed afterward? As a highly sensitive person, your deep empathy can become a double-edged sword—especially when it keeps you from saying "no" and prioritizing your own well-being. This episode dives into the hidden emotional cost of people-pleasing and the approval trap, showing you how this silent habit fuels inner turmoil and burnout. Learn why your inability to say no is directly linked to emotional overwhelm and burnout. Discover the two hidden beliefs that keep you trapped in approval-seeking behavior. Explore a grounded process for doing the inner work that frees you to speak up and honor your needs without guilt.   Press play now to unlock the clarity and confidence you need to say no without fear—and finally start living from your truth.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Are You “Too Sensitive”—Or Just Misunderstood? What if the emotional overwhelm and self-criticism you experience aren't signs of weakness—but powerful signals from a part of you that's been misunderstood? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), this episode will feel like home. You'll discover how to stop seeing your sensitivity as a flaw and begin understanding it as the foundation for deep emotional intelligence, intuition, and healing. Todd Smith, a facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie and an HSP himself, gently unpacks how societal standards, internalized beliefs, and emotional wounds can keep you stuck in a cycle of self-doubt—even when you “know better.” In this episode, you'll learn: Why self-criticism often comes from internalized perspectives that aren't even your own How to spot and stop the hidden habit of judging yourself through other people's eyes A process to emotionally shift the part of you that still believes you're not enough—so it stops draining your energy Press play to begin experiencing the deep self-acceptance you've been longing for.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

So many sensitive and neurodivergent people know the pain of trying to fit in, hiding parts of themselves to feel accepted. In this episode, we explore how our true power lies not in blending, but in embracing the unique way we see, feel, and sense the world. You'll be invited to recognize your sensitivity as a natural design, a gift meant to connect you more deeply with life, others, and yourself.About Your HostsWillow McIntosh is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at inluminance.comJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

Are you trying to "fix" your stress—only to end up feeling worse? Many Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) struggle with the pressure to treat emotional pain like a mechanical problem: find it, fix it, and move on. But what if that very mindset is blocking your healing? In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, Todd Smith reveals why traditional, fix-it approaches often fall flat when it comes to stress and trauma—and how adopting a more respectful, HSP-informed perspective can open the door to true inner healing. Here's what you'll take away: Why stress and trauma don't respond well to the "disease/cure" model and what to do instead. How to approach emotional pain with the same empathy and gentleness you naturally offer others. Practical tools like journaling, mindful questioning, and choosing the right kind of support to create lasting emotional shifts. Press play now to learn how to stop fighting your emotions—and start listening to them in a way that actually heals.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa reflects on her intense season of life—transitioning to two kids, writing a book, and navigating all the layers of motherhood, marriage, friendships, and business—and how these experiences have deepened her embodiment of the Not Too Sensitive movement.She shares how identity is constantly evolving through challenges, transitions, and defining moments, and why allowing ourselves to be shaped (rather than resisting change) opens the door to growth, creativity, and new parts of ourselves we didn't know were there. Alissa highlights the power of creating space to hear your own voice, experiment with curiosity, and rediscover joy in unexpected places.What You'll Learn:What it really means to embody the “Not Too Sensitive” soulWhy challenges, triggers, and life transitions are powerful identity shapersHow to soften and surrender when life feels overwhelmingThe surprising benefits of a no-consumption cleanseWhy play, experimentation, and curiosity unlock new parts of yourselfJoin External Validation Cleanse: https://www.sensitiveandsoulful.com/offers/QNkTRnYQ/checkoutUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

On this week's rewind episode of ShrinkChicks, we're revisiting one of our most-loved conversations: what does it really mean to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Em and Jen unpack the difference between HSPs and empaths, why sensitivity can sometimes feel like social anxiety, and how to move through a world that often labels sensitivity as a weakness. They explore what overstimulation looks like—shutting down in crowds, feeling drained after social events, or absorbing the energy around you—and why understanding your sensitivity is the first step to managing it. You'll hear how to set internal boundaries, embrace your emotions (yes, even the crying), and find empowerment in what used to feel like “too much.” Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 4:40 to skip the intro and get straight to today's content. Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group! ShrinkChicks on Instagram Our Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal!! Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners: Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants in every box - when you go to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wildgrain.com/SHRINKCHICKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to start your subscription or use code SHRINKCHICKS at checkout Quince: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/shrinkchicks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order Greenlight: Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenlight.com/shrinkchicks Skims: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in thesurvey, and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Mabē: Visit ⁠mabeproducts.com⁠ and use code: SHRINKCHICKS for an automatic $10 discount on your first purchase Green Chef: Head to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Greenchef.com/50SHRINKCHICKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50SHRINKCHICKS to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping goPure: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off at ⁠gopurebeauty.com⁠ with code SHRINKCHICKS at checkoutSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's rewind episode of ShrinkChicks, we're revisiting one of our most-loved conversations: what does it really mean to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Em and Jen unpack the difference between HSPs and empaths, why sensitivity can sometimes feel like social anxiety, and how to move through a world that often labels sensitivity as a weakness. They explore what overstimulation looks like—shutting down in crowds, feeling drained after social events, or absorbing the energy around you—and why understanding your sensitivity is the first step to managing it. You'll hear how to set internal boundaries, embrace your emotions (yes, even the crying), and find empowerment in what used to feel like “too much.” Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 4:40 to skip the intro and get straight to today's content. Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group! ShrinkChicks on Instagram Our Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal!! Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners: Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants in every box - when you go to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wildgrain.com/SHRINKCHICKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to start your subscription or use code SHRINKCHICKS at checkout Quince: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/shrinkchicks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order Greenlight: Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenlight.com/shrinkchicks Skims: Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in thesurvey, and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. Mabē: Visit ⁠mabeproducts.com⁠ and use code: SHRINKCHICKS for an automatic $10 discount on your first purchase Green Chef: Head to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Greenchef.com/50SHRINKCHICKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50SHRINKCHICKS to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping goPure: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off at ⁠gopurebeauty.com⁠ with code SHRINKCHICKS at checkout

196 Hope comes in various flavors. Some of them promote better relationships, and some drag them down. Hope can leave us helpless to change things, OR make us powerful agents of change in our marriages (and other areas of our lives, of course).Today you will hear about the 2 kinds of hope that don't help, and the 1 kind of hope that makes ALL the difference in your marriage–and in being able to make your marriage the loving one you want. This episode is especially for you if you've been trying and trying to make changes in your marriage for years, but you aren't seeing any real lasting change for the better. Believe me, I have been there!! Dive in to hear about what happens when we succumb to apathy, cynicism, futility, and despair, and how the way you might be relating to hope may be the same as just giving up. Learn, instead, how I use what I call Active Hope to continue to make my marriage better and better, and how you, too, can harness it, so that you come away with a relationship to hope that will drive the best kind of change between you and your partner.Everyone could use a good dose of hope and inspiration from time to time. This is yours today.SHOW NOTES:Join Hannah for private 1:1 Marriage Coaching, and get her deep, super individualized support to make your marriage more full of security, connection, love, and mutual support than ever. Get started by filling out this form. See her on-demand relationship courses for HSPs here.FREE QUIZ: How Much is High Sensitivity Impacting Your Relationship (and are you even highly sensitive)? You want to know. Because, high sensitivity has a major impact on intimate relationships – for better or worse. Take this 3 minute quiz to discover if you're highly sensitive and how deeply it's affecting you, and your happiness in your relationship. You will also get your next steps to making sure sensitivity works for your relationship, instead of against it.ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't miss an episode! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Leave  a review in Apple Podcasts--we are SO grateful!Get the Podcast Map by becoming a Podcast Supporter, so you can quickly identify the episodes most helpful for your unique relationship, by supporting the podcast (for as little as $3) 

Are You Chasing Balance or Just Burning Out Trying? If you're a highly sensitive person constantly striving for the perfect work-life balance, you might be chasing a mirage—and adding to your stress without realizing it. This episode unpacks why the traditional idea of balance doesn't work for HSPs and what to do instead. Discover the real reason balance feels so elusive and how redefining it on your own terms can change everything. You'll explore practical ways to align your schedule with your sensitive nature, uncover the hidden trap of idealized routines, and learn how questioning your thoughts can unlock true inner freedom. Understand your unique balance threshold as an HSP and why mainstream advice misses the mark. Learn how over-optimizing for balance can backfire—and what to do about it. Explore a flexible mindset that makes space for growth, spontaneity, and real peace. Tune in now to find the missing piece of your work-life balance and feel more at ease in your own rhythm.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Ever find yourself stuck in the painful limbo of not knowing whether to stay in a tough situation or finally walk away? For highly sensitive people, this decision is especially overwhelming—your empathy, conscientiousness, and fear of conflict often cloud what your heart truly wants. If you're caught in this internal tug-of-war, this episode offers a grounded way forward that honors both your nervous system and your emotional truth. Discover the exact questions to ask yourself to gain clarity and reduce decision-making stress. Understand why HSPs are more prone to self-sacrificing patterns—and how to break free from them. Learn how to access the stillness within, so you can make choices that are aligned with your deepest inner knowing. Listen now to uncover the practical tools and insights you need to finally make a decision that feels right for you.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Are You Accidentally Stressing Out the Highly Sensitive Person in Your Life? If someone you love often seems overwhelmed or withdrawn, you might be missing crucial insights into what it really means to be highly sensitive—and how your everyday habits could be making it worse without you knowing. In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, Todd Smith breaks down the most common misconceptions about high sensitivity and why it's not simply about being emotional. You'll uncover how HSPs experience the world differently, how seemingly small interactions can trigger hidden stress, and why understanding this can radically transform your relationships. Here's what you'll learn: The biological basis of high sensitivity—and why it's not a personality flaw. Everyday behaviors that can unintentionally trigger HSPs and create disconnect. Simple shifts in communication that build trust, safety, and deeper connection. Hit play to finally understand what's really going on for the HSP in your life—and how to bring more calm and clarity into your connection today.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa explores the powerful truth behind the phrase “needing nothing attracts everything.”She shares how relying on external validation keeps us stuck in low self-worth—and how building confidence within creates a magnetic energy that draws the right people and opportunities into your life.Questions answered within this episode:What does “needing nothing attracts everything” really mean?How does external validation hold back highly sensitive people?What shifts when you stop needing others' approval to feel good?How can healing self-worth make you more magnetic in life and relationships?Join External Validation Cleanse: https://www.sensitiveandsoulful.com/offers/QNkTRnYQ/checkoutUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

This post elaborates on the ‘overstimulation' section of The HSP Owner's Guide. In this week's episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, we look at the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and overstimulation. Overstimulation is a term we often hear when people talk about high sensitivity. It's the second word in the DOES acronym after Deep Processing and before Emotional Responsiveness or Empathy, and Sensing Subtleties as a description of core characteristics of the trait. But what do we actually mean by overstimulated? What does it look like? And is there anything we can do about it other than avoiding stimulating environments and situations? At the get-go, I want to answer that question with a resounding yes. We don't have to write ourselves out of the situations, environments, and experiences that really matter to us. We have the capacity to build sustainable approaches to this stuff. https://youtu.be/qy8XxQe7_iU Responsiveness and Stimulation Because highly sensitive people are all different, it's important to remember that sensitivity isn't who we are. It's more like the rails our nervous system runs on. It is often described as a spectrum of sensory responsiveness. Those on the high end take in a huge amount of sensory data and process it deeply. Those on the low end take in less, and most people are somewhere in the middle. As a species, we have evolved and benefit from individuals existing along this continuum. Environmental Sensitivity researchers describe this variation through the concept of differential susceptibility. Some individuals are more profoundly influenced by their environment, for better or worse. It's not about weakness or fragility. It's about responsiveness and depth of processing. Studies show that highly sensitive individuals flourish in supportive settings but face greater challenges in chaotic ones. I like to visualise this difference using microphones. A sensitive condenser mic is uniquely effective in quiet, controlled spaces. It picks up every subtle detail. But in a loud environment, it can get overwhelmed by noise. A dynamic mic has a narrower field of responsiveness and can work in almost any environment because it picks up less background noise. Both are useful, but for different purposes. This helps us remember that high sensitivity isn't a flaw or superpower, it's just a variation in human temperament, useful in some contexts and less so in others. What Overstimulation Looks Like Overstimulation can look different from individual to individual. It is caused by an overload of the nervous system with environmental, emotional, social, or cognitive information. It's not always evident to others when a highly sensitive person is overstimulated. Despite appearing calm or composed, HSPs may be grappling with intense physical discomfort or emotional distress due to nervous system overload. Rising levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol exacerbate this heightened sensitivity, leading to strong reactions to excitement, tension, temperature changes, or sensory stimuli in the environment. What looks like calmness in a person might be a kind of shutting down. This happens to me when I've had too much stimulation - I can look really chilled out, but in actual fact I'm unable to function properly. You might experience: Physical symptoms of overstimulation Lightheadedness or dizziness Internal tremors (feeling shaky inside without visible shaking) Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat sensations Nausea or digestive discomfort Temperature sensitivity Cognitive effects of overstimulation Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks Short-term memory lapses Mental fog or feeling disconnected from surroundings Racing thoughts Emotional responses Irritability disproportionate to the situation Sudden emotional surges, such as tears or outbursts of frustration

In this episode, Alissa opens up about her personal journey with external validation and how her identity became tethered to achievements, praise, and being the “star employee.” After experiencing burnout, illness, and a toxic work environment, she shares how it all became a spiritual wake-up call to look within.Whether you're a high achiever, people pleaser, or someone who finds worth in how others see you, this episode invites you to explore the deeper spiritual roots of validation. Alissa introduces the idea that repeated triggers are not punishments but divine invitations to heal old wounds, shed false identities, and build true self-worth from within.She also shares a powerful four-step process to begin detaching from the need for external validation and offers a sneak peek into her new course, The External Validation Cleanse, (with an optional business add-on for sensitive entrepreneurs!)In this episode we coverered:How external validation becomes a false source of identity and safetyThe emotional and physical toll of chasing approvalWhy achievements and praise can never truly fill the inner voidThe spiritual significance of being triggeredReleasing the need to be seen as “impressive”Join the External Validation Cleanse for 50% OFF during presale! CLICK HERE to grab it for just $33.Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!

195 This may be one of the most important episodes you will hear to make your marriage the one you want it to be. Especially if, like so many women, you wonder “Why should I be the one to do the work on our relationship?” Or you feel burdened or resentful that you seem to be alone in working on your marriage. Or if it just seems unfair that a lot of relationship advice is directed at women, when men have so much to learn when it comes to having a great relationship. If you're feeling that way, I get it. I've been there. AND it is making it HARDER to have the loving, connected, mutually supportive marriage you want with your spouse. In this episode, you'll hear why. And why this line of thinking is leading to an almost epidemic of women being unhappy in their marriages. What I want most is for you to feel deeply fulfilled in your relationship–and you want that too! So we've got to address this. Because trying to create deeper, better love from a sense of burden and resentment will never work. You didn't get married to just tolerate your relationship. You signed up for something way better than that. You want to truly enjoy your marriage. And like it or not, that means you WILL have to work for it, no matter how much your partner is also working on it. But it can be fun, even joyful. In fact, in this episode, I share how I work on my marriage every single day---with joy, passion, and feeling like it's a sacred honor that I GET to do–and how you can, too. Listen to this episode to move past the burden and resentment that comes from feeling like you have to do this work with no or very little help from your spouse, and so you can feel truly empowered to do what it takes to make your marriage what you want it to be.SHOW NOTES:Join Hannah for 4 months of private 1:1 Marriage Coaching, and get her deep, super individualized support to make your marriage more full of security, connection, love, and mutual support than ever. Get started by filling out this form. See her on-demand relationship courses for HSPs here.FREE QUIZ: How Much is High Sensitivity Impacting Your Relationship (and are you even highly sensitive)? You want to know. Because, high sensitivity has a major impact on intimate relationships – for better or worse. Take this 3 minute quiz to discover if you're highly sensitive and how deeply it's affecting you, and your happiness in your relationship. You will also get your next steps to making sure sensitivity works for your relationship, instead of against it.ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't miss an episode! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Leave  a review in Apple Podcasts--we are SO grateful!Get the Podcast Map by becoming a Podcast Supporter, so you can quickly identify the episodes most helpful for your unique relationship, by supporting the podcast (for as little as $3) 

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest co-host Willow McIntosh explore why many sensitive and neurodivergent people—especially those with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—were never meant to “fit in.” Together, they share personal stories, clinical insights, and practical guidance on releasing the pressure to conform, reclaiming your authentic self, and honoring your natural needs. They discuss masking, nervous system care, the importance of intentional connection, and the unique role sensitive and autistic individuals play in creating a more compassionate world. Recorded live in the Sensitive Empowerment Community, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and a powerful reminder: your differences are your strengths, and the world needs your light.About Your HostsJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/Willow McIntoshWillow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at http://inluminance.com/

Countdown to the big reveal continues! As we approach the October 1st unveiling of the newly rebranded show, we're revisiting the top 8 guest episodes of all time.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Scott to explore what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and why so many HSPs grew up in narcissistic households or have endured narcissistic abuse. We cover:The science and traits of being a Highly Sensitive PersonWhy HSPs might be more vulnerable to toxic and narcissistic relationshipsHow to protect your energy and set boundariesHealing strategies for HSPs after emotional abuseIf you've ever felt too sensitive or too much, this episode will help you understand your sensitivity is your superpower and give you tools to protect your peace.______________________________________________________________We LOVE collecting 5 stars -- Don't forget to follow, leave a review or rating and share Drinking With Gin.

In this episode, Alissa is joined by her client and friend, Elena Willitts, a home organizing coach who helps women, especially Type B and Type C personalities to ditch the shame, create simple systems, and feel confident in their space. They talk about why traditional organizing advice doesn't work for everyone, how clutter impacts your mental well-being (especially for highly sensitive people), and the deeper self-worth work behind creating a home you love. Elena's unique approach blends mindset shifts with practical, low-pressure strategies so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start partnering with your home in a way that feels good.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to separate your self-worth from the state of your home.Why decluttering first makes organizing so much easier.How “home validation” pep talks can shift your mindset about daily tasks.Simple, sustainable systems for people who aren't naturally Type A.About Elena:Elena Willitts is a home organizing coach, mom of three, and founder of Kind Organizing. She specializes in helping women who have struggled with organization, many of whom are Type B or C, live with ADHD, or just don't resonate with rigid, perfectionistic systems, find practical, shame-free ways to care for their homes. Her signature approach combines decluttering, realistic systems, and mindset shifts so clients can feel lighter, more confident, and more connected to their space.Listen to Sensitive Soul REWINDElena's Links:Everyday Ease, Four Daily Anchors for a Calmer Home: https://kindorganizing.mykajabi.com/storeAudio course, The Home Validation Toolkit: https://kindorganizing.mykajabi.com/home-management-for-type-b-moms-sales-page-1All freebies, courses and coaching options: https://kindorganizing.mykajabi.com/storePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kind-organizing-podcast/id1693004651Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my workshop for HSPs called Not "Too Sensitive" (usually $35)! All you have to do is:Leave a review of this podcastEmail a screenshot of your review to hello@lifebyalissa.comThat's it!