Podcasts about Hsps

Not sure if it's sensitivity or stress? Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why do bright lights, loud rooms, and crowded spaces drain you faster than everyone else — and what if it's not a flaw, but a biological strength? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably wondered why "normal" environments can leave you irritable, foggy, or desperate to escape. You may have told yourself you need to toughen up or stop being so sensitive. But what if your nervous system simply processes more data per minute than most people's? In a world saturated with artificial light, constant noise, and nonstop stimulation, understanding how your nervous system actually works isn't optional — it's essential for your well-being. In this episode, you'll discover: Why stimulation stacks in your nervous system and creates overwhelm — even when each input seems small on its own What's really happening in your brain when you process sensory information more deeply before filtering it How to stop blaming yourself for being "too sensitive" and start designing your life around a highly responsive nervous system Press play now to understand your sensitivity at the nervous system level — and finally replace self-criticism with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. 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 how highly sensitive people can keep their “channel clear” so they can access their intuition, creativity, and natural gifts.While sensitivity comes with powerful strengths—like empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence—many HSPs feel disconnected from those gifts because their inner channel is cluttered by outside noise, old conditioning, and self-doubt.Alissa shares three ways to clear that channel so you can trust yourself more deeply, connect with your authentic perspective, and stop letting insecurity or comparison block your natural strengths.What You'll Learn:Why consuming too much outside input can disconnect you from your intuitionHow shadow patterns like overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing block sensitive strengthsWhy doing deeper inner work helps highly sensitive people access their giftsHow to develop your own perspective instead of constantly outsourcing answersWhat it means to “keep your channel clear” so your authenticity and wisdom can come throughUncover 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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Are you trying to "be brave" with your trauma—only to end up flooded, wired, shut down, or ashamed for being "too sensitive"? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably been told that healing means going all the way in—feeling everything intensely and pushing through the pain. But what if that approach is exactly what's overwhelming your nervous system? HSPs make up 15–20% of the population, and our nervous systems are wired for depth, subtlety, and detail—not overload. When we force trauma processing through intensity, we don't heal faster… we retraumatize ourselves. That can lead to insomnia, irritability, shutdown, relationship strain, and the painful belief that our sensitivity is the problem. This episode unpacks why trauma feels more intense for HSPs—and what a truly safe, effective healing approach actually looks like. By listening, you'll gain: A clear understanding of why trauma activates highly sensitive nervous systems more quickly—and why that's not a weakness Insight into how "all-or-nothing" healing and perfectionism can quietly retraumatize you A practical, gentle framework for trauma work that builds capacity, regulation, and safety over time Press play now to learn how to heal your trauma in a way that feels steady, grounded, and safe—without overwhelming your nervous system. 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.

Part two of the assertiveness series for my Highly Sensitive Tribe. We break down passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication through one workplace scenario with Julie and her micromanaging boss Molly. Same situation, four completely different outcomes depending on how Julie handles it. Assertiveness isn't just nicer communication - it gathers the real data you need to figure out if this job can actually meet your needs or if it's time to move on. RESOURCES: WORK WITH NIKKI 1:1 30 DAYS TO PEACE COURSE PATREON COMMUNITY THE BOUNDARIES COURSE BOOK CLUB NARCISSIST ABUSE RECOVERY WORKSHOP THE FREE MORNING ROUTINE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER SIGNUP THE PATTERNSCAPES WELLNESS DECK BRAIN FM: CODE: emotionalbadass for 20% off your membership FOLLOW US: YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 5 of Reclaim Your Calm! This is a 5-episode podcast mini-course for HSPs who are ready to quiet the mental spirals, interrupt unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with their calm. Each episode combines mindset work with gentle nervous system support so you can stop spiraling and start feeling more grounded. Through real talk, guided reflections, and somatic tools, you'll learn to rewrite the stories that keep you stuck and come back to yourself, one breath at a time.In this episode:Growth isn't linear, and that's okay! In the final episode of this mini-course, you'll explore what to do when old patterns resurface and how to meet yourself with kindness instead of criticism. This is a gentle reminder that healing takes time and compassion.Becoming You is an invitation to soften, unfold, and return to yourself. Created for highly sensitive people, this mentorship offers held space, subconscious healing, and steady guidance for those ready to release old stories and grow into who they're meant to be. Learn more & apply nowLeave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!Join our HSP Community– free private online group & live monthly meetings ($25/month for live meetings)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your SensitivityBecome a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalleIf you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email lauren@laurenlasalle.com (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1:  https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  What if the reason you feel invisible, resentful, or emotionally exhausted isn't because you're "too sensitive"… but because you've been quietly abandoning yourself for years? If you're a highly sensitive person, you likely pride yourself on being caring, perceptive, and easy to be around. But what if those beautiful strengths have slowly turned into self-erasure? Maybe you say yes when your body says no. Maybe you edit your truth mid-sentence. Maybe you feel responsible for other people's moods before you even consider your own. This episode unpacks the hidden stress pattern of chronic self-abandonment — and why so many HSPs default to protecting connection instead of protecting themselves. If you're tired of feeling emotionally fatigued, resentful, or unsure of who you even are anymore, this conversation will help you understand what's really happening beneath the surface. By listening, you'll: Recognize the subtle, everyday ways you override your own needs without realizing it Understand the nervous system wiring that makes harmony feel safer than honesty Learn what "internal structure" really means — and how to stay rooted in yourself without losing your compassion Press play now to discover how to stop disappearing in your relationships and finally stay grounded in your own truth — without giving up your empathy. 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.

Not sure if it's sensitivity or stress? Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  What if the very trait that makes you feel overwhelmed faster is also the reason you can heal more deeply than most people? If you're a highly sensitive person, you already know stress hits differently. You notice tone shifts, subtle tension, relational strain, and unspoken meaning long before others do. While the world tells you to "push through," your nervous system refuses—and that can leave you feeling fragile, behind, or exhausted. But what if your sensitivity isn't the problem? What if it's actually the key to resilience, faster recovery, and deeper emotional strength when you understand how to work with it instead of against it? In this episode, you'll discover: Why stress builds faster in highly sensitive nervous systems—and why that's not a flaw The science-backed reason sensitive people can process and release stress more completely than others The three essential pillars that help stress move through you instead of lingering Press play now to learn how to turn your sensitivity from a source of stress into your greatest advantage for healing and resilience.   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 sits down with therapist and author April Snow to talk about writing books, being seen as a highly sensitive person, and building resilience in a world that isn't always HSP-friendly.They share what it's really like to write a full-length book (including the vulnerability of putting your words on a printed page), how confidence is built through discomfort, and why highly sensitive people are uniquely positioned to lead with empathy right now.From fawning and people-pleasing to navigating criticism, creative risks, and visibility online, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes to trust your voice, even when it feels scary.If you've ever held yourself back because you're “too sensitive,” this episode will challenge that narrative in the best way.You'll learn:Why highly sensitive people need more representation and resourcesThe healing power of being seen (especially after relational trauma)How to stop making visibility “about you” and anchor into purpose insteadWhy discomfort is unavoidable, and how to choose the empowering kindThe difference between confidence and arrogance for HSPsBuilding resilience without burning yourself outHow to create a “supportive bubble” that allows you to show up in the worldThe importance of reducing consumption to reconnect with your intuitionWhy HSPs are emotional leaders and changemakers in subtle but powerful waysConnect with April:https://www.sensitivestrengths.com https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsSensitive Circles community: an online hub for HSPs to find meaningful connection without the noise of social media. https://www.sensitivestrengths.com/sensitive-circlesFollow Alissa on Substack: https://substack.com/@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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Highly sensitive people often struggle with boundaries, because their nervous systems are deeply attuned to the emotional environment around them.If you've ever found yourself saying yes when your body wanted to say no, absorbing other people's emotions, or feeling exhausted after social interactions, this episode will help you understand why.In this conversation, we explore why boundaries can feel especially difficult for highly sensitive people, how the nervous system's fawn response can lead to people-pleasing, and how boundaries can actually support nervous system regulation rather than pushing people away.If you are learning how to remain kind, empathetic, and open while still protecting your energy, this episode offers a gentle place to begin.New to the podcast? Start here:Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1:  https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/ Why does one tense conversation linger in your body for days—long after everyone else has moved on? If you're a highly sensitive person, conflict doesn't just "happen and pass." It echoes. A slight shift in tone, a sharp comment, or a moment of tension can send your nervous system into overdrive—and even when the other person seems fine, you're still replaying it, questioning yourself, and wondering if something deeper is wrong. In this Breakthrough Mondays episode, we explore why conflict feels so destabilizing for highly sensitive people and, more importantly, how to stay emotionally steady without suppressing yourself or overreacting. You'll learn the difference between sensory shock and emotional activation—and why understanding that difference changes everything. By listening to this episode, you'll: Understand why your nervous system reacts so strongly to tone shifts and tension—and why it's not a flaw Learn the crucial difference between physical activation and emotional triggering (and how to respond to each) Discover how to clean up the inner beliefs that make conflict feel personal, unsafe, or destabilizing This isn't about communication tricks or saying the "right" thing in the moment. It's about inner freedom—so hard conversations don't shake your foundation. Press play now to learn how to stay grounded, clear, and steady in conflict—without losing yourself in the process.   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 HSPs think they're being assertive when they're still stuck in passivity or passive aggression that feels icky. Until my thirties, invisibility was my whole strategy, gold medal people pleaser, total Gumby for whatever anybody wanted. Growing up in dysfunction taught me to keep peace, avoid shame, never rock boats, and my nervous system still confuses distance with actual danger by filling gaps with zero evidence. Real assertiveness interrupts all that projecting our past onto new people, it says I will state my reality and see what happens instead of mind reading or assuming. Passivity just gathers resentment while passive aggression creates confusion, but assertiveness? It gathers clarity. Light and love. WORK WITH NIKKI 1:1 :⁠⁠ https://EmotionalBadass.com/coaching⁠⁠ BOOK CLUB: https://EmotionalBadass.com/bookclub 30 DAYS TO PEACE:⁠⁠ https://EmotionalBadass.com/peace⁠⁠ NARCISSIST ABUSE RECOVERY WORKSHOP:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/workshops⁠⁠ THE FREE MORNING ROUTINE :⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://EmotionalBadass.com/morning ⁠⁠PATREON: ⁠⁠https://Patreon.com/emotionalbadass ⁠⁠WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:⁠⁠ https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/newsletter⁠⁠ PATTERNSCAPES WELLNESS DECK:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://getpatternscapes.com⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 4 of Reclaim Your Calm! This is a 5-episode podcast mini-course for HSPs who are ready to quiet the mental spirals, interrupt unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with their calm. Each episode combines mindset work with gentle nervous system support so you can stop spiraling and start feeling more grounded. Through real talk, guided reflections, and somatic tools, you'll learn to rewrite the stories that keep you stuck and come back to yourself, one breath at a time.In this episode:You've noticed the thought, paused the spiral...now what? In this episode, you'll learn how to shift toward more compassionate, believable thoughts using “bridge thoughts” that feel supportive and realistic.If you've done the healing work but still feel like something's stuck, Becoming You meets you there. It's a deeply supportive mentorship for highly sensitive people who want to clear limiting beliefs, feel safe in their sensitivity, and finally live from alignment instead of survival. Learn more & apply nowLeave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!Join our HSP Community– free private online group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your SensitivityBecome a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalleIf you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email lauren@laurenlasalle.com (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Are you the “fixer”? The old soul? The one everyone confides in? If you've always felt responsible for other people's emotions… If chaos makes your nervous system light up… If you feel calmer giving care than receiving it… You might be a Wounded Healer. In this episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Mayim & Jonathan break down the psychology, neuroscience, and archetype of the Wounded Healer — the empath, therapist, caregiver, parent, or high achiever who learned early in life that being needed was safer than being loved. We explore: - The myth of Chiron and the origin of the “wounded healer” - How childhood trauma, alcoholism, chronic illness, or emotional unpredictability shape hypervigilance - Neuroscience of empathy, mirror neurons, & nervous system entrainment - Why highly sensitive people (HSPs) & empaths often burn out - Hidden link between codependency & overgiving - Why you attract people who “need fixing” - How to set boundaries without losing your superpower - How you can learn to "care without carrying” Plus...Mayim and Jonathan take the 10-question Wounded Healer Quiz! This isn't about shame. It's about awareness. Your ability to read micro-signals, anticipate needs, and feel what others feel before they say it can be a profound gift. But if you don't consciously harness it, it can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and relationship imbalance. If you learned to be useful before you learned to be loved, this conversation is for you. You are allowed to help. You are allowed to heal. And you are also allowed to receive. Watch until the end for practical tools on regulating your nervous system, identifying unhealthy patterns, and transforming wounds into integrated strength. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MAYIM at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/mayim Slow the growth of greys and get 15% off by using code BREAKER at https://www.Arey.com Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code BREAK at https://www.mudwtr.com/BREAK #mudwtrpod Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BialikBreakdown.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/mayimbialik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not sure if it's sensitivity or stress? Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Have you ever been told you're "overthinking" when you were actually just trying to understand something deeply? If you're a highly sensitive person, your need for depth can feel like both a gift and a burden. You pause before responding. You reflect before committing. You circle back to unresolved moments because you care about clarity and meaning. But in a fast-paced world that values speed over depth, that can get misread as drama, indecision, or "too much." Over time, those misinterpretations can quietly turn into self-doubt — and you may start questioning something that is actually one of your greatest strengths. In this Strategy Friday episode, we unpack why this happens and how to stop internalizing a misunderstanding that was never yours to carry. By listening, you'll: Understand the science behind the highly sensitive brain — and why depth of processing is a biological strength, not a flaw Learn how to tell the difference between healthy depth and anxious spiraling so you can trust your inner experience Discover practical ways to stay rooted in your insight and meaning-making without feeling alone or misunderstood Press play now to reclaim your depth as the strength it truly is — and stop letting misunderstanding turn into self-doubt.   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.

Want to go deeper? Explore how working 1:1 with me could support you as a highly sensitive person: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/ Are you trying to calm down as a highly sensitive person… but somehow the tools that usually work just aren't working? As a highly sensitive person, you've likely done the inner work. You journal. You reflect. You reduce stimulation. You try to be self-aware and responsible with your emotions. But what if the reason you're not finding relief isn't because you're doing something wrong… it's because you're supporting the wrong system? Sometimes it's not emotional stress — it's sensory overwhelm. Sometimes it's not overstimulation — it's an unprocessed hurt. When you misread the signal, you misapply the solution. And that's when you end up exhausted, frustrated, and doubting yourself. This episode will help you finally understand the difference — so you can stop spiraling and start responding with clarity. By listening, you'll learn how to: Recognize the clear signs of sensory overwhelm vs. emotional stress Understand why the symptoms feel similar but require completely different support Calm down faster by giving your nervous system or your heart exactly what it's actually asking for Press play now to stop guessing what's wrong and start giving yourself the kind of support that actually brings relief. 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 solo episode, Alissa dives into a core pillar of her work: expanding your tolerance for discomfort as a highly sensitive person.She shares how she is navigating an intense season of motherhood with little sleep and full emotional capacity, while also watching clients move through their own challenging chapters. She explores what it actually takes for sensitive people to build resilience and thrive through life's ebbs and flows.Alissa unpacks how a sensitive nervous system can default to overwhelm, avoidance, and self-doubt, and how those patterns quietly reinforce the belief that “I can't handle this.” She challenges listeners to see discomfort not as proof of inadequacy, but as evidence of growth.In this episode, she shares:Why avoiding discomfort keeps you stuckThe subtle ways you weaken or build self-trust through your actionsThe “growth gap” between who you are and who you're becomingWhy empowered action often feels uncomfortable at firstHow perspective, faith, and intentional thinking transform hard seasonsThe importance of choosing expansion over staying smallJoin us for Sensitive & Steady! My free 3-day workshop for highly sensitive women happening March 2nd, 4th, & 6th. CLICK HERE to register for free.Follow Alissa on Substack: https://substack.com/@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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Do you hide your emotions away to make others comfortable? In this episode, I talk with Brianna Pastor about the joy and the messiness of being a deeply feeling person and:  • learning to allow your emotions to take up space • the costs of always having to be strong and resilient as an HSP or empath • releasing your emotions to protect your physical and mental health   Brianna is a queer writer, empath, advocate, and author of the poetry collections Good Grief and Bellyache. Dedicated to helping others recognize their worth regardless of circumstances, Pastor centers her poetry around mental health, childhood trauma, and what it means to heal—with sensitivity and love at the root of all things. Keep in touch with Brianna: • Website: https://briannapastor.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannapastor  Resources Mentioned: • Bellyache: Poems for Sensitive Souls by Brianna Pastor: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780063459106 • Good Grief by Brianna Pastor: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780063359659Thanks 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.

If you've ever been told you're “too sensitive,” this episode is for you.In Episode 33, we explored the core traits of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this follow-up episode, we go deeper.We explore what high sensitivity actually looks like in real life — including the hidden struggles that many HSPs carry, and the powerful strengths that emerge when the nervous system is supported rather than overwhelmed.You'll learn why perfectionism, people-pleasing, overthinking, and emotional absorption often develop in sensitive nervous systems — and how those same traits become insight, compassion, and resilience when supported.High sensitivity is not a flaw or a diagnosis. It is nervous system wiring, and when that wiring is understood, it becomes strength.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Have you ever wondered why, even when someone genuinely loves you, it still doesn't feel real? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), your nervous system may be wired to detect subtle inconsistencies—and those same signals can quietly distort your ability to trust and receive love. This episode explores how stress, past experiences, and survival stories filter love before it can ever reach your heart. Understand why it feels so hard to take in love—even when it's real and present. Discover the unconscious beliefs HSPs carry that block their sense of worth and connection. Learn a gentle, meditative method to question these beliefs and reconnect with the truth of who you are. If you're ready to feel the love that's been here all along, press play and start untangling the stories that stand in your way. 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.

Today Lauren is sharing her conversation with Brianna Pastor, author of BELLYACHE: POEMS FOR SENSITIVE SOULS. Brianna Pastor (she/they) is a queer writer, empath, advocate, and author of the poetry collections Good Grief and Bellyache. Dedicated to helping others recognize their worth regardless of circumstances, Pastor centers her poetry around mental health, childhood trauma, and what it means to heal—with sensitivity and love at the root of all things. Brianna resides in New Jersey with her spouse and cat, Boogie.Bree and Lauren talk about:how HSPs can "heal the world" by being ourselvesour "other level of empathy" & how to protect ourselvesnavigating relationships as an HSPthe importance of listening to what our bodies tell ussocietal pressures that don't align with what we wantthe importance of choosing yourselfFor more on the book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/bellyache-brianna-pastorFor more on the author: https://briannapastor.com/Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/briannapastor/Becoming You is a gentle, transformational mentorship for highly sensitive people who are ready to stop fixing themselves and start coming home to who they already are. Through deep support, subconscious healing, and nervous-system-aware guidance, this work helps you release old patterns and reconnect with your truest self.Learn more & apply nowLeave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!Join our HSP Community– free private online group & live monthly meetings ($25/month for live meetings)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your SensitivityBecome a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalleIf you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email lauren@laurenlasalle.com (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The “Perfect” Couple and Infidelity: Why High-Achieving Relationships Break (And What to Do Next) You did everything right. You were the smart couple. The committed couple. The high-achieving, “we've got this” couple. Date nights. Careers. Kids. Goals. You worked hard. You showed up. You performed well. So how did infidelity happen to you? If you've ever thought, “We were the perfect couple. This doesn't make sense,” this episode will open your eyes in the most grounded, compassionate way. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rachel Dornianu of Sage Counseling & Wellness to unpack the hidden dynamics behind the “perfect couple” myth — and why high-achieving, Type A, perfectionistic relationships are often more vulnerable than they appear. We explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, high sensitivity, emotional avoidance, and the Gottman “Four Horsemen” quietly erode intimacy over time — even in relationships that look beautiful on the outside. If you're navigating infidelity, feeling blindsided, or wondering how something could fall apart when you both “did everything right,” this episode will help you understand what really happened — and what healing actually requires. Top 3 Takeaways Perfection Isn't the Same as Connection High achievement, polished date nights, and shared goals can mask roommate syndrome, emotional loneliness, and avoidance. When couples stop pausing, attuning, and truly connecting, resentment and unmet needs quietly build beneath the surface. Performance is not intimacy. Infidelity Is Often a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism While betrayal is devastating, it's frequently rooted in avoidance, trauma, shame, unmet emotional needs, and poor coping skills — not pure moral corruption. Understanding the why doesn't excuse the behavior, but it creates clarity. And clarity is the first step toward healing. Healing Requires Addressing What Was Already There Perfectionism. People-pleasing. High sensitivity. Fawning. Walking on eggshells. Avoidance. Emotional flooding. Infidelity doesn't create these patterns — it exposes them. Whether you choose to stay or separate, the real work is learning how to regulate your nervous system, communicate honestly, and stop performing so you can start being. Favorite Quote “Perfection isn't intimacy. Performance isn't connection. And infidelity doesn't create the cracks — it exposes the ones that were already there.” Loving this show? Ready to go deeper? If this episode hit close to home and you're thinking, “This is exactly what happened in my relationship,” you don't have to figure this out alone. Download your free Betrayal Recovery Toolkit at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com and begin making sense of the chaos. If you're ready for personalized support — whether through Voxer coaching, private sessions, or deeper transformational work — visit www.LoraCheadle.com. And if this conversation resonated, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that perfection is not the goal — connection is. Favorite Hash Tags #PerfectCoupleMyth #InfidelityRecovery #BetrayalHealing #PerfectionismInMarriage #HighAchievingWomen #RelationshipAfterInfidelity #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriageAfterAffair #FlauntPodcast--- About Rachel Dorneanu Rachel Dorneanu (she/her) is a licensed therapist, AASECT- certified sex therapist, and board-certified coach specializing in Anxiety, HSPs, People Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Sex Therapy, with a passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies, reduce shame, and find freedom in their wellness journey. She holds a Master's in Counseling and brings over 8 years of experience working with millennial women and moms. Through her work as a therapist and coach, Rachel integrates evidence-based approaches with compassionate education to normalize topics often left in the dark—like pelvic pain, pleasure, and embodiment. She is known for her relatable, down-to-earth style and her ability to make complex or uncomfortable topics accessible and affirming. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her husband and 2 children, and traveling. Learn more at: www.sagecounselingtherapyandwellness.com  or www.racheldorneanu.com CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B91P55R?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzrach0e83-20&creativeASIN=B07B91P55R&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3HY29OX8D6BTK&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin LOVE THE SHOW? TAKE THE NEXT STEP Don't just listen—start healing. Get your free downloadable guide on the “The Top Three Ways You Betray Yourself Every Day, and How to Stop” at www.burnoutorbetrayal.com. https://workplace-burnout.com/the-top-3-ways-you-betray-yourself-every-day-and-how-to-stop/ If you're ready to Rise Up & Reign as the creator and queen of your life, let's talk. I will walk by your side and give you the perspective, permission, and wisdom needed to turn your betrayal experience into something constructive, empowering, and transformative in all the right ways.  Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt is a betrayal recovery coach, attorney, TEDx speaker, and author of FLAUNT! and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal. After uncovering her husband's 15-year affair, she turned her own pain into purpose—helping high-achieving women reclaim their identity, power, and joy. A trauma-aware coach, somatic therapist, and former attorney, Lora blends legal insight with emotional and spiritual healing for full-spectrum recovery. She is the author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self (an International Book Awards Finalist and Tattered Cover Bestseller) and It's Not Burnout, It's Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. She also hosts the podcast FLAUNT! Create a Life You Love After Infidelity and Betrayal. Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT  READY TO START A BETTER CHAPTER? Step into the future you've always dreamed of with the power of transformative rituals with the Mindful Subscription Box. Get a monthly box full of crystals, aromatherapy, and other spiritual tools worth $120. You deserve high-quality gems, crystals, oils, and mindfulness tools for self-care that truly work. It's a monthly dose of self-love delivered right to your door! Go to www.Mindfulsouls.com  and use Discount Code LORA25 for 25% off your order!

When care turns into pressure, use The Perfectionism Self-Check to come back to center: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/perfectionism-self-check Are you secretly burning out from trying to "do it right" all the time—even when you're not doing that much? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), you may not call yourself a perfectionist—but the emotional weight of "getting it right" might be draining you more than you realize. In this episode, we explore how perfectionism quietly sneaks into your most thoughtful efforts, and how it can turn care into pressure without you even noticing. If you often feel exhausted after "small" tasks or conversations, this might be why. Learn the subtle signs that your natural conscientiousness has shifted into hidden perfectionism. Understand why your body feels tired even after light conversations or simple tasks. Get a simple, body-based strategy to stop the overwhelm before it snowballs into burnout. If you're ready to drop the weight of quiet pressure and return to clarity, press play on this episode now. 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.

210 High sensitivity is not a weakness in relationships — it's a powerful advantage. In this foundational episode, you'll discover why highly sensitive people (HSPs) are uniquely wired for deep emotional intimacy, authentic connection, and meaningful closeness in marriage. (This is a completely remade episode revisiting an old topic)But many sensitive women are told they're “too much” — too emotional or too intense — when in reality, sensitivity is the very trait that equips you to create extraordinary relationships–and can even help usher in a more caring world.I know it may not feel that way, so this episode is a must listen. Because it will give you the boost you need to not just feel good about your sensitivity, but to transform your relationship into one you feel deeply good about.You'll discover why high sensitivity is a relational strength, and a powerful gift our world needs more of. We explore how empathy, mirror-neuron attunement, and deep emotional processing uniquely position HSPs to create the deepest connection, meaningful communication, and lasting closeness. You'll also learn why real change in a marriage doesn't begin with fixing your partner, but with leading yourself through emotional agency, nervous system regulation, self-trust, and healthy boundaries.This is the heart of the Sensitive Love Revolution: embracing your sensitivity, developing the skills to work with it wisely, and intentionally shaping the emotional environment of your marriage — creating ripple effects that transform your relationship and the world around you. Dive in to learn all about it.SHOW NOTESLearn more about Hannah and her programs at hspmarriagecoaching.comTake her free quiz, What's the Best Next Step To Improve Your Marriage here.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Why Do So Many Highly Sensitive People Struggle Financially—And What Can You Do About It? What if your financial stress isn't a personal failure—but a natural response to systems that were never designed for sensitive people? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP) who feels depleted by the demands of making money, you're not alone—and it's not your fault. This episode unpacks how modern financial systems clash with sensitive nervous systems and why integrity, not inadequacy, is often at the root of money struggles for HSPs. Understand why nervous system override is rewarded in our culture—and why that's a problem for HSPs. Discover how emotional labor and invisible work drain your energy and income without you even realizing it. Learn how to build financial structures that honor your sensitivity instead of demanding self-sacrifice. Tune in now to discover how you can create sustainable income that supports your well-being—without betraying your sensitivity. 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 sits down with her longtime Instagram friend Bailey for a deep and honest conversation about creativity, self-worth, friendship dynamics, and what it really means to be an empowered highly sensitive person.Bailey shares her journey of feeling like an outsider growing up, watering herself down to fit in, and eventually finding her voice through poetry.This episode is a powerful reminder that sensitivity is not a life sentence of overthinking and overwhelm. It's a strength when you take ownership of your inner world and stop outsourcing your worth.What You'll Learn:Why creativity is deeply healing for highly sensitive peopleThe difference between healthy validation and victim mentalityHow victim narratives can quietly keep you stuckWhy “hurt people hurt people” isn't an excuse for poor boundariesHow to stop choosing friendships based on potentialThe empowering shift from “this is who I am” to “this is something I experience”Why waiting to be “fixed” keeps you from living nowHow taking ownership of your role in relationships creates freedomJoin us for Sensitive & Steady! My free 3-day workshop for highly sensitive women happening March 2nd, 4th, & 6th. CLICK HERE to register for free.Follow Alissa on Substack: https://substack.com/@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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

You did everything right. You were the smart couple. The committed couple. The high-achieving, “we've got this” couple. Date nights. Careers. Kids. Goals. You worked hard. You showed up. You performed well. So how did infidelity happen to you? If you've ever thought, “We were the perfect couple. This doesn't make sense,” this episode will open your eyes in the most grounded, compassionate way. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Rachel Dornianu of Sage Counseling & Wellness to unpack the hidden dynamics behind the “perfect couple” myth — and why high-achieving, Type A, perfectionistic relationships are often more vulnerable than they appear. We explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, high sensitivity, emotional avoidance, and the Gottman “Four Horsemen” quietly erode intimacy over time — even in relationships that look beautiful on the outside. If you're navigating infidelity, feeling blindsided, or wondering how something could fall apart when you both “did everything right,” this episode will help you understand what really happened — and what healing actually requires. Top 3 Takeaways Perfection Isn't the Same as Connection High achievement, polished date nights, and shared goals can mask roommate syndrome, emotional loneliness, and avoidance. When couples stop pausing, attuning, and truly connecting, resentment and unmet needs quietly build beneath the surface. Performance is not intimacy. Infidelity Is Often a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism While betrayal is devastating, it's frequently rooted in avoidance, trauma, shame, unmet emotional needs, and poor coping skills — not pure moral corruption. Understanding the why doesn't excuse the behavior, but it creates clarity. And clarity is the first step toward healing. Healing Requires Addressing What Was Already There Perfectionism. People-pleasing. High sensitivity. Fawning. Walking on eggshells. Avoidance. Emotional flooding. Infidelity doesn't create these patterns — it exposes them. Whether you choose to stay or separate, the real work is learning how to regulate your nervous system, communicate honestly, and stop performing so you can start being. Favorite Quote “Perfection isn't intimacy. Performance isn't connection. And infidelity doesn't create the cracks — it exposes the ones that were already there.” Loving this show? Ready to go deeper? If this episode hit close to home and you're thinking, “This is exactly what happened in my relationship,” you don't have to figure this out alone. Download your free Betrayal Recovery Toolkit at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com and begin making sense of the chaos. If you're ready for personalized support — whether through Voxer coaching, private sessions, or deeper transformational work — visit www.LoraCheadle.com. And if this conversation resonated, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that perfection is not the goal — connection is. Favorite Quote #PerfectCoupleMyth #InfidelityRecovery #BetrayalHealing #PerfectionismInMarriage #HighAchievingWomen #RelationshipAfterInfidelity #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriageAfterAffair #FlauntPodcast   About Rachel Dorneanu Rachel Dorneanu (she/her) is a licensed therapist, AASECT- certified sex therapist, and board-certified coach specializing in Anxiety, HSPs, People Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Sex Therapy, with a passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies, reduce shame, and find freedom in their wellness journey. She holds a Master's in Counseling and brings over 8 years of experience working with millennial women and moms. Through her work as a therapist and coach, Rachel integrates evidence-based approaches with compassionate education to normalize topics often left in the dark—like pelvic pain, pleasure, and embodiment. She is known for her relatable, down-to-earth style and her ability to make complex or uncomfortable topics accessible and affirming. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her husband and 2 children, and traveling.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/program/ Are You Burning Out from Always Doing the Right Thing? What if your deep sense of responsibility and care is quietly exhausting you? If you're a highly sensitive person who's always showing up, holding space, and doing what's "right"—yet still feeling drained—this episode is a must-listen. We dive into the invisible weight of over-functioning, how guilt tricks you into neglecting your own needs, and why rest can feel uncomfortable even when you're desperate for it. In this episode, you'll discover: Why being capable doesn't mean you have to carry everything yourself. The hidden cost of always putting others first—even when it aligns with your values. How to begin creating a rhythm of rest and responsibility that protects your sensitivity instead of depleting it. Listen now to start reclaiming your energy, your balance, and your life—without giving up the heart of who you are. 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.

Melody Beattie passed last year and I burst into tears on a livestream the moment I found out. She's been a spiritual mother to me, her books holding concepts patiently until I was awake enough. For HSPs, empaths, and recovering codependents and people-pleasers, this one matters. That sneaky bastard perfectionism will show up and expect us to fix all the things right now, yesterday even, and we don't have to pressurize-cook ourselves through healing that way. Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more, and for trauma survivors and sensitives whose nervous systems learned that life is war, her wisdom lands like a exhale: let go, let it be, let it happen. Worth is unchanging from the day you were born. Light and love. WORK WITH NIKKI 1:1 :⁠⁠ https://EmotionalBadass.com/coaching⁠⁠ THE BOOK CLUB! https://emotionalbadass.com/bookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 3 of Reclaim Your Calm! This is a 5-episode podcast mini-course for HSPs who are ready to quiet the mental spirals, interrupt unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with their calm. Each episode combines mindset work with gentle nervous system support so you can stop spiraling and start feeling more grounded. Through real talk, guided reflections, and somatic tools, you'll learn to rewrite the stories that keep you stuck and come back to yourself, one breath at a time.In this episode:When you feel overwhelmed, it's easy to spiral fast. This episode teaches you how to gently disrupt that cycle with real-time tools like breathwork, movement, and sensory resets so you can ground yourself when it matters most.Becoming You is a 1:1-centered healing mentorship for highly sensitive people who want lasting inner change. This work blends deep emotional support, subconscious belief clearing, and gentle integration—so healing doesn't just make sense, it actually sticks. Learn more & apply now⁠Leave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!⁠⁠Join our HSP Community⁠– free private online group & live monthly meetings ($25/month for live meetings)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list⁠ to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your Sensitivity⁠Become a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram:⁠ @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalle⁠If you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email ⁠lauren@laurenlasalle.com⁠ (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are You Burning Out Trying to Be "Capable"? Do you find yourself constantly holding everything together — not because you want to, but because you feel you have to? If you're a highly sensitive person, your drive to be competent might actually be wearing you down. This episode dives into a powerful truth many HSPs live with but rarely name: the unspoken belief that being impressive equals being safe. Todd Smith, a fellow HSP and facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, unpacks how this conditioning creates invisible labor, chronic tension, and a nervous system that never truly rests — even on vacation. In this episode, you'll discover: Why capability becomes a survival strategy for HSPs — and the toll it quietly takes on your body. How invisible labor shows up in emotional tracking, over-functioning, and chronic background effort. What it really takes to rest without guilt — by shifting responsibility from yourself to reliable systems and support. Press play now to learn how redefining safety can help you finally relax — without needing to earn it first. 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 a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/empath-survival-kit/ Are You Losing Yourself in Other People's Emotions? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), do you often feel drained after being there for someone? What if your empathy isn't the problem—but the way you're carrying it is? In this episode of Self-Compassion Wednesdays, we explore the fine line between empathy and emotional merging. Many HSPs unknowingly absorb others' emotions so deeply that they lose their sense of self—leading to burnout, relationship strain, and emotional shutdown. But it doesn't have to be that way. You'll discover: The hidden signs that your empathy has crossed into emotional enmeshment. A powerful body-based technique to stay grounded even during someone else's emotional storm. How to maintain a deep connection with others without losing yourself in the process. Listen now to learn how to stay empathic, supportive, and connected—while protecting your own emotional well-being. 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 sits down with writer and speaker Case Kenny for a conversation about self-expression, confidence, and what it really means to stop shrinking yourself.They explore why embracing your “cringe,” intensity, and nonconforming traits is actually magnetic, and why the fear of being judged keeps so many Highly Sensitive People playing small.The conversation expands into relationships. How to know if someone amplifies you, why “low maintenance” is often code for self-abandonment, and why we should aim to “settle up,” not settle down.This episode is an invitation to raise your standards, trust your essence, and choose relationships that expand you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why accepting judgment is more empowering than avoiding itHow your “cringe” attracts aligned peopleWhat confidence really is (a willingness to be uncomfortable)How to use regret as a decision filterThe difference between settling down and settling upWhy healthy relationships amplify who you already areThe truth about being “high maintenance” vs. having high standardsConnect with Case Kenny:https://www.casekenny.com/https://www.instagram.com/case.kenny/Join us for Sensitive & Steady! My free 3-day workshop for highly sensitive women happening March 2nd, 4th, & 6th. CLICK HERE to register for free.Follow Alissa on Substack: https://substack.com/@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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Did you struggle to fit in as a sensitive kid or are parenting an HSP child? In this episode, I talk with Sarita Fichtner about embracing your sensitivity and building resilience in children through connection as well as:  • Learning to live on your own terms and listen to your instincts  • Modeling acceptance and building resilience for your sensitive child • The kinds of social pressures highly sensitive children face • How parents can foster self-love and acceptance in their HSP kids who may not always fit in  • Accepting the balance between the messy and magic of life  Born and raised on the West Coast of Canada, Sarita is a highly sensitive children's book author and mom.  She recognizes the importance of emotional wellness and is passionate about supporting highly sensitive children.  Sarita believes the world will change when we can mindfully embrace who we are from a young age. Keep in touch with Sarita: • Website: http://www.saritaimagined.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saritaimagined Resources Mentioned: • Pop Out Loud: First Day of Soccer by Sarita Fichtner: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781069596710  • Pop Out Loud: First Day of School by Sarita Fichtner: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781738195404Thanks 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.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Why You Still Feel "On Duty" After Work (Even When You're Not) Why does it feel like work is still happening—mentally and physically—even after you've logged off? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), ending the workday isn't as simple as closing your laptop. For many HSPs, the stress and sense of responsibility don't clock out—they linger in the body, hijacking your downtime and robbing you of true rest. Learn the hidden ways your nervous system stays on call even when the day is done. Discover why task completion isn't enough—and how emotional residue, mental rehearsal, and hyper-responsibility keep you tethered to work. Explore a practical, gentle system to finally feel off duty—without needing more discipline or rigid routines. Listen now to reclaim your evenings and weekends with a powerful yet simple shift that frees your body and mind from the invisible weight of always being "on." 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.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2903: Sharon Martin explores the unique experiences of highly sensitive people (HSPs), individuals who feel emotions and sensory input more intensely than most. By identifying common traits like emotional depth, empathy, overstimulation, and perfectionism, she offers both validation and practical strategies for HSPs to navigate life with more self-compassion and balance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/are-you-highly-sensitive-person/ Quotes to ponder: "Due to your heightened sensitivity to everything and everyone, it makes sense that you need time alone to replenish your energy." "Be careful not to over-schedule yourself and take on too many activities and commitments." "Give yourself the same love and kindness that you extend to others."

Welcome to episode 2 of Reclaim Your Calm! This is a 5-episode podcast mini-course for HSPs who are ready to quiet the mental spirals, interrupt unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with their calm. Each episode combines mindset work with gentle nervous system support so you can stop spiraling and start feeling more grounded. Through real talk, guided reflections, and somatic tools, you'll learn to rewrite the stories that keep you stuck and come back to yourself, one breath at a time.In this episode:Your body listens to your thoughts and often responds with stress. In this episode, we explore how your nervous system is impacted by your inner dialogue and practice a simple grounding technique to help you return to calm.Becoming You is a gentle, transformational mentorship for highly sensitive people who are ready to stop fixing themselves and start coming home to who they already are. Through deep support, subconscious healing, and nervous-system-aware guidance, this work helps you release old patterns and reconnect with your truest self. Learn more & apply nowLeave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!Join our HSP Community– free private online group & live monthly meetings ($25/month for live meetings)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your SensitivityBecome a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalleIf you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email lauren@laurenlasalle.com (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/program/ Are You Managing Your Relationship More Than You're Experiencing It? If love often feels like a full-time job instead of a safe, nourishing space—and you find yourself constantly anticipating your partner's moods, hiding your own needs, or feeling emotionally wiped out—this episode was made for you. Even healthy relationships can be overstimulating for highly sensitive people. In this episode, you'll uncover the hidden emotional burdens HSPs often carry in love—and how those invisible stressors quietly drain your energy, create imbalance, and lead to self-abandonment. Here's what you'll gain from tuning in: A deeper understanding of why love feels overwhelming—and how to ease that tension without losing connection. Specific mindset shifts that help you stop absorbing your partner's emotions and start honoring your own. Practical tools to stop managing the relationship and start actually experiencing it with presence and ease. Press play now to discover how to stay connected in love without abandoning yourself in the process. 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 a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Why Do You Still Feel "On" After Work Hours — Even When You're Off the Clock? Ever shut your laptop at the end of the day, only to find your mind still racing and your body still bracing? For highly sensitive people, the workday often lingers long past its scheduled end. In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, you'll discover why your nervous system might still be "on duty" — even when your calendar says you're done. If you're an HSP who struggles to truly feel off-duty, this episode offers an eye-opening look at the unseen ways responsibility lives in your body and how to finally set it down. Listen to learn: Why HSPs don't just manage tasks — they carry emotional residue, even after hours The subtle but powerful signals your body sends when work hasn't truly ended A sustainable approach to off-time that doesn't rely on more discipline or new habits Press play to discover how to create real closure at the end of your workday — and finally give your body permission to exhale.   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.

Season 2.0 of the Not Too Sensitive Podcast is officially here, and Alissa is back after a much-needed break with a renewed vision for the show.In this episode, Alissa shares what shifted during her time away. Then from there, the conversation turns to one of the most common (and painful) patterns Highly Sensitive People experience in relationships: betraying themselves in order to keep the peace.Alissa breaks down how people-pleasing, over-giving, and self-silencing often stem from low self-worth and abandonment wounds, and why relationships that require you to abandon yourself were never sustainable to begin with. This episode is an honest invitation to take ownership of your role in relationship dynamics and to step fully into the version of yourself who no longer self-abandons for approval or safety.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Alissa took a break and what inspired Season 2.0 of the podcastHow living as your future self changes what you attract and tolerateThe subtle ways HSPs betray themselves to avoid conflict or abandonmentWhy low self-worth fuels people-pleasing and over-giving patternsWhat it means to “teach people how to treat you” (without self-blame)Why some relationships fall apart when you stop self-abandoningHow choosing yourself becomes less painful than staying silentWhat reciprocal, aligned relationships actually require from youFollow Alissa on Substack: https://substack.com/@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!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Are you somebody who needs ample time alone? Time alone in your own house? But you judge yourself for having this need?Are you somebody who can feel or sense when somebody else is present in the home, even if they're not making any sound? And even though you love "your people" this takes a toll on you?In this episode I talk about giving yourself permission to tend to your own needs by giving yourself alone time. Or permission to give yourself the spaciousness or the rest that you require in order for you to process inwardly and thrive in the season of your life.This is particularly relevant, I find, for HSPs, neurodivergent folks, strong introverts, people who identify as empaths, or deep processors and big feelers.And when the world is screaming for your attention, and everything feels urgent, this need for alone time or inward listening and processing becomes even more critical.You can give yourself permission to respect and trust this aspect of your wiring. And even if circumstances are less than ideal, you can get creative about meeting this need.Letting go of judgment and honouring your wiring in this way will help you feel healthier and happier which will then benefit every other area of your life. AND it will allow you to more effectively use your voice or areas of strength/gifting to advocate for the world you want to live in.ResourcesLearn to trust your creative process or your pace: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/trust-yourself-and-your-unique-creative-process/Free for the month of February - The Make Space for Joy Workshop: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/joy-workshop/

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/relationship-reset/ Are You Losing Yourself While Trying to Be a Loving Partner? If you're a highly sensitive person, supporting your partner emotionally can sometimes mean losing touch with your own center. This episode explores why loving too much can lead to emotional burnout—and how to stay grounded while still being deeply caring. What you'll gain from this episode: How to recognize when you've crossed the line from support into over-responsibility Why emotional merging may feel like connection but often leads to overwhelm A simple yet powerful practice to stay rooted in your own energy during emotionally intense moments Listen now to learn how to care deeply without carrying what's not yours—so you can love fully and freely without losing yourself.   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.

Welcome to episode 1 of Reclaim Your Calm! This is a 5-episode podcast mini-course for HSPs who are ready to quiet the mental spirals, interrupt unhelpful thoughts, and reconnect with their calm. Each episode combines mindset work with gentle nervous system support so you can stop spiraling and start feeling more grounded. Through real talk, guided reflections, and somatic tools, you'll learn to rewrite the stories that keep you stuck and come back to yourself, one breath at a time.In this episode:Learn how the unkind thoughts running through your mind aren't facts, they're stories you've picked up over time. This episode helps you identify the narratives keeping you stuck and begin shifting toward more supportive self-talk.Becoming You is a 1:1-centered healing mentorship for highly sensitive people who want lasting inner change. This work blends deep emotional support, subconscious belief clearing, and gentle integration—so healing doesn't just make sense, it actually sticks. Learn more & apply nowLeave a voice memo (a story, a question, a helpful tip, etc.) to be played in a future episode!Join our HSP Community– free private online group & live monthly meetings ($25/month for live meetings)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Lauren's email list to access her free mini-course, Embracing Your SensitivityBecome a Patreon subscriber for bonuses and to help support the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iamlaurenlasalleIf you have ideas for episode topics, questions for Lauren to answer on the podcast, or if you would like to write an email sharing your story for Lauren to read on the podcast, email lauren@laurenlasalle.com (email title: For Podcast).You can find out more about Lauren's programs and links to her social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠laurenlasalle.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are your most heartfelt conversations with your partner falling flat — even when you say all the right things? When you're a highly sensitive person, emotional connection can feel more like a minefield than a bridge. This episode unpacks why communication that looks good on the surface can quietly erode intimacy, and what to do instead. In this episode, you'll discover: Why emotional connection is built on presence, not perfect phrasing — and how to lead with authenticity. Subtle habits that may be weakening your relationships, even when your intentions are loving. Three practical strategies to deepen closeness with your partner — no fixing, coaching, or changing them required. Tune in now to learn how to build real connection through emotional clarity, grounded presence, and heartfelt honesty — even in your most vulnerable moments. 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 a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/program/ Are you craving a deeper emotional connection but constantly feeling unseen—even in a loving relationship? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), your longing for emotional depth isn't just valid—it's how you're wired. This episode sheds light on why that craving can feel unmet, even in seemingly "good" relationships, and what to do about it. In this episode, you'll discover: Why HSPs often feel emotionally underfed in relationships, even with kind, supportive partners The hidden emotional patterns—like people-pleasing and emotional over-responsibility—that quietly block intimacy How to reclaim your emotional truth and invite deeper connection without needing your partner to change Listen now to understand how to stop shrinking, over-functioning, or second-guessing your needs—and start creating the emotional closeness you deserve.   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 live with a chronic illness? In this episode, I talk with Nadine Pinede about softening into compassion and:  • Adjusting to a diagnosis of chronic illness as a highly sensitive person  • Listening to the body's signals with curiosity instead of frustration  • Learning to pace yourself and find community to live more sustainably • Finding the wisdom and resilience in health challenges  Nadine Pinede is the daughter of Haitian exiles, an award-winning author and poet, and a mindful self-compassion guide whose work explores healing and belonging through story and nature. A Rhodes Scholar and lifelong creative, she teaches others how to reconnect with the natural world as founder of “Coming to Our Senses” retreat in Arles, which was inspired by her recent diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Her debut novel When the Mapou Sings was named an Américas Award Honor Book. Her forthcoming publications are the anthology Earth is a Living Thing: Black Poets and the Natural World, Uprooted: A Journey in Poems, and Soundwalker: A True Story of Making Music with Nature. Keep in touch with Nadine: • Website: https://nadinepinede.com/  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadinepinede  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadinepinede  Resources Mentioned: • Coming to Our Senses Retreat: https://www.comingtooursensesretreat.com • When the Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781536235661  • Uprooted: A Journey in Poems: https://www.terranovapress.com/books/uprooted   • Self-Compassion Break: https://self-compassion.org/practices/general-self-compassion-break-2  • EDS Society: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com  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.

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are you craving deeper connection in your relationship—but feel stuck waiting for your partner to change? If you've ever felt emotionally distant from your partner and wondered why your efforts to fix things keep falling flat, this episode is for you. Especially around tender moments like Valentine's Day, highly sensitive people can feel the ache of disconnection more intensely. But what if the answer isn't changing the relationship, but transforming how you relate to yourself? In this episode, you'll discover: Why trying to "fix" your partner can actually drive more distance between you. The hidden belief that keeps HSPs dependent on their partner for emotional depth—and how to break free from it. How doing your own inner work can lead to more authentic closeness, even if your partner isn't on the same journey. Tune in now to experience how connection becomes possible—not by changing them, but by reconnecting with 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.

Build an emotional buffer between criticism and collapse. Get the Emotional Buffer Builder: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/emotional-buffer/   How Do You Stop Taking Criticism Personally—Even When It Is Personal? If you've ever replayed a single comment in your head for hours, wondering why it hurt so much, you're not alone—and this episode is for you. As a highly sensitive person, the sting of judgment can feel overwhelming, even when you know it shouldn't get to you. But telling yourself to "just get over it" often does more harm than good. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "don't take it personally" backfires when the criticism is real. How to stop emotionally abandoning yourself just to stay composed. The secret to creating internal space between a hurtful comment and your response—so you don't spiral. Press play to build your emotional buffer and stay grounded the next time someone's words cut deep. 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 a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ If you've ever been told you're "too sensitive," "too slow to decide," or that you "read too much into things," this episode will feel like coming home. Discover how one of the most powerful traits of highly sensitive people — depth of processing — is not a flaw, but a form of inner wisdom that can transform the way you engage with life. In this episode, you'll uncover: How to recognize depth of processing in your everyday thoughts, decisions, and relationships Why this trait is often misunderstood as overthinking or indecision — and how to tell the difference Practical ways to stop apologizing for your sensitivity and start honoring your thoughtful pace Listen now to discover how your deepest trait is actually your greatest strength. 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 making space for grief? In this episode, I talk with Angelique Foye-Fletcher, LMFT, RPT about the quiet ache of grief and:  • The many places grief shows up throughout your life • How to welcome in joy and play during times of grief • What to say and do to support others who are grieving   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: • Joy Revenge book list: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/new-page  • Parent/Caregiver Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/parentcaregiver-support-coaching  • Reconnect + Rejuvenate Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/coachingtherapy-packages • Crying at H Mart by Michelle Zauner: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781984898951Thanks 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.

Join me in this episode of SelfKind, a podcast for Highly Sensitive People, to hear 5 things the you are or love a highly sensitive person and want to understand yourself/them more clearly, I'm sharing 5 things to know about the inner experience of a HSP.In this episode of SelfKind, a podcast for highly sensitive people (HSPs), I'm sharing five things HSPs experience that you might want to know if you are or love a HSP. Listen in and see how many you relate to yourself ... or tune in to understand your loved one more clearly. You'll hear why patience and clear communication are key and hopefully understand why we need so much down time. These five key insights can help you find more compassion for yourself or the HSP you love. About your host, Erica WebbErica Webb is a registered counsellor, somatic exercise coach, yoga teacher and highly sensitive person (also diagnosed AuDHD). She supports other highly sensitive and neurodivergent people to discover their sensitivity superpowers and more confidently navigate the tricky bits of being a sensitive person in an often insensitive world.About the Podcast, SelfKindSelfKind is for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) who want to navigate the tricky bits of their sensitivity with more ease while finding their sensitivity superpowers. Here, we're all about being, living and moving through a lens of self-compassion and kindness.