Podcasts about Hsps

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by loud noises, big crowds, or other people's negative energy? You aren't fragile—you might just be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this episode of the Makes Sense podcast, Dr. JC Doornick breaks down the life-changing insights from Elaine Aron's ground-breaking book, The Highly Sensitive Person. Learn how to stop treating your deep feelings as a flaw and start using them as your greatest emotional asset. Discover simple, daily habits to protect your energy, master your mind, reduce stress, and thrive in a world that never stops shouting. It is time to embrace who you are and turn your sensitivity into a superpower. #HighlySensitivePerson #HSP #Empath #PersonalGrowth #MakesSensePodcast   Contact Elaine Aron: Website: https://hsperson.com Books: https://amzn.to/4fHFvWq   Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ► Substack: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook:  / makessensepodcast ►YouTube:  / drjcdoornick     MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is subjective and an acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Blue Blinds Bakery - Hand Crafted with all natural ingredients - www.blueblindsbakery.com     0:00 - Intro 1:12 - What I like about Elaine Aron 3:40 - What's It like to be Elaine Aron these Days 5:27 - My HSP Discovery as a child 6:32 - Processing is the most important part of Sensitivity, not 8:16 - What are the clearest signs that somebody might be an HSP? 11:11 - What's the difference between an HSP and being Fragile? 13:10 - What's happening Neurologically inside an HSP Mind? 16:10 - What was the original idea for this book's name? 18:14 - What strengths do HSPs possess that others might not 24:35 - New Book - Spirituality through the HSP Lens 26:03 - Makes Sense Glasses with No Lenses 29:35 - Enlightenment is happening 39:16 - How does Elaine Aron handle adversity in the real world 44:14 - The Bouncing of the Ball 45:29 - How would you define Spirituality 49:05 - What would you say to that person that just found out they are an HSP 53:05 - What gives you the greatest Sense of Hope About Humanity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For HSPs navigating a world that wasn't built for them, the default can become: everything is hard, no one understands, and discomfort is a signal to retreat.In this solo episode, Alissa challenges that frame directly. She shares how her life experience has shaped her view of challenges.So even with the newest challenge life is giving her, to raise her daughter Blaine through a Type 1 diabetes and celiac diagnosis, she knows this discomfort is not something to escape but the exact thing that is building her confidence that she can handle the life she wants.In this episode, you'll learn:Why expanding your tolerance for discomfort is the foundation of feeling steady and unbothered in your daily lifeHow resilience shows up as curiosity about what a triggering moment is pointing toThe cost of living as the "effect" of everything around youWhy being an open-hearted, sensitive person in a non-sensitive world is something to own, not apologize forHow every trigger and insecurity that surfaces is an invitation to strengthen something within yourselfUncover 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 lose yourself caring for others? In this episode, I talk with Kirsten Davidson, RP about being mindful about self-abandonment and:Understanding the distinction between caretaking from a place of empathy and people pleasing from a place of fear of abandonmentConnecting with all the parts of yourself to heal and guide you in times of insecurityHow to decipher the roots of your anxious experiencesKirsten is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Founder of Mind The Gaps Psychotherapy, where she supports adults, couples, and families in moving through disconnection, emotional overwhelm, and stuck patterns toward more self-led, connected ways of being. Her work is grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and existential approaches, helping clients explore what lies beneath their patterns with curiosity and compassion. Beyond the therapy room, she contributes to broader mental health conversations through public speaking and her writing for Psychology Today, where she explores relationships, identity, and personal growth.Keep in touch with Kirsten:Website: https://mindthegaps.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsten.davidsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-davidson-662742177Resources Mentioned:Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/kirsten-davidsonInternal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.comFor more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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.  

When clutter piles up in our homes, it's not just “stuff” for many of us who are Highly Sensitive Persons. We can experience it as visual noise, decision fatigue, emotional stories, sensory input, and shame. So much shame. In this episode, my dear friend and co-author Kathi Lipp and I explore why everyday home management can feel uniquely overwhelming for HSPs … and how we can learn to respond with practical compassion instead of all-or-nothing thinking. You'll learn why tidying up a space can help your nervous system exhale, why systems often collapse when life happens, and how to create a simple “stabilizing day” rather than trying to catch up on everything at once Kathi also shares three small re-entry steps for those moments when home feels overwhelming. This episode is a gentle invitation to stop asking, “Why can't I keep up?” and start asking, “What might help my HSP nervous system take the next small step?” Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - When clutter piles up in our homes(00:01:17) - Grit and Grace: Highly Sensitive Christian Women(00:03:49) - What is HSP?(00:04:50) - The Special Challenges of Being a Highly Sensitive Person(00:09:25) - Why is clutter more detrimental to HSPs than to the rest(00:11:52) - What to Do When Things Fall Apart in the Household?(00:18:00) - Why Does a Clean House Feel So Peaceful? But(00:21:26) - Fooled by Nature: The Go-Go, Do-(00:23:46) - Kathy Lips: Clutter Free Academy(00:24:58) - Grit and Grace: The Sensitive and Strong Community

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Are you constantly overwhelmed, mentally "on," and exhausted from trying to juggle too many things as a highly sensitive person? Many highly sensitive people are taught to push through overload, multitask endlessly, and stay productive at all costs — but that constant switching and pressure quietly drains the nervous system. In this episode, we explore why simplifying your schedule and creating stronger boundaries can completely change the way you experience work, stress, and life. Discover why doing too many different kinds of tasks creates hidden burnout for highly sensitive people Learn how "containment" and clear work boundaries can help your nervous system finally relax Hear the real-life changes that happened when simplifying work created more energy, hobbies, peace, and freedom Press play now to learn how simplifying your life and reducing mental overload can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more deeply connected to yourself again.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Highly sensitive nervous systems take in far more than a fair share, and overwhelm slowly becomes a groove we practice until it feels like who we are. I keep coming back to one idea: overwhelm is an invitation, and every invitation can be declined. The moment we stop treating ourselves as overwhelm's victim, simple affirmations can reprogram those old patterns and return us to the peace that is our birthright. Resources: - Work with Me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching - Join the Patreon Community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/emotionalbadass⁠ - 30 Days to Peace Course: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/peace CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - The Book by Book Club: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/bookclub - Intro To Boundaries https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/intro - The Yearly Boundaries Intensive https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/Boundaries - Mapping your Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Workshop https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/workshops CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - Get the Patternscapes Wellness Deck ⁠https://www.getpatternscapes.com - Download the FREE Morning Routine PDF ⁠https://www.emotionalbadass.com/morning - Join our newsletter https://www.emotionalbadass.com/newsletter - Check out our Guided Meditations https://www.emotionalbadass.com/store/meditations Follow us on Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emotionalbadass IG: https://www.instagram.com/emotional.badass FB: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalbadass TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotionalbadass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you exhausting yourself trying to feel okay all the time? If you're a highly sensitive person, emotional awareness can quietly turn into emotional management. Instead of simply experiencing your feelings, you may find yourself constantly monitoring, adjusting, and trying to maintain happiness — creating pressure that never fully lets you rest. Understand why trying to optimize happiness can actually increase emotional exhaustion Learn how self-awareness subtly becomes self-monitoring and inner pressure Discover a healthier way to relate to emotional ups and downs without constantly trying to fix yourself Press play now to discover how releasing the pressure to feel good can create more ease, freedom, and emotional peace in your daily life.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Do you ever feel like you're carrying emotional weight that nobody else even seems to notice? As a highly sensitive person, you naturally pick up on unspoken tension, emotional shifts, and subtle signals others miss. But when no one else acknowledges what you're sensing, it's easy to wonder if you're "too sensitive" or if you should be doing something to fix it. This episode helps you understand why empathy can feel so overwhelming — and how to stop turning awareness into emotional responsibility. Discover why highly sensitive people often feel alone in what they notice Learn the hidden value your empathy brings to relationships, groups, and environments Understand the critical difference between awareness and responsibility so you can stop emotionally over-carrying Listen now to learn how to honor your empathy without absorbing emotional burdens that were never yours to carry.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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 revisits one of the most important distinctions for highly sensitive people: the difference between caring about someone and carrying their experience as your own. Using real examples from clients and her own life, she unpacks why the impulse to manage other people's emotions is actually anxiety disguised as empathy.For HSPs who grew up as the peacekeeper, the fixer, or the emotionally responsible one, this pattern runs deep. The discomfort of watching someone be disappointed, frustrated, or hurt can feel so unbearable that smoothing it over becomes automatic. But Alissa names what that actually costs: your steadiness, your self-worth, and your ability to show up with any real integrity.You'll Learn:Why the urge to smooth things over or manage someone's reaction often comes from your own discomfort, not from genuine careThe difference between high self-worth and self-abandonment when someone pushes back on a boundary you've setHow HSPs who grew up as caretakers or peacekeepers learned to tie their sense of safety to other people's emotional statesWhat it looks like to let someone have a hard feeling without making yourself responsible for changing itWhy allowing people the dignity of their own experience is an act of respect, not indifferenceUncover 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

Send us a message!My guest today is Niki Mathias.Niki is an author who is helping the world better understand what it means to be a highly sensitive person.  Her upcoming book, Derby and the Dandelions, explores this through the unique lens of a teenage girl and her best friends.I'm very excited to share this conversation because I learned so much from talking with Niki.  Her stories and sharing come from firsthand experience and hard-earned wisdom.  She shared the framework of understanding people's nervous system processing as Dandelions, Tulips, and Orchids.  If you have never heard these terms in relation to Highly Sensitive Persons, you are in for an enlightening listen.Niki's book is in the publishing process so we don't know exactly when it will be available, but believe me, you'll want to pre-order it!Niki, thank you so much for sharing these pieces of your story, journey, and wisdom!  I'm so grateful to be connected with you and seriously can't wait to read your book!Find more about Niki and her work:  https://nikimathias.com/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

Get the Relationship Reset Guide: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/relationship-reset/ Are you unknowingly turning small misunderstandings into emotional battles by trying to fix your partner's reactions? For highly sensitive people, even tiny moments of tension can feel emotionally overwhelming. When someone sounds irritated or misunderstood, your nervous system may immediately push you to explain yourself, defend your intentions, or restore harmony. But instead of creating connection, this often pulls you deeper into conflict, emotional exhaustion, and self-doubt. In this episode, you'll discover: Why HSPs instinctively absorb other people's emotional reactions How the urge to explain and defend yourself escalates relationship tension A healthier way to stay grounded, peaceful, and connected without taking responsibility for someone else's emotions Listen now to learn how to stop absorbing emotional tension, stay centered during conflict, and experience more freedom and peace in your relationships.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Why do some highly sensitive people grow while others stay stuck for years? After two decades of holding space, I've come to see that readiness matters more than suffering. So many of us have read every book and saved every post, yet our nervous systems never got the memo, because information is not transformation. We explore emotional strength training and choosing becoming over appearing, so you can land the plane you keep circling. Work with me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why does asking for what you want feel so emotionally overwhelming as a highly sensitive person? If you constantly replay conversations in your head, worry about how your requests will affect others, or hesitate to speak up because you want everything to go "perfectly," this episode will help you understand why. As an HSP, your depth of processing makes you naturally aware of emotional implications — but when stress and fear get layered on top, it can turn thoughtful reflection into exhausting overthinking. In this episode, you'll learn: Why asking for what you want feels heavier and more emotionally loaded as an HSP The difference between healthy depth of processing and fear-based overthinking How to stop trying to control every outcome so you can communicate with more clarity and confidence Listen now to discover how to ask for what you want without getting trapped in stress, self-doubt, or endless overthinking.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

215  If you've put real effort into improving your relationship…Like,  tried communication tools, or mindset work, nervous system regulation, self-worth healing, or attachment work—or all of the above—and still find yourself feeling stuck in the same emotional patterns…this episode will likely land deeply.In the previous two episodes, we explored Emotional Agency and how your inner world shapes the way you experience love and connection as an HSP.Today, we go deeper into what actually makes relationship change hold.Because while most relationship advice focuses on what happens between partners, real change starts inside you.  And even approaches that focus on healing your inner world are often incomplete—working with only one layer of the system while leaving the others untouched.So the missing piece to transforming your relationship as an HSP isn't more effort, or better communication, or even more self-work in isolation.It's understanding that your emotional well-being is a system, and learning to work with the 3 layers of that system in an integrated way.In this episode, we explore:• Why traditional relationship advice often doesn't create lasting change for HSPs • Why mindset work alone isn't enough • Why nervous system work alone isn't enough • Why self-worth and self-compassion work alone isn't enough • How your nervous system, thoughts, and sense of self-worth constantly interact • Why working with all three is what actually creates lasting emotional and relational changeAnd perhaps most importantly, if you've been wondering, "Why does it feel like I've worked so hard and our relationship still isn't where I want it to be?"...This compassionate, clarifying, relieving episode will finally give you the answer.And it will also show you the path forward to create real relationship change that lasts.SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Why does everything suddenly feel harder the moment someone is watching you — even when you already know exactly what you're doing? For highly sensitive people, performance pressure isn't just "nerves." Your system is processing the task, the social environment, possible judgment, and your own self-awareness all at once. This episode explains why being observed can feel so overwhelming and how that pressure quietly affects your confidence, visibility, and ability to fully show up. Understand what's actually happening in your nervous system when you feel watched or evaluated Learn how HSP traits like depth of processing and social sensitivity amplify pressure in real time Discover a more compassionate, grounded way to respond without forcing yourself to "just relax" Listen now to finally understand why performance pressure affects you so deeply — and how to work with your sensitivity instead of fighting against it.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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 explores one of the most deeply ingrained patterns she sees in highly sensitive people: the belief that having needs makes you a burden.For HSPs, this is a story that gets built early, when your emotional reactions were “too big”, when your needs felt different from everyone else's, and when the people around you responded with frustration instead of understanding. That story then follows you into adulthood, into relationships, and even into restaurants where you over-apologize to the waitress for ordering plain chicken.You'll Learn:Why HSPs are especially vulnerable to good girl conditioning and how it shows up in relationships, work, and healthWays you may be getting something out of being the over-apologizing, people pleaser that ends up keeping you stuck. How your triggers in moments of self-advocacy are actually your best opportunities to build self-worthWhat it means to expand your tolerance for discomfort so other people's reactions stop running the showWhy letting people help you, and asking for what you need, is a signal of openness, not weaknessUncover 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 hiding from your emotions? In this episode, I talk with Federica Torri about giving yourself permission to feel and:Embracing your sensitivity and understanding the deeper role of the traitWhy it's important to freely express yourself and how to find your way back to your inner worldHow to let go of the “shoulds” and be more of your authentic selfFederica is a high sensation seeking HSP who has struggled her whole life with the feeling of not belonging, and always feeling "too much". Originally from Italy where she trained as a PhD biotech neuroscientist, Federica moved to the US to embark in a 10+ year career in software biotech where she experienced a deep burnout. After an endometriosis diagnosis she pivoted her career towards women's health patient advocacy and coaching, to then a Trauma Informed Yoga teacher and Reiki Practitioner. Federica founded Tender Flower Yoga in 2024 as a sanctuary for sensitive hearts to find a place to rest in Gentle Yoga, Healing Mudras, and Yoga Nidra. People say she has the gift to tuck people in, and make them feel welcome and cared for.   Keep in touch with Federica:Website: www.tenderfloweryoga.comThe Sovereign Sensitive Blueprint: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/blueprintMiniBloom Kit: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/get-minibloomkitInner Bloom Circle mailing list: www.tenderfloweryoga.com/inner-bloom-circle-signupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenderfloweryogaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenderFlowerYogaResources Mentioned:Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Olga Mecking: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780358395317For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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.  

Bring more joy and less pressure into what you create. Grab The Joy vs. Pressure Clarity Guide: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/joy-pressure/ Have the things you care about most started feeling more exhausting than fulfilling? As a highly sensitive person, your deepest joy often comes from meaningful work, creative pursuits, personal growth, and making a difference. But over time, those same things can become weighed down by perfectionism, pressure, and the fear of not being good enough. What once energized you can slowly start draining you leaving you wondering why something you love suddenly feels so heavy. In this episode, you'll discover: Why highly sensitive people naturally turn meaningful pursuits into high-pressure situations without realizing it How perfectionism and fear quietly replace joy, creativity, and inspiration A practical way to reconnect with the curiosity, freedom, and aliveness that make meaningful work feel nourishing again   Listen now to learn how to release the pressure that's stealing your joy and return to a more creative, inspired, and fulfilling way of living, working, and contributing.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Highly sensitive people often experience anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system fatigue because they absorb more from their environments than they realize. When emotional regulation becomes difficult, it's often not because you're "too sensitive"—it's because your nervous system has been carrying more than it was meant to carry.In this guided practice episode, we move beyond understanding emotional absorption and into experiencing what it feels like to come back to yourself. Together, we'll explore a simple nervous system reset designed to help you release emotional weight, reconnect with your own experience, and create space between caring for others and carrying everything for them.You'll learn: • the difference between caring and carrying • a simple nervous system practice for returning to yourself • how to stay connected without taking responsibility for everything around youIf your nervous system has been carrying a lot lately, you may enjoy these companion Yoga Nidra practices on Insight Timer:Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset & Deep Rest: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-nervous-system-reset-deep-rest_1Yoga Nidra for Burnout Recovery: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-highly-sensitive-people-burnout-recoveryAnd if anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or absorbing other people's emotions has become a recurring pattern for you, my short course Anxiety Relief: Training Your Nervous System for Safety offers simple, practical tools to help your body feel steadier in emotional environments: https://yogiranger.com/anxiety-relief-courseNew 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

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  What if emotional exhaustion isn't caused by doing too much — but by emotions that never fully processed? If you're a highly sensitive person who keeps pushing through disappointment, stress, or emotional pain without truly addressing it, those unresolved feelings may be quietly draining your energy, creativity, and peace of mind without you even realizing it. Understand why emotions continue affecting you long after a stressful moment has passed Learn the hidden ways emotional residue builds into exhaustion and burnout Discover a compassionate process for finally releasing emotions instead of suppressing them Press play to learn how to stop carrying emotional residue and start reclaiming the energy, clarity, and inner freedom you've been missing. Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Let your workday come to a clear end. Grab The Work-Life Boundary Reset: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/work-life-boundary-reset/ Why does part of you still feel "at work" long after the workday is over? Many highly sensitive people try to create better work-life balance by setting boundaries and ending work on time — yet their nervous system still stays engaged hours later. Even when the laptop is closed, unfinished conversations, decisions, and mental "open loops" continue running in the background, making it difficult to truly rest, relax, or feel off duty. In this episode, you'll discover: Why forcing yourself to "stop thinking about work" usually makes the problem worse What's actually happening in your nervous system when work still feels mentally active after hours A simple way to close mental open loops so you can finally feel more present, calm, and restored after your workday ends Press play now to learn how to create a real sense of closure at the end of your workday so your mind and body can finally let go and recharge.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  What if the real problem isn't your sensitivity—but the culture you've been trying to fit into? If you've ever felt "too sensitive," misunderstood, or out of place in a fast-paced, tough-minded world, this episode will hit home. Many highly sensitive people end up questioning themselves—not because something is wrong with them, but because they've been shaped by environments that don't value depth, emotional awareness, or thoughtful pacing. This episode explores how that disconnect forms—and why it keeps you stuck seeking validation outside yourself. Understand why your sensitivity feels like a weakness in some environments—and why that belief isn't actually true Learn what your mind does when you don't feel seen or valued, and how it creates self-doubt and dependence on others Discover the powerful internal shift that allows you to feel grounded, confident, and at peace—no matter the culture you're in Press play now to stop outsourcing your self-worth and start experiencing the freedom of fully owning who you are.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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 shares a deeply personal update about her daughter's new celiac disease diagnosis and what it revealed about the way life equips you long before you understand why.Years of navigating her own severe digestive issues, strict diets, and the emotional weight of feeling different gave Alissa a toolkit she never expected to need for her child. She connects that thread to the broader truth about how sensitivity, struggle, and the discomfort of being "too much" are never wasted.You'll Learn:The difference between riding the wave of hard emotions and getting stuck in "why is this happening to me" energyHow confidence is built through withstanding discomfort A Not Too Sensitive Club member's story of staying steady in the face of someone else's judgmentThe shift from living as the effect of your environment to sourcing your own steadiness: 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

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/ Why does your to-do list feel overwhelming… even when there's barely anything on it? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably felt that moment where a simple list suddenly turns into pressure, urgency, and mental overload. It's not just about having too much to do—it's about how your mind processes responsibility, meaning, and doing things well. This episode breaks down what's actually happening in real time when overwhelm hits, and why trying harder often makes it worse. Understand why urgency—not workload—is the real trigger behind your overwhelm Learn what your mind is doing that turns simple tasks into pressure and paralysis Discover a powerful shift that helps you regain clarity, space, and calm without forcing productivity Press play now to finally understand your overwhelm and start experiencing more clarity, space, and ease in your day.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ What if the reason your trauma isn't healing… is because you're trying too hard to fix it? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably felt the frustration of trying to "work through" something emotional—only to feel more stuck, overwhelmed, or shut down. This episode speaks directly to that experience. It challenges the common belief that healing comes from effort, logic, or pushing forward—and instead reveals why those approaches often backfire, especially for sensitive nervous systems. Understand why pushing through trauma can actually make it more resistant and harder to heal Discover why emotional experiences feel so much more intense as a highly sensitive person—and what that really means Learn a completely different, gentler approach that allows healing to unfold naturally without force or pressure Press play now to discover the counterintuitive shift that can finally help your emotional healing move forward—without force, struggle, or burnout. Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

214 If you've ever felt unloved, unseen, or emotionally unmet in your relationship…even while knowing your partner probably does care about you… this episode is a must listen.In the last episode, we talked about emotional agency and the 3 core layers that shape emotional well-being for highly sensitive people. In this episode, we dive much deeper into one of those layers, which tends to be one of the biggest hidden struggles I see highly sensitive people carry into relationships without even realizing it:The painful self-worth patterns and deeper “heart wound” that sit beneath feeling unloved.This is a conversation that Todd Smith, from the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People Podcast, and I recorded for his podcast, and I decided to share it here because it's such a deep, compassionate, validating, and hopeful conversation.In it we explore:why HSPs can feel unloved even when they have a good partner who does really love themThe "heart wound", and something I call “care distortion”, and how they affect a marriagehow childhood conditioning and being told you're “too sensitive” impacts self-worthwhy reassurance from your partner never fully resolves the deeper painhow emotional patterns, thoughts, and the nervous system all work together to help you feel loved or unlovedhow to begin building a more secure, loving relationship with yourself And how that finally opens the door to you feeling the deep love in your relationship you've always wanted to feelI think a lot of you are going to feel deeply seen in this episode.And even more importantly, you will leave feeling hopeful — because these patterns are not permanent, and healing them is not just absolutely possible, but something you can totally excel at as an HSP with the right support. Tune in!SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

When their emotions rise, return to your side of the street. Get the Relationship Reset Guide: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/relationship-reset/ Have you ever felt responsible for calming your partner's anger—without even realizing you were doing it? If you're a highly sensitive person, emotional tension—especially anger—can feel overwhelming fast. Your system is wired to detect subtle shifts, and before you know it, you're adjusting, softening, or trying to "fix" the situation just to restore peace. But what if this automatic response is actually draining you and pulling you away from yourself? In this episode, you'll discover why your nervous system instinctively tries to manage anger and what it's really trying to protect you from. You'll learn how taking responsibility for someone else's emotions happens so subtly that you don't even notice it. You'll begin to see what changes when you allow yourself to stay present without needing to control or calm the situation. Press play now to learn how to stay grounded in yourself—even when emotions around you start to rise.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Alissa opens up about the very challenging season of life her and her family have recently been thrust into. Her three year old daughter Blaine was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and navigating it has revealed so much about the power of sensitivity, the discipline of steadiness, and the choice to see growth inside the pain.In this episode:How Alissa's sensitivity helped her catch her daughter's diabetes earlyThe practice of being steady and grounded for your child while separately making space to feel everything, cry, and lean on people who can hold itWhy the adjustment period after a life disruption often means you stop caring for yourself first, and how to return to yourself.The shift from "this isn't fair" to "I was given this because I can carry it."How Alissa's faith has been an anchor for her through this experience.The Not Too Sensitive Club protocol reframes challenges as expansions.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

Was school overwhelming for you? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kaaryn Cater about the impact of the classroom environment on a highly sensitive student and:  • How teachers and parents can support highly sensitive students to thrive and feel less overwhelmed• What highly sensitive teachers can do to manage the sensory overwhelm and exhaustion from working in schools• What strengths highly sensitive students can embody when offered the right supports such as mindfulness, access to nature, and time for reflectionDr. Cater is an educator, coach, speaker, and researcher with more than 30 years of experience across education, coaching, and professional development. She is the founder of The Mindwise Connection and specialises in supporting highly sensitive children, adolescents, and adults, as well as the people who live, learn, and work alongside them. Her work focuses on sensitivity education, nervous system balance, and helping highly sensitive people use their strengths to thrive in learning, work, and life. Through her coaching and consultancy practice, she offers individual and family coaching, professional development for educators and practitioners, and consultancy for organisations seeking to create more inclusive and responsive environments. Keep in touch with Kaaryn: • Website: https://www.mindwiseconnection.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindwise_connection_nz  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaaryn-cater-phd-b373103b  Resources Mentioned: Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6364-9809  For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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.  

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 3010: Hannah Brooks explores why highly sensitive people can become disproportionately irritated by their partners during stressful or overstimulating periods. By examining the deeper causes behind her frustration, challenging fearful thoughts, and prioritizing self-care, she found her feelings of annoyance replaced by affection and appreciation. Her insights offer a reassuring perspective for sensitive people who worry that temporary irritation means something is wrong in their relationship. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/stopped-annoyance-hurt-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "I reminded myself I am human, and humans feel annoyed around other humans sometimes, no matter who the other person is." “HSPs process stimulation deeply, so ‘little' things that don't bother others can become overwhelmingly stressful or frustrating for us.” “We all prefer to feel calm and at ease, and to genuinely love being with the person we've chosen to spend our life with, and be loved back!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highly sensitive people often experience anxiety and overwhelm after social interactions because their nervous system processes more information during connection. When emotional regulation requires more recovery time, it can feel confusing or discouraging until you understand what your nervous system is actually doing.In this episode, we explore why sensitive nervous systems become tired after conversations, gatherings, and everyday interactions, and why your recovery needs are biological rather than a personal weakness.You'll learn:• why highly sensitive people process social environments more deeply • how sensory load affects nervous system energy • what emotional tracking fatigue is and why it happens • why recovery time supports resilience rather than avoidance• simple ways to help your nervous system restore after connectionIf you'd like support helping your body recover more deeply after social or emotional fatigue, you can explore these free Yoga Nidra practices on Insight Timer:Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset & Deep Rest: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-nervous-system-reset-deep-rest_1Yoga Nidra for Burnout Recovery: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-highly-sensitive-people-burnout-recoveryAnd if anxiety or overwhelm often follows connection, my short course Anxiety Relief: Training Your Nervous System for Safety offers simple step-by-step tools to help your body feel steadier in emotional environments: https://yogiranger.com/anxiety-relief-course New to the podcast? Start here: Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person? Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive People Episode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive People Episode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/ What if your overwhelm isn't coming from too much to do—but from something deeper you're not seeing? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably experienced moments where everything suddenly feels like too much—your to-do list, your relationships, even small decisions. This episode reveals why that happens and why trying to "fix" surface-level problems often doesn't work. Instead of managing the chaos, you'll learn how to identify what's actually driving it beneath the surface. Understand why emotional triggers—not your task list—are often the real source of overwhelm Learn how to quickly regain clarity and calm by addressing the root cause instead of the symptoms Discover a powerful shift that increases your energy, focus, and ability to handle life with ease Press play now to uncover the hidden cause of your overwhelm and finally experience a deeper sense of calm and control in your day.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  What if the real problem isn't your sensitivity—but the story you've been telling yourself about it? If you've ever felt like you're "too much," "too sensitive," or just harder to be than everyone else, this episode will hit home. So many highly sensitive people aren't just dealing with overstimulation—they're carrying the weight of constant self-judgment, second-guessing their needs, and wondering if they're the problem. This episode helps you see what's actually going on beneath that exhausting inner dialogue. Understand why sensitivity often turns into self-judgment—and how that creates unnecessary suffering Learn how to separate your real experience from the shame layered on top of it Discover a more supportive, grounded way to relate to your needs without questioning your worth Press play now to finally stop seeing your sensitivity as a flaw—and start understanding it in a way that changes everything.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

Care without carrying. Grab The Empath Survival Kit: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/empath-survival-kit/ What if the way you experience overwhelm isn't a flaw—but proof that your mind is wired for depth? If you've ever felt like you think too much, feel too deeply, or get overwhelmed faster than others, this episode will hit close to home. In a world that rewards speed and toughness, being highly sensitive can feel like a disadvantage—but what if it's actually your greatest strength? This episode breaks down what's really happening beneath the surface so you can stop questioning yourself and start understanding how you're built to operate. Gain clarity on the key signs that reveal whether you're a highly sensitive person Understand the science behind why you process deeply, feel intensely, and get overwhelmed faster Learn how to work with your sensitivity instead of fighting it so you can feel more balanced and confident Press play now to finally understand your sensitivity and start turning it into one of your greatest advantages.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

This episode is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast, and for good reason!Alissa chats with Matt Landsiedel about the pattern so many empaths know but rarely name: feeling overly responsible for everyone else's energy, emotions, and well-being.Together they unpack the deeper reasons HSPs fall into overfunctioning, where empathy ends and codependency begins, and what it looks like to stop rushing in to save everyone around you.If you missed this one the first time or need the reminder, this is your sign to press play.You'll Learn:Why empaths often carry a sense of responsibility that was never theirs to holdThe subtle difference between deeply feeling someone's pain and making it your job to fix itWhat overfunctioning actually looks like in everyday relationshipsPractical ways to pause before stepping into the "rescuer" roleConnect with Matt:IG: @inspiredtobeauthenticYoutube: Inspired to Be AuthenticUncover 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

Today, Leslie sits down with Pastor Joe Smith, who leads Maison Church in Gainesville, Florida — a progressive, welcoming congregation formed from a merger of two churches. Joe shares his faith deconstruction journey, beginning in the Free Will Baptist tradition, where childhood teachings instilled deep fear of hell and the rapture. He traces his gradual shift away from fundamentalism, sparked by the birth of his daughter in 2002 and questions about gender hierarchy, accelerated by the political climate, and deepened during the COVID-19 shutdown when he had time to deeply study queer inclusion theology through books like Unclobbered and Changing Our Minds. The conversation explores themes of religious trauma, Christian nationalism, HSPs (highly sensitive people) and deconstruction, evolving views on sin and repentance, universalism, and the difference between certainty and faith — with both Leslie and Joe reflecting candidly on their own journeys out of fear-based religion and into a more inclusive, love-centered spirituality. You can find Joe on Instagram! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Pick up Leslie's book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Find your purpose by coming back to what's yours. Grab The Purpose Clarity Filter: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/purpose-clarity-filter/ Why does finding your purpose feel so confusing—even when you're thinking about it all the time? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably spent hours reflecting on your purpose… only to feel more stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure. This episode reveals why that "fog" isn't a lack of direction—but a deeper mix of internal and external influences that are clouding your clarity. Understand the real reason purpose feels so unclear—and why it's not because you're doing it wrong Learn how to separate your true desires from expectations you've absorbed from others Discover a simpler, more natural way to access clarity without overthinking or waiting for certainty Press play now to finally cut through the noise and reconnect with what's truly yours.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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, it is a JOY to have Dr. Elaine Aron, a distinguished author and psychologist known worldwide for her groundbreaking work on highly sensitive individuals. Dr. Aron is here to discuss her latest book, "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment. "In this insightful guide, Dr. Aron provides readers with practical pathways to find peace and equanimity amidst life's chaos. Reflecting on the seeker culture of the 1960s, which sparked a quiet spiritual revolution, she explores how people have achieved profound inner calm in challenging times. Her book is the first to offer an objective overview of meditation methods and enlightenment, incorporating her personal experiences from 55 years of practice and recent brain research insights. With her signature empathy and a keen scientific perspective, Dr. Aron helps both highly sensitive individuals and the broader audience to discover the spirituality that best suits them. This episode promises to open doors to new spiritual paths, encouraging everyone to embark on their unique journey of self-discovery and transformation. Valeria interviews Dr. Elaine Aron  — She is the author of  "Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens: An Objective Look at Meditation Methods and Enlightenment." She is a clinical and research psychologist, the internationally bestselling author of The Highly Sensitive Person, in print for nearly thirty years and translated into 35 languages. In her latest book, Spirituality Through a Highly Sensitive Lens, Dr. Aron aims to helps readers better understand the various types of meditation—mindfulness, TM, Zen, and all the rest--so that they can choose for themselves. She also delves into the solid research that exists regarding enlightenment.  She does not know of any other book that does either of these!  This one does both, She is also the author of The Highly Sensitive Parent, The Highly Sensitive Person Workbook, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, The Highly Sensitive Child, and Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person. Credited with first recognizing high sensitivity as an innate trait and pioneering the study of HSPs since 1990, she maintains a website and newsletter at HSPerson.com. Dr. Aron obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific Graduate Institute and trained at the Jung Institute in San Francisco. She is widely published in academic journals on research regarding both sensory processing sensitivity and, along with her husband, Arthur Aron, the scientific study of close relationships. Learn more about Dr. Elaine Aron and her Spirituality Thru HS Lens!

The word “sensitive” has a lot of baggage. Much of it is negative. We are critical of people who we deem are not sensitive. Insensitive, we say. We are critical of people who we deem are too sensitive. Over sensitive, we say. If you look for the meaning of the word, you find this - Being sensitive means having a nervous system that processes information more deeply, resulting in acute physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. I find myself today wanting to, as it says, “process information more deeply.” I want to feel the feels and experience all the sensations. That said, there are some things I feel, maybe too acutely. Some emotionally and some sensory. On both accounts I have some areas where I feel overly sensitive. How I choose to perceive them and address them is how I choose to care for myself, and with others regarding me. My guest in this show is my guru on sensitivities, and specifically, HSPs - highly sensitive people. Andre Sólo is the force behind Sensitive Refuge, the world's largest website for sensitive people, and Andre is the co-author of "Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World." When I first read Andre's book, I labeled myself an HSP, and you'll hear me refer to such in this episode. Since then, I do not accept this label, as I don't really accept any label. I don't align with saying I'm all of anything. But I do accept that there are some emotions and sensory perceptions that I recognize myself to be highly sensitive to. You may align with this as well, and Andre is here to help us learn how to be highly functioning, regardless of your sensitivities. Find him at his homebase website, sensitiverefuge.com, and find him on IG @sensitiverefuge Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. 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/  What if waiting to feel 100% sure is the very thing keeping you stuck? If you've ever gone back and forth on a decision—analyzing every angle, imagining every outcome, yet still feeling unable to move—you're not alone. For highly sensitive people, the desire to feel fully aligned before taking action can turn even simple choices into exhausting mental loops. This episode speaks directly to that struggle and offers a more freeing way forward. Understand why your mind keeps searching for "perfect clarity" and how that's quietly holding you back Learn how to break out of the overthinking loop without abandoning your thoughtful nature Discover how true alignment actually develops after you take action—not before Press play now to finally move forward with confidence—even when you don't feel completely sure yet.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

213  If you often feel triggered, hurt by, or really impacted by what's happening in your relationship, this episode will help you understand why–and what to do to leave this painful pattern behind.We're talking about Emotional Agency — the master skill that allows highly sensitive people to guide their emotional experience, instead of being run by it.Most highly sensitive people were never taught how to work with their inner world in a way that creates real emotional steadiness. So instead, we end up emotionally delegating— depending on our partner or circumstances to feel safe, loved, worthy, and connected.And that leaves us feeling unstable, reactive, disconnected, and powerless much of the time.In this episode, you'll learn: • what emotional agency actually is • why most HSPs struggle without it • how emotional delegation shapes your relationships • the 3 essential abilities emotionally healthy HSPs develop • and the 3 foundational inner layers that make emotional steadiness possible: nervous system regulation, thought stewardship, and self-worthI also share the new path I've created to support HSPs more deeply and clearly: Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1Because emotional well-being and relational well-being are deeply connected.This episode is the beginning of a new series — and one of the most foundational conversations I've ever shared on the podcast.SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Why does delegating feel harder than just doing everything yourself—even when you're overwhelmed? If you're a highly sensitive person who constantly feels like everything falls back on your shoulders, this episode will hit home. You want help, you try to share the load… but somehow, you stay mentally tied to everything anyway—checking, fixing, redoing, and carrying the weight even after you've delegated. It's exhausting, and it can feel like true relief is never within reach. Understand the hidden internal pattern that makes delegation feel more stressful instead of freeing Discover why your mind keeps pulling you back into responsibility—even when you've let go Learn how to begin loosening the grip of control so you can finally experience real mental space and relief Press play now to uncover the deeper reason you can't fully let go—and how to finally start feeling lighter without doing it all yourself.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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.

This week, Alissa sits down with social anxiety coach and author Claire Eastham to unpack where that fear really comes from and what it takes to stop performing your way through every interaction.Claire shares how years of masking and people-pleasing led to a nervous breakdown, and how embracing the very traits she'd been told were "too much" became the turning point. Together they explore why sensitive, empathic people are especially prone to over-scripting social situations and why the goal was never to stop feeling uncomfortable.This conversation is equal parts honest and light, full of personal stories, practical strategies, and the kind of permission-giving reframes that change how you show up. The real shift isn't becoming someone who doesn't get anxious. It's becoming someone who doesn't need to hide it.In this episode:Why social anxiety develops from early experiences of being told you're "not okay" the way you are, and how the brain starts treating social situations as threatsThe two patterns people fall into: total avoidance or over-preparing and scripting every interaction, and why neither leads to real connectionHow naming your anxiety out loud in the moment can cut it in half and why the shame of being "found out" is often worse than the anxiety itselfClaire's approach to gradual exposure with a specific goal, broken into small steps, paired with genuine rewardsThe power of replacing small talk with real questions and why curiosity is a better social strategy than performanceWhy the most magnetic version of you isn't a polished persona but the one who's actually comfortable being themselvesConnect with Claire:Website: https://substack.com/@thatsocialanxietycoach?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5bv5psInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireeasthamuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wereallmadhere00My new book 'Party with Panic: How to Conquer Panix Attacks (for good)' Is available to pre-order now and will be published on 11th May. For every copy sold I will donate 50p to the charity MQ . https://amzn.eu/d/06xOHhPOUncover 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

Have you been feeling more lonely lately? In this episode, I talk with Stacey Lindsay about finding the beauty of nurturing heartfelt connections at any age and:  • The small decisions you can make to center yourself more fully in your own life • Following your own timeline for relationships, work, and personal growth • Why it's important to be open to the beauty and joy around you  Stacey is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor who focuses on civics and culture, with a lens on issues that affect people who identify as women. She's interviewed hundreds of public figures and civilians for TV, digital, and print publications. She's the author of the new book BEING 40: The Decade of Letting Go—and Embracing Who We Are, and a senior contributing editor for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper.   Keep in touch with Stacey: • Website: https://www.staceylindsay.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceylindsay  Resources Mentioned: • Being 40 by Stacey Lindsay: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593831199  • The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781583949764  • Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182  For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.  Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.  

Highly sensitive people often experience anxiety and emotional overwhelm because their nervous system responds quickly to the feelings, moods, and stress of others. When emotional absorption happens automatically, emotional regulation can feel confusing and exhausting until you understand what your nervous system is actually doing.In this episode, we explore why sensitive nervous systems sometimes take in other people's emotions without realizing it, and how awareness can help you stay connected without carrying everything.You'll learn:• why emotional absorption happens automatically in sensitive nervous systems• how mirror neurons and attunement shape emotional awareness• the difference between co-regulation and emotional carrying• why anxiety and exhaustion often follow emotionally intense environments• simple ways to stay grounded while remaining connected to othersWant support calming emotional overwhelm at the nervous system level? My short course, Anxiety Relief: Training Your Nervous System for Safety, teaches simple, practical tools to help your body respond differently to anxiety triggers and emotional environments.Learn more here: https://yogiranger.com/anxiety-relief-courseNew to the podcast? Start here: Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person? Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive People Episode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive People Episode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

Not sure if it's sensitivity or stress? Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why does social connection sometimes leave you feeling deeply fulfilled… and other times completely drained? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably noticed that your social life doesn't feel consistent—sometimes it energizes you, and other times it overwhelms or leaves you feeling empty. This episode dives into why that happens and helps you understand what your system is actually responding to beneath the surface, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start finding a rhythm that truly supports you. Understand why some interactions feel nourishing while others quietly drain your energy Learn what your sensitivity is really telling you about connection and alignment Discover how to create a balanced social life that feels steady, supportive, and natural Press play now to finally understand your unique balance with connection—and start creating interactions that genuinely energize and support you.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. 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 epsidoe, Alissa explores the post-social spiral that so many highly sensitive people get trapped in, and the surprisingly simple tool she uses to stop it in its tracks.Alissa shares two recent experiences of her own, one at a casual social gathering where she felt quieter than usual, and one at a networking event that pushed her way outside her comfort zone. She also pulls from a live coaching call inside the Not Too Sensitive Club, where a member shared her own version of this breakthrough that stopped the spiral.What you'll hear in this episode:Why the post-social replay isn't a sign you did something wrong: it's a self-protective pattern rooted in past experiences of rejection or judgmentHow Alissa mentally files a worry away and commits to not reopening itThe difference between recognizing something you'd do differently next time and punishing yourself for how you showed upWhy sensitive people often feel pressure to be "on" in every interaction, and what shifts when you stop trying to manage how others perceive youUncover 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 feel stuck on your healing journey? In this episode, I talk with Liz Zhou, LPC about the benefits of psychedelic medicine for highly sensitive people and:  • The three steps to safely and meaningfully experience psychedelics in a therapeutic context  • How to find a provider, which medicine to choose, and the importance of advocating for your sensory and emotional needs along the way • What you can learn about yourself throughout the experience Liz is a highly sensitive & neurodivergent therapist based in Colorado. She specializes in helping highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples heal their nervous systems and connect with their authentic selves, using brain-body modalities like: EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, & Psychedelic Integration. Prior to becoming a therapist, Liz worked as a shaman's translator & ceremony facilitator at plant medicine centers in Peru & Ecuador. Currently, Liz provides therapy services in Colorado & coaching services worldwide. Keep in touch with Liz: • Website: https://www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.holistic.therapist  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Liz-Zhou  Resources Mentioned: • Psychedelic Prep & Integration Guide: https://www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com/psychedelic-guide  • Third Wave Directory: https://thethirdwave.co/directory  • Elemental Psychedelics Directory: https://www.elementalpsychedelics.com/facilitator-directory  • Polaris Insight Center: https://www.polarisinsight.com  For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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.  

Letting go sounds simple until life throws a wrench in your carefully laid plans. Intentions are sneaky little culprits that can quietly turn into control traps, and HSPs feel that grip more intensely than most. When we resist what we cannot change, we hand our peace away without even realizing it. Learning to let go of what we can't control so it doesn't control us is the real work. Let go, or get dragged. Resources: - Work with Me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching - 30 Days to Peace Course: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/peace CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - The Book by Book Club: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/bookclub - Intro To Boundaries https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/intro - The Yearly Boundaries Intensive https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/Boundaries - Mapping your Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Workshop https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/workshops CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - Get the Patternscapes Wellness Deck ⁠https://www.getpatternscapes.com - Join the Patreon Community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/emotionalbadass - Download the FREE Morning Routine PDF ⁠https://www.emotionalbadass.com/morning - Join our newsletter https://www.emotionalbadass.com/newsletter - Check out our Guided Meditations https://www.emotionalbadass.com/store/meditations Follow us on Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emotionalbadass IG: https://www.instagram.com/emotional.badass FB: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalbadass TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotionalbadass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drawing from a recent coaching conversation inside the Not Too Sensitive Club, Alissa walks through the pattern so many highly sensitive women fall into: outsourcing their sense of self to how others respond to them. When that source gets disrupted (e.g., a boundary gets pushback, a workplace stops reflecting your value) it can feel like an identity crisis.Alissa explores what happens when the external validation you've relied on disappears, and why that unraveling is actually the beginning of something more solid.Because the real work isn't getting people to see you differently. It's learning to source your steadiness from within so that outside opinions stop running your life.What you'll hear in this episode:How being the responsible, accommodating, always-available person becomes the thing you can't separate yourself fromWhy life sometimes removes your external sources of worth, and what the growth opportunity actually looks like when it doesThe inner critic that shows up when you try something new…what it sounds like and how to respond without crumblingBeing okay with someone having the wrong idea about you (the skill most sensitive people were never taught)The difference between needing people to see you a certain way and deciding for yourself who you areUncover 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