Do you get overly attached to fictional characters, musicians, or other people who live in the public eye? In this episode, I talk with Lana Holmes, Psy.D., LCP about the pros and cons of parasocial relationships as well as:  

• Why HSPs are more impacted by parasocial connections  

• The purpose of parasocial relationships that serve as role models, provide a sense of belonging, or build self-esteem 

• The downsides of forming attachments with fictional characters or public figures 

• Ways parasocial relationships impact your real life connections and when it’s time to set boundaries 

• Using your parasocial connections as clues to the values and traits you’re looking for in your real life connections  

Dr. Lana is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the Center for Inclusive Therapy + Wellness. She's passionate about providing therapy that welcomes and celebrates marginalized, oppressed, and stigmatized communities. Her areas of clinical interest and expertise include: the intersection between mental health and spirituality, issues pertaining to BDSM, kink, and ethical non-monogamy; issues pertaining to BIPOC individuals, issues pertaining to LGBTQIA2S+ folx, trauma across the lifespan, life transitions, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. She currently has openings for online individual and couples therapy.      

Keep in touch with Dr. Lana:
• Website: https://www.inclusivetherapywellness.com/lana 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-holmes-psy-d-348972186 
• Email: [email protected]   

Resources Mentioned:
• Kink and Clinical Practice 101 Training: https://www.touchstoneinstitute.org/trainings/kink-and-clinical-practice-101-(self-paced)
• Luddite Club: https://www.theludditeclub.org 
• Mass Communication and Parasocial Interaction Study: https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1956.11023049

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you feel constantly disconnected from yourself? In this episode, I talk with Lynn Salmon-Easter about energetically clearing away the stress and: 

• The benefits of energy healing and therapeutic touch for highly sensitive people 

• Daily practices to feel more energized and calm 

• Differentiating your emotions from others to reconnect with your intuition

• Finding your authentic self through embodied presence      

Lynn is a highly sensitive, empathic and intuitive individual working as a Reiki Master in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She assists others on their own unique path of self-discovery and self-care through in-person and distance Reiki sessions. Lynn believes self-care is an essential form of self-love and self-compassion and she helps individuals reconnect with their authentic selves through energy healing, mindfulness, and creative self-expression.

Keep in touch with Lynn:
• Website: https://www.fullcircleoflove.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullcircleoflove 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullcircleoflove 

Resources Mentioned:
• Distance Reiki Sessions: https://www.fullcircleoflove.com/copy-of-distance-reiki 
• Slow Stitching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6umMO38eWA2ABqbRE6dgqYLKUrL7AhG9 
• Yess Yoga Studio: https://www.yessyogastudio.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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you constantly feel exhausted? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Karen Lamb about the connection between sensitivity and burnout as well as: 

• The emotional and physical signs of burnout 

• What nutrients are essential for deep processing  

• Why sleep, hydration, and digestion are essential areas of physiological self-care  

Karen is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and Licensed Counselor specializing in helping highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals balance hormones, restore energy, and truly thrive. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of HSPs, she blends integrative medicine and trauma-informed counseling to create personalized, sustainable wellness solutions. Through her work, she empowers sensitive individuals to honor their bodies, overcome burnout, and reclaim their vitality.

Keep in touch with Karen:
• Website: https://puravidanaturalmedicine.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.karen_lamb 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12GpdYWThg2 
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/drkarenlamb.bsky.social 

 Resources Mentioned:
• Sensitivity Burnout Quiz: https://puravidanaturalmedicine.com/quiz-for-hsp-burnout/ 
• Thriving Sensitivity Course: https://pura-vida-natural-medicine.kit.com/products/self-study?promo=HSPTHRIVE

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Have you ignored your needs for too long? In this episode, I talk with Jess Beagan about going at your own pace and:  

• The benefits of making a career change and weaving more flexibility into your schedule 

• Asking for help especially when you’re supporting others in some capacity 

• The transition to working from home for an HSP 

• Prepping for time off without getting overwhelmed  

Jess is a former Recreation Therapist turned Virtual Assistant and Social Media Manager. She seamlessly blends her love for detail, organization, marketing, and design with her professional background in mental health to bring a unique, trauma-informed perspective to her work. Specializing in supporting private practice therapists and coaches, Jess is dedicated to helping elevate their online presence and reclaim valuable time, enabling them to focus on what they do best and grow their practices sustainably. In her downtime, Jess enjoys reading, Pilates, traveling, and cozy moments at home with her partner and their cat, Ginge. 

Keep in touch with Jess:
• Website: http://www.virtuallywithjess.com 
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/virtuallywithjess 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/virtuallywithjess 
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-assistant-for-therapists-and-coaches  

Resources Mentioned:
• Move with Nicole: https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveWithNicole  

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you hide your sensitivity and push yourself beyond your limits? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Huong Diep about breaking old patterns of masking and: 

• The process of unmasking and making room for your sensitivity 

• Navigating the push-pull of simultaneously craving rest and stimulation as a High Sensation Seeker (HSS) 

• The challenges of being a BIPOC HSP growing up in an immigrant family 

Huong is a board-certified psychologist and HSP/HSS who specializes in helping sensitive and neurodivergent individuals navigate life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and identity shifts. With a global perspective gained from living, working, and traveling to over 50 countries, she blends cultural awareness with clinical expertise to create a safe, empathetic space for her clients. Huong is passionate about helping people embrace their unique strengths, set boundaries, and reconnect with their authentic selves.

Keep in touch with Huong:
• Website: http://www.drhdiep.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhdiep 

Resources Mentioned:
• High Sensation Seeking self-test: https://hsperson.com/test/high-sensation-seeking-test 
• Differential Susceptibility research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19883141
• Big Five Personality Traits: https://positivepsychology.com/big-five-personality-theory/#what-are-the-big-five-personality-traits   

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you have mysterious fatigue or physical symptoms? In this episode, I talk with Audrey Burke, LMBT, SEP about the somatic impact of stress and trauma as well as:  

• Connections between early life trauma, emotional dysregulation, and high sensitivity 

• The different types of trauma present from birth through adulthood 

• The long-term impact of adverse babyhood and childhood experiences  

• How to increase resilience and begin healing through safe relationships   

Audrey is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, massage therapist and Transforming Touch practitioner based in Durham, North Carolina. As a highly sensitive person herself, she discovered somatic work through her own healing journey and found that somatic support was the missing piece in her path to mysterious health symptoms and feeling at home in her body. Now, she helps other highly sensitive people heal from shock trauma, developmental trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation, supporting them in feeling safer in themselves and the world. 

Keep in touch with Audrey:
• Website: http://www.restorativepresence.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaticswithaudrey 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@somaticswithaudrey 

Resources Mentioned:
• Somatic Healing Guide: https://www.restorativepresence.com 
• Book a Session with Audrey: https://calendly.com/restorativepresence-1/ 
• Find a Local Touch Practitioner: https://coregulatingtouch.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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Are you holding up everyone else at your own expense? In this episode, I talk with Noni Vaughn-Pollard, NDTR, MHC-LP about unlearning perfectionism and: 

• Finding those safe spaces to receive support  

• The unique challenges of sensitive black girls  

• Giving yourself permission to be soft and sensitive when you need to  

• The impact of superwoman syndrome 

• Navigating internal and external messages that block your intuition and true calling 

Noni is a mental health counselor and nutritionist in New York who focuses on empowering Black adolescent girls by boosting their self-esteem. She also supports sensitive adolescents & young adults of color dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. 

Keep in touch with Noni:
• Website: https://www.rootsarttherapy.nyc/noni 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afroandappetite 
• Email: [email protected] 

Resources Mentioned:
• Nap Ministry: https://thenapministry.wordpress.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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Do you struggle with big emotions? In this episode, I talk with Tori Deal about what to keep in your emotional regulation toolkit and:  

• Building emotional resilience through poetry, meditation, and movement  

• The importance of creating safe spaces for yourself when facing challenges 

• Three types of meditation and their benefits  

• Balancing your needs to be creative and introspective while being in the spotlight 

On the surface, you’ll see Tori competing in wild stunts on MTV’s The Challenge and showing up on social media with confidence. But beneath it all, she's a deeply sensitive soul, fully aware of how wild it is to be alive, always striving to connect with others on the deepest level possible. As the author of two books—currently working on a third—Tori embraces both my individual creative space and the spotlight in equal measure. 

Keep in touch with Tori:
• Website: http://www.thesoulspill.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tori_deal 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulspill  

Resources Mentioned:
• The Soul Spill by Tori Deal: https://shop.torideal.com/products/the-soul-spill
• The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780393353976 

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Does sex feel uncomfortable or overstimulating? In this episode, I talk with Caitlin Weber, LMFT, CST about the barriers to enjoyable sex as a highly sensitive person and:  

• How to carve out the time and mental space for sex as an HSP 

• Managing the physical discomfort, boredom, and emotional overwhelm that may happen during sex  

• What to do when you have a low sex drive  

• How to break free from linear models of sex

Caitlin Weber is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. As a cis white queer therapist, Caitlin has a private practice in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and online, and she helps individuals and couples meet their mental health, relational and sexual goals. Passion areas for Caitlin include helping clients navigate sexual pain and trauma, sexual orientation and gender identity discovery, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility trauma, kink, polyamory, and grief. She helps people externalize all of the damaging systems we inherit such as racism, ableism, fat phobia, patriarchy, religious trauma, capitalism, and colonialism so that they can truly thrive and live authentically while accessing pleasure. 

Keep in touch with Caitlin:
• Website: http://webertherapy.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinwebertherapy 

Resources Mentioned:
• Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781982165314 
• Find a Sex Therapist: https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory 
• Wicked Sensual Care: https://wickedsensualcare.com
• Good Clean Love Lubricants: https://goodcleanlove.com/collections/personal-lubricants-collection

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Are you getting enough time for what you love? In this episode, I talk with Brian Zirngible, LMFT about balancing your career and creative passions as an HSP and:  

• Regulating overwhelm and burnout with music, breathwork, and movement  

• Finding time for what nourishes you through boundaries and communication 

• How improv can support HSPs in being more flexible and resilient  

Brian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a solo private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. Brian specializes in supporting highly sensitive men, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and athletes by turning pain into possibility. As an actively working musician and artist himself, Brian understands the unique challenges of the entertainment industry and the pressures of many unrealistic expectations and soul-crushing deadlines. Brian offers hope, healing and support for highly sensitive and creative men who are stuck, lost and who are searching for renewed purpose and more balance in their lives.  

Keep in touch with Brian:
• Website: http://brianzirngible.com 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianzirngiblelmft  

Resources Mentioned:
• Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182

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.com

You can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths

And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off.

If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs!

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.