Do you feel selfish for slowing down? In this episode, I talk with Lisa-Marie Vecchio about making big life changes to find more peace and: 

• Trusting your gut when making decisions for your life and work

• Moving from corporate to freelance work as a creative person

• The importance of having schedule freedom as a highly sensitive person

• Creating moments of art and visual beauty in your home 

Lisa-Marie is a Brisbane-based graphic designer and muralist, illustrating art that encourages and uplifts. Her designs are recognised as colourfully eye-catching, created with the intention of communicating hope, joy and empowerment. After ten years working as a designer in the business and corporate sectors, Lisa-Marie started to explore the more creative side of design, seeing a shift in her art style. She then looked for opportunities to recreate her digital artwork as murals, refreshing public spaces with a burst of vibrance and colour.

Keep in touch with Lisa:
• Website: http://www.lisadotdesign.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lisadotdesign 

Resources Mentioned:
• Free digital downloads + recipes from Lisa: https://www.lisadotdesign.com/newsletter
• Work with Lisa: https://www.lisadotdesign.com/services 
• Lisa’s planners, prints, homewares, and more: https://www.lisadotdesign.com/store  

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.

What is possible when you feel deeply seen in your relationships? In this episode, I talk with Laura Deneen, LPC-MHSP and Lauren Jackson, LPC-MHSP about the benefits of supportive friendships and: 

• The different roles friendships play in your life as an adult and identifying who is safe to bring into your inner world 

• How to nurture friendships when you have limited bandwidth as an HSP

• Giving yourself permission to allow friendships, your needs, and your boundaries to change 

• Checking in with yourself before, during and after socializing to ensure your relationships are supportive 

Laura is the owner of Anchored Counseling Company in Brentwood, TN and Becoming Anchored Co. She loves being a therapist and supporting other therapists. Outside of the office, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and baby girl, gardening, and playing with her dog Louie.  Lauren is a licensed mental health therapist in Tennessee specializing in treating eating disorders at the outpatient level and the clinical director of Anchored Counseling Company supervising their staff and intern therapists. She loves working with life transitions, grief, developmental trauma and anxiety/OCD. When not working, Lauren loves spending time with her husband and almost 3 year old son, reading a good book and walking around Downtown Franklin on the weekends. 

Keep in touch with Laura + Lauren:

• Website: https://becominganchoredco.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominganchoredco and https://www.instagram.com/anchoredcounselingco 

Resources Mentioned:
• Anchored Counseling in Tennessee: https://anchoredcounselingco.com
• Becoming Anchored Podcast: https://becominganchoredco.com/pages/podcast
• Free Safe + Connected Masterclass: https://becominganchoredco.com/pages/connected 
• Navigating Friendships Course: https://becominganchoredco.com/pages/friendship   
• Highly Sensitive Person book by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182 HSP Self-Test:

Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.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 felt embarrassed by your sensitivity? In this episode, I talk with William Allen about the journey of learning to understand and embrace being an HSP as well as: 

• Moving from living inauthentically to accepting your sensitivity

• The challenges faced by HSP men such as lack of community and models of sensitive masculinity 

• Practicing portable self-care such as meditation, breathing, and connection with nature to recover from overwhelm more quickly 

• Finding more resilience as an HSP with the 3Es

William is an author with a writer’s heart and researcher’s mind. After getting a degree in Psychology with an eye on doing psychology research, he recalibrated for a career in Information Technology. He retired early from his corporate job to start his Hypno-coaching and neurofeedback brain training business, BrainPilots, in Bend, Oregon. In late 2016, he began his blog, The Sensitive Man, about his experiences, as a highly sensitive man. The blog became the genesis of his first book, Confessions of a Sensitive Man. His new book, On Being a Sensitive Man, is the follow up book, which focuses on how to live in the world as a sensitive man. 

Keep in touch with William:
 
• Website: http://www.thesensitiveman.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zallenw 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesensitiveman
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrallen 

Resources Mentioned:

• Online HSP Men’s Group: https://www.thesensitiveman.com/hsp-mens-group.html
• Confessions of a Sensitive Man by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781098325169
• On Being a Sensitive Man: Success Strategies for Harnessing Your Highly Sensing Nature by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781667817439   
• Sensitive: The Untold Story documentary: https://sensitivethemovie.com
• Sensitive Men Rising documentary: https://sensitivemenrising.org 

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 overwhelmed by your emotions or struggle to communicate your experience as an HSP? In this episode, I talk with Lucy Sherman, LPC about expressing yourself through creativity and: 

• How to use card decks and creative prompts as part of your reflection and self-care practice 

• Understanding and nurturing your rich inner life through images and metaphor from nature, photographs, and cards

• Soothing your nervous system and finding safety by connecting inward 

Lucy is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist and a Highly Sensitive Person herself in Portland, OR. Lucy has always felt deeply with others and has brought creativity into every part of her life both as a tool to explore her experience and in connecting with others. Lucy feels honored to do this therapeutic work helping Highly Sensitive Folks reflect and process trauma while also tapping into their intuition, imagination, creativity, humor and hope. Through Therapy Intensives there is space to explore outside of talking and weave in creative expression, oracle cards with EMDR while getting to the root of what is stuck and finding relief, lightness and a new compassion for all versions of self. Outside of sessions, you can find Lucy in the forest with her Basset mix Penny, creating with loved ones or gushing over a favorite deck.

Keep in touch with Lucy:
• Website: https://www.perceptivecounselingpdx.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptive_counseling 

Resources Mentioned:
• Therapy Magic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-magic/id1676794458
• Therapy Intensives: https://www.perceptivecounselingpdx.com/emdr-intensives 
• Creative Consultation for Therapists: https://www.perceptivecounselingpdx.com/method-page-1-1 
• Light Seer’s Tarot Deck: https://lightseerstarot.com 
• Amy Maricle Slow Drawing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM2KmGwTNhI
• Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9

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 feeling burned out by the dating process or struggling to show up in your relationships? In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Marcus, LCSW about going at your own pace and:

• Caring for yourself when starting new relationships just as you would in every other part of your life 

• Not comparing yourself to others when dating and choosing the right pace for you

• Slowing down to process and reflect throughout the dating process to understand how you feel about the other person 

• The importance of honoring and speaking your needs with the other people in your life, even if they’re also highly sensitive 

Rebecca is a social worker in NYC who helps Millennial women chill out, get confident, and trust themselves and their dating process, so they can find and keep the love they want. Growing up on Disney movies, rom coms, and fairy tales about Prince Charming that showed unrealistic expectations of relationships, dating, and love only led to chaos and confusion when she started dating. So for a decade, she’s helped millennial women navigate the confusing NYC dating scene, break toxic patterns, and create relationships and a life filled with meaning and joy.

Keep in touch with Rebecca:
• Website: https://rmpsychotherapy.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rm.psychotherapy 

Resources Mentioned:
• Free Meditation: https://rmpsychotherapy.com/subscribe 
• Dating Groups: https://rmpsychotherapy.com/group 
• Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781954118157   
• Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182 
• The Empath’s Survival Guide by Dr. Judith Orloff: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781683642114  

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 constantly feeling disconnected from yourself? In this episode, I talk with Nichola Day about allowing seasonal changes to be a reminder to look within and:

• The pivotal moment when you realize you’re highly sensitive and the need to advocate for your unique needs

• The overlap between different forms of neurodivergence such as high sensitivity, ADHD, and autism

• Giving yourself grace to move slowly through seasonal transitions and come back to your self-care practice again and again 

Nichola is a Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher, and Yoga Therapist with her own business, 'Sensitive Yoga Therapy', based in the UK. She is HSP herself, as well as identifying as neurodivergent. She works to support other sensitives experiencing anxiety, overwhelm and burnout to reconnect back with their bodies, the natural world around them and their true authentic selves. She offers a route back to this through Yoga, Mindfulness, Seasonal Living & Inner Inquiry. When she is not working, Nichola loves to read, walk amongst trees and gaze at the moon!

Keep in touch with Nichola:
• Website: http://www.nicholaday.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitiveyogatherapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitiveyogatherapy 

Resources Mentioned:
• Autumnal Self-Care Pack: https://www.nicholaday.co.uk 
• Sensitive Soul Space monthly membership: https://www.nicholaday.co.uk/sensitivesoulspace 
• Yoga Therapy: https://www.nicholaday.co.uk/one-to-one-yoga-therapy 
Use code SensitiveStories for 20% off.  

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 leaning into the positive experiences of being highly sensitive? In this episode, I talk with Tom Falkenstein about the beauty of connecting deeply as an HSP and:

 • The correlation between sensitivity and mental health

• Unique struggles and opportunities of being a highly sensitive man 

• Understanding that sensitivity is not a burden or a deficit, but a neutral trait that you’re born with

• How highly sensitive people benefit more from therapy and other positive supports due to differential susceptibility 

Tom is a psychologist (M.A.), cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and author of the book "The Highly Sensitive Man" (Kensington Books, 2019), which has been translated into several languages. He has been working as a psychotherapist since 2006, both in Germany and the UK, and developed an interest in sensitivity during his psychotherapeutic work in London in the early 2010s. He was trained and supervised by Dr Elaine Aron for several years. His work has been featured in numerous podcasts, on television and in international publications, including The Telegraph, Psychology Today and Men's Health. He has also appeared in the documentary "Sensitive Men Rising" (2024) by Will Harper. Singer-songwriter-activist Alanis Morissette described Tom's book "The Highly Sensitive Man" as "a breath of fresh air in the midst of a cultural determination to reduce toxic masculinity. This book is a balm, a movement, and a revelation." Tom runs a private practice in London and is completing a PhD on sensitivity and mental health at Queen Mary University of London with Prof Michael Pluess.

Keep in touch with Tom:
• Website: http://www.tomfalkenstein.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom.falkenstein 

Resources Mentioned:
• The Highly Sensitive Man by Tom Falkenstein: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780806539331 

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 pushing yourself beyond your limits? In this episode, I talk with Maya Benattar, LCAT about ways to soften into rest and connection with yourself and:

• Using music and other sensory experiences to understand your emotions more clearly

• Leaning into softness and being gentle with yourself more often • Unhooking from the pressure to always overextend yourself 

• Finding the balance between doing and being, action and rest

• The importance of having your emotions and experiences be seen and held by another

Maya is a licensed music psychotherapist in private practice in NYC, helping highly sensitive women live with less anxiety, access true confidence and finally detach from "I'm not good enough". She relishes explorations around sensitivity, big feelings, family baggage, and creativity. In addition to her private practice, Maya provides wellness workshops and professional development trainings.

Keep in touch with Maya:

• Website: https://www.mayabenattar.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayabenattar 

Resources Mentioned:

• Exhale + Soften Guided Humming Exercise: https://insighttimer.com/mayabenattar/guided-meditations/exhale-and-soften-guided-humming

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.

Did you learn to repress your emotions as a kid or are you figuring out how to support the big emotions of your HSP kiddo? In this episode, I talk with Sarita Fichtner about the importance of expressing your emotions from an early age and:
  
• Long-term effects of being labeled “too sensitive” or “lazy” as a young HSP

• The profound impact of discovering your sensitivity on your mental health

• What’s possible when you set boundaries and support your sensitivity

• Dancing between bliss and survival mode as an HSP parent

Sarita is the children's book author of "Pop Out Loud".  She struggled deeply with poor mental health from a young age, until her late twenties when she discovered the term "highly sensitive person".  Sarita was then able to shift her circumstances from feeling defeated to feeling empowered, and build a life that thrives on a highly sensitive nervous system.  "Pop Out Loud, First Day of School" is her debut book of the series which embraces emotions and honors sensitivity.

Keep in touch with Sarita:
• Website: http://www.saritaimagined.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saritaimagined 

Resources Mentioned:
• Pop Out Loud children’s book: http://www.saritaimagined.com   
• The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182 
• Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781401938093 
• The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781401946555  

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 disconnected from yourself and your needs? In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth Cush, LCPC about being more gentle with yourself and:

• Finding your way to acceptance of your sensitivity through self-compassion 

• Practicing simple acts of mindfulness to understand what you need moment to moment

• Slowing down to nurture all parts of yourself and your life

• Living a balanced life with less overwhelm 

Elizabeth is a life coach for highly sensitive women, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and business owner. She’s also the host of the Awaken Your Wise Woman podcast.  She incorporates the body, mind, and spirit into her work. As a life coach, she helps sensitive women who feel stressed and overwhelmed find balance, flow, and ease to fully enjoy the beautiful life they’ve created. When she’s not working she’s traveling, and hanging outdoors with her husband and dachshund Elvis.

Keep in touch with Elizabeth:
• Website: https://www.elizabethcushcoaching.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenyourwisewoman
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethcushlcpc3220
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethcushlcpc 
• Podcast: https://www.elizabethcushcoaching.com/awaken-your-wise-woman-podcast 

Resources Mentioned:
• Sacred Support Circles for Sensitive Women: https://www.elizabethcushcoaching.com/hsp-group-coaching-for-women 
• A Guide to navigating friendships in Midlife: https://freeguide.elizabethcush.com
• The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781462526789  

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.