Sensitive Stories

Do you struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, migraines, or digestive issues? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Melissa Tiessen about neuroplastic symptoms and: 

• Using mindfulness and curiosity to change your relationship to these symptoms
• Why being a highly sensitive person can be an advantage
• Understanding the underlying causes and what you can learn from them

Dr. Melissa Tiessen is a clinical psychologist in private practice, serving clients virtually throughout Ontario, Canada. Her practice focuses on the treatment of chronic pain and other chronic neuroplastic symptoms. She is passionate about health professional education and well-being, and is also the co-founder of Intentional Therapist, a continuing education initiative designed to support mental health therapists in protecting and reclaiming their own well-being.  She co-hosts the podcast Putting You In Your Schedule, and can be found on LinkedIn quietly creating a self-care revolution.

Keep in touch with Dr. Tiessen:

• Website: https://www.drmelissatiessen.ca
• Website: https://www.intentionaltherapist.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen

Resources Mentioned:

• Thrivival Skills for Therapists Course: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study
• You Are Not Broken Course (use code APRIL25 for 25% off; CEs available): https://notbroken.newzenler.com/courses/you-are-not-broken?coupon=APRIL25

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 ignore your intuition? In this episode, I talk with Sofia Loureiro about reconnecting with your inner voice and:

• Identifying the differences between intuition and anxiety
• Using grounding tools such as journaling, card pulls, or time in nature
• How compassion and curiosity can strengthen your self-trust

Sofia Loureiro, PhD, is a natural health practitioner, author (Penguin House), and mentor specializing in Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). Her work is informed by mindfulness, emotional intelligence, positive psychology and holistic health. With a background in human genetics, environmental chemistry, and a master’s in naturopathy, she bridges science, spirituality and intuition to create practical tools that support sensitive people in emotional regulation, inner clarity, and self-trust. She is the creator of the bilingual Sensitivity & Empathy Cards, an empowerment deck designed to help sensitive individuals reconnect with their inner voice and navigate overwhelm with greater awareness.

Keep in touch with Sofia:

• Website: https://sofialoureiro.com/english
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivityjourney

Resources Mentioned:

• Sensitivity + Empathy cards (use code sensitivepodcast15 for 15% off): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1901106427/sensitivity-and-empathy-cards-hsp-empath
• Intuition in Decision Making research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386176080_INTUITION_IN_DECISION-MAKING_IN_THE_CONTEXT_OF_HIGHLY_SENSITIVE_PERSONS
• Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 a highly sensitive person who thinks and feels deeply? In this episode, Brian Torres, LMFT talks with me about my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy and:

• How HSPs can tap into our positive experiences to protect against stress
• The differences between overstimulation, overwhelm, and overload
• Why daydreaming is an essential part of downtime for highly sensitive people
• Defining the characteristics of high sensitivity through the new ORCHID acronym

Keep in touch:

• April Snow, LMFT: https://www.sensitivestrengths.com
• Brian Torres, LMFT: https://www.briantorrestherapy.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Big Feelings, Big Joy book: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book
• ORCHID research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886926001467 and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0090-6

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 a highly sensitive person who thinks and feels deeply? In this episode, I answer questions about my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy, from the people who helped bring it into the world such as:

• Meghan Stevenson - proposal collaborator at Meghan Stevenson Books
• Nina Shield - vice president and editorial director at HarperOne
• Julie Mosow - independent editor at Silverleaf Editorial
• Stephanie Moon - book marketing strategist at HarperOne + Steph Moon Co
• Dorothy Meyer - independent bookseller at Ren’s Coffeehouse + Books
• Maegan Megginson, LMFT - highly sensitive therapist + business mentor at Megginson Consulting
• Brian Torres, LMFT - highly sensitive therapist at Brian Torres Psychotherapy

Resources Mentioned:

• Big Feelings, Big Joy book: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book
• Book Signing Events: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/events

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 numb your feelings?  In this episode, I talk with Emily Macleod about reconnecting with your body through somatics and:

• Slowing down to notice what your body is telling you
• Letting go of self-judgment and embracing your imagination
• Accepting your big emotions

Emily is a Somatics Coach for highly sensitive people. She shows highly sensitive people how to safely come back to their body so they can lessen the overwhelm and find confidence and joy.

Keep in touch with Emily:

• Website: http://www.emilymacleodhsp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymacleodhsp

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 disconnected from your emotions? In this episode, I talk with Marie O’Neill about coming back to yourself and:

• Reconnecting to all parts of your being after periods of chronic stress or self-doubt
• Caring for your nervous system to support self-exploration
• Finding meaning through connections with nature, community, or spirituality

Marie is a holistic psychotherapist and spiritual coach specialising in working with HSPs. She offers programmes, services and community for highly sensitive people who want to heal their relationship with themselves on all levels, body, nervous system, mind and soul, based on her Sensitive Soul framework.

Keep in touch with Marie:

• Website: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/space_for_the_soul_therapy

Resources Mentioned:

• Sensitive Soul Sanctuary: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/join-sensitive-soul-santuary-membership
• Sensitive Soul Group: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/group-programme
• Free Workbook: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/calm-connected-workbook
• Free Masterclass: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/sensitivity-masterclass#downloadmasterclass

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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.  

How often do you take care of yourself? In this episode, I talk with Angelique Foye-Fletcher, LMFT, RPT about breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice and:

• How your cultural upbringing shapes your identity as an HSP
• Learning to take care of yourself when you grew up in an environment or culture that didn’t have room for your sensitivity
• Why simple acts of mindfulness are deeply healing and can change the way you parent

Angelique Foye-Fletcher (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist who helps sensitive, neurodivergent adults and caregivers heal through her four pillars of Books, Nature, Play, and Connection. An INFJ, HSP, and Enneagram 4, Angelique brings curiosity, ritual, and deep empathy into her work—often lighting incense or walking in nature as part of her own healing practice.

Keep in touch with Angelique:

• Website: https://foyefletchertherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyefletchertherapy
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foyefletcherllc

Resources Mentioned:

• Parent/Caregiver Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/parentcaregiver-support-coaching
• Reconnect + Rejuvenate Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/coachingtherapy-packages

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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: Educate, Embrace, Evangelize

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. He feels that HSP males need to take their keen insights and intuition and make them public. He would like to shed more light on highly sensitive males and the much-needed role they need to take in our society.

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
• The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
• Research on High Sensitivity: https://sensitivityresearch.com
• Sensitive: The Untold Story documentary: https://sensitivethemovie.com
• Sensitive Men Rising documentary: https://sensitivemenrising.org

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 gotten stuck in the belief that HSPs are fragile? In this episode, I talk with Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, LMFT about celebrating your sensitivity and:  

• Teaching people how to treat you and communicating that your needs are different
• Setting firm, but kind boundaries and how to manage pushback
• Finding fulfilling ways to socialize without the overwhelm or social pressure to show up like everyone else
• Rewriting the messages that say HSPs are weird, too sensitive, shy, or weak
• It’s possible for highly sensitive people to be ambitious, resilient, and strong

Ibinye is a licensed marriage and family therapist for couples and women with anxiety and insomnia. As a coach, she helps highly sensitive women set clear, kind boundaries, so they can put their needs at the forefront of their lives, stand up for themselves and rock social situations. When she's not working with HSPs she loves trying out new foods and taking naps.

Keep in touch with Ibinye:

• Website: http://www.thezinniapractice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezinniapractice
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezinniapractice

Resources Mentioned:

• Individual Coaching for Highly Sensitive Women: https://calendly.com/ibi-k7ob/consult
• HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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 overwhelmed by clutter? In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Jo-Rushdy about the impacts of tidying up and:

• How clutter and tidying up impacts our emotional, mental, and physical health
• The importance of digital boundaries and creating a sanctuary in your home
• Letting go of what doesn’t bring you joy and finding gratitude for your belongings
• Intentionally going through the six stages of the KonMari method of tidying up

Rebecca guides sensitive souls on transformational journeys by decluttering their homes, hearts and minds into sanctuaries that spark joy and flow. As a recovered shopaholic & drawing on her lived experiences she’s dedicated to helping other highly sensitive people turn their wounds into wisdom and their exhaustion into energy. Rebecca also facilitates wellness workshops and speaks for corporates, government agencies and NGOs on the power of decluttering our personal and professional lives so that we can be more focused, effective and happy in whatever we do. Rebecca has lived and worked all over the world. She was the first platinum KonMari® consultant in Malaysia, and in Edinburgh, Scotland where she is currently based with her husband and two wonderfully sensitive daughters.

Keep in touch with Rebecca:

• Website: http://www.sparkjoyandflow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkjoyandflow
• Insight Timer: http://www.insightttimer.com/sparkjoyandflow

Resources Mentioned:

• Circle of Joy Community: https://circleofjoy.mn.co/plans/1444189
• Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781607747307

Get your copy of my new book, Big Feelings, Big Joy anywhere you get your books or at https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/book 

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.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.