Sensitive Stories

Latest Episodes:

10: Unhooking from Overgiving and Overfunctioning as an HSP May 14, 2024

Show notes

Are you burning out trying to do all the things you’re supposed to? In this episode, I talked with Maegan Megginson, LMFT, LPC about unhooking from expectations and finding new ways to be of service to yourself. We also explored:
• Grieving the life you imagined you would have before discovering that you’re highly sensitive
• Experimenting with changes to feel more comfortable with yourself, in your relationships, and at work
• Setting boundaries around giving and receiving empathy
• Tending to yourself first by asking the questions, “have I been invited?” and “do I have the energy to offer support?”
• Finding new ways of being of service to yourself and unhooking from overgiving and overfunctioning
• Shifting the rules of how you work at the first sign of burnout
• Integrating the personal and professional parts of yourself to find more balance and healing
Maegan Megginson is a Licensed Therapist and Business Mentor on a mission to help business owners recover from burnout and reignite their vision for their work and their lives by blending the emotional, psychological, and spiritual elements we need to become deeply rested and wildly successful.
Keep in touch with Maegan:
• Website: https://maeganmegginson.com
Resources Mentioned: Recover From Burnout is a free 10-day email series that will help you feel better without adding tasks to your to-do list or buying another helpful tool you'll never use. Sign up here: https://maeganmegginson.com/recover-from-burnout

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

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.

09: Finding Balance as a Sensitive Empath May 07, 2024

Show notes

Do you feel others emotions as deeply as your own? In this episode, I talk with Mishka Clavijo Kimball, LMFT about how to care for yourself as an empath and:
• Growing up sensitive as the eldest in a latino family and how family roles impact your experience as an HSP
• Learning to provide support in a balanced way and not automatically jumping in to rescue others
• How to care for yourself more and not love others too much at your own expense
• Differences, myths, and strengths of HSPs and empaths
• Self-care practices that allow you to reconnect to yourself and soothe overwhelm
• Practices for setting physical and energetic boundaries, restoring energy through connection with nature and water, ancestral healing, salsa dancing, mindfulness, yoga, and journaling
Mishka is a Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Transformational Coach with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. She specializes in helping Empaths and HSPs live a life of balance and peace. Mishka is the author of The Empath’s Self-Care Journal and has worked with hundreds of clients helping them heal and transform their lives. Mishka has a private practice based in Los Angeles, where she offers virtual therapy services for clients on a 1:1 basis.
Keep in touch with Mishka:
• Website: https://www.sensibilidadcounseling.com
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensibilidadcounseling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensibilidadcounseling
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishka-clavijo-kimball-m-s-lmft-45601649
Resources Mentioned:
• Finding Peace and Balance: A 6-week course for Empaths who want to heal from emotional overwhelm and learn to protect their energy. https://www.sensibilidadcounseling.com/online-course-for-sensitives
• The Empath’s Self-Care Journal: https://www.sensibilidadcounseling.com/empathselfcareshop/p/style-01-ej5na-7klle
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780143127741
• Highly Sensitive Therapist List: https://hsperson.com/therapists/seeking-an-hsp-knowledgeable-therapist
• HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org

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

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.

08: Creating Community and Honoring the Many Faces of Sensitivity Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

What has been your experience finding connection and community as a highly sensitive person? In this episode, I talk with Brian Torres, LMFT about the stigma of high sensitivity, the essential need for more inclusive HSP community spaces, and:
• The vulnerability of sharing your sensitivity and opening up to criticism and misperceptions about the trait
• The stigma of high sensitivity and the essential need for more inclusive HSP community spaces
• Feeling different as a sensitive kid and learning why as an adult
• What it means to be highly sensitive and LGBTQIA+ plus the parallels between the two
• Sensitivity doesn’t always look the same for HSPs from marginalized groups and why representation is important to represent the many ways sensitivity shows up
• The role privilege plays in honoring your sensitive needs
• Recognizing the resilience in sensitivity and the essential nature in HSPs using their gifts for equality and inclusiveness
Brian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Los Angeles, California. He has previously served as a mental health and crisis counselor with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and The Trevor Project. In his clinical practice, Brian specializes in working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as highly sensitive persons. With a passion for research on high sensitivity, he has presented at conferences and offers insightful training on high sensitivity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Keep in touch with Brian:
Website: http://www.briantorrestherapy.com
Resources Mentioned:
• Alanis Morissette's Podcast: https://alanis.com/podcasts
• The 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

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.

07: Slowly Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone to Feel More Fulfilled as a Highly Sensitive Person Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Do you struggle with feeling good enough as a highly sensitive person? In this episode, I talk with Lori Cangilla, PhD about imposter syndrome and taking tiny steps out of your comfort zone to feel more fulfilled as well as:
• Overcoming the ambivalence of being highly sensitive to find more meaning
• Balancing commitments to others to get the right amount of quiet time for your sensitive nervous system
• The importance of solitude to calm overstimulation
• Needing variety to feel fully fulfilled as a more high sensation seeking HSP
• The difference between performance anxiety and imposter syndrome
• Difficulties of not feeling good enough
• Importance of taking tiny steps out of your comfort zone
Lori is a licensed psychologist specializing in helping creative, gifted, and highly sensitive people. Her Singularly Sensitive approach combines journaling, mindfulness, and behavioral experiments to help people create lives of meaning and purpose. Lori is the author of the guided journal Wander and Delve.
Keep in touch with Lori:
• Website: http://www.singularlysensitive.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SingularlySensitive
Resources Mentioned:
• Lori's Self-Study Course for Performance Anxiety + Imposter Syndrome designed to get you taking small, sustainable actions toward your creative and performance dreams. It includes a 40+ page workbook, videos, and 30+ multi-part journal prompts to help you reach your goals. https://www.singularlysensitive.com/performance-anxiety-imposter-syndrome-course
• Lori's Wander and Delve Journal: https://www.singularlysensitive.com/wander-and-delve

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

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.

06: Connecting Deeply and Feeling Seen in Relationships as a Highly Sensitive Person Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

When you’re overwhelmed, are you able to tell others what you need? In this episode, I talk with Lauren Selfridge, LMFT about creating emotionally safe, deep connections and navigating conflict and:
• Translating and communicating our sensitive needs to others
• Creating emotionally safe, deep connections with HSPs and non-HSPs alike
• The value of taking breaks during conflicts to soothe your nervous system and create stronger connections in the process
• Reclaiming sensitivity as resiliency, not a sign of fragility
Lauren is an extroverted HSP and a licensed psychotherapist living with multiple sclerosis. Through her video therapy practice, she supports clients with chronic illness as well as individuals and couples wanting to build extraordinary relationships - using Imago Dialogue Developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt. Lauren also hosts This Is Not What I Ordered: a podcast on finding our way with chronic illness, loss, and change. She loves helping people create meaningful, deep, and joyful connections with themselves and the people they care about.
Keep in touch with Lauren:
• Website: https://laurenselfridge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloselfridge
Resources Mentioned:
• Lauren's Free Guide: 3 Practices for Full Hearted Living with Chronic Illness: https://laurenselfridge.com/listen
• Lauren's This Is Not What I Ordered Podcast: https://laurenselfridge.com/listen
• Imago Relationship Therapy: https://imagorelationships.org

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

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.

05: Softening Social Anxiety and Embracing Your Sensitivity Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

When is it best to stay home to honor your social anxiety and when do you get slightly uncomfortable to show up for what’s important to you? In this episode, Louisa Lombard, LCPC opens up about her own experiences as an HSP with anxiety and:
• Taking a gentle approach when navigating social anxiety
• The continuum of feeling nervous to socially anxious and how to tell the difference
• Throwing away unsupportive feedback and what to do with critical comments
• Raising sensitive children and discovering your own sensitive needs along the way
• Being more impacted by less nurturing childhood experiences compared to your siblings
• Being labeled the bad or difficult child for being more sensitive and intuitive
• Sensitive people are strong and unexpectedly resilient because they feel so much and do it anyway!
Louisa is a therapist who specializes in supporting HSPs and HSP parents with anxiety, social anxiety, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, depression and overwhelm. Louisa sees clients virtually across California and Maryland. She helps people to feel more confident, calm, and self-compassionate, so that they can live life more in alignment with their goals and dreams.
Keep in touch with Louisa:
• Website: http://www.strongandsensitive.com
Additional Resources:
• Attachment Style Quiz: https://traumasolutions.com/attachment-styles-quiz
• HSP Self-Test by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://hsperson.com/test
• Facing Codependence by Pia Melody: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780062505897
• Mindfulness Exercises: https://insighttimer.com
• Self-Compassion Practices: https://self-compassion.org

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

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.

04: Using Boundaries to Heal From Burnout as a Highly Sensitive Person Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

How do you know you’re burned out and what can you do to heal from burnout if you’re a highly sensitive person? In this episode, I talk with Amy Pinnell, RSW about her experience with burnout and:
• When prolonged stress and overstimulation turn into burnout and how to truly heal from it
• The signs of burnout and how to know when it’s time to take a break or even quit a stressful job
• Why boundaries are so crucial for preventing and overcoming burnout
• The push pull of being a highly sensitive extrovert and feeling energized by social interactions
• The effects of working in emotionally charged environments such as social work or healthcare
• Understanding that boundaries are the most compassionate choice for you and others
Amy is a Registered Social Worker & Clinical Therapist in Canada. In her private practice, she helps highly sensitive helpers and healers who are struggling with burnout and codependency AND is the founder of Sensitive Social Worker, a community of deep-feeling, tender-hearted Social Workers who want to excel in a mission-driven, purposeful career career without sacrificing their own mental health and well-being in the process. Through Sensitive Social Worker, she facilitates workshops, offers evergreen, self-directed online courses, such as her signature course, Boundaries for Burnout Prevention.
Keep in touch with Amy:
• Website: http://www.sensitivesocialworker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivesocialworker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensitivesocialworker
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/342686427953981/
Resources Mentioned:
Boundaries for Burnout Prevention is a deep-dive program that will take you from feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed in your career as a Social Worker/Therapist/Healthcare Professional to feeling confident in your ability to set the boundaries that you need to honor your sensitivity and feel healthy and well.
Course registration link and discount code: https://www.sensitivesocialworker.com/courses/boundaries-for-burnout-prevention
10% off Discount Code: SSTORIES24

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

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.

03: Being Good Enough as a Highly Sensitive Person Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

What’s possible when you value your sensitive gifts and come out of the margins of your own life? In this episode, I talk with HSP Mentor Alissa Boyer about finding your worth as an HSP and:
• Navigating big life changes as an HSP such as moving, changing careers, becoming a parent, and navigating relationships.
• Learning to quiet perfectionism to make more room for what’s calling you.
• How to have better boundaries at work and with yourself.
• Sitting with the short-term discomfort of setting boundaries and speaking your needs in service of creating a more fulfilling life, finding your purpose.
• Doing your best with what you have available, knowing that you’re good enough just as you are.
• Raising your self-worth and believing in yourself and your needs as a highly sensitive person.
Alissa is a Mentor for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) with a passion for helping fellow HSPs learn how to unapologetically embrace their sensitivity and use it as a strength in their lives. She’s the creator of several online programs including The Sensitive & Soulful Vault and Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth. Alissa also offers business mentorship to HSPs and hosts a podcast called The Sensitive & Soulful Show.
Keep in touch with Alissa:
• Website: https://www.sensitiveandsoulful.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebyalissa/
Resources Mentioned:
• Alissa's Empath Archetype Quiz: https://lifebyalissa.myflodesk.com/42c77200-1be8-412a-bbe6-5aef1e00c7cb
• Alissa's Podcast: https://www.sensitiveandsoulful.com/podcast
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781878424310
• The 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

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.

02: Getting Comfortable to Soothe Overwhelm Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

What can you do when it all feels like too much and need to calm your overstimulated nervous system? In this episode, I talk with Emily Adams, LMFT, CMT about giving yourself permission to be comfortable and what’s possible when you do as well as:

Giving yourself permission to be comfortable and what’s possible when you do.
Listening and tending to your body’s needs and not overriding your instincts to reduce overwhelm.
How to know what soothing practices are best for your overstimulated nervous system.

Emily is a Somatic Psychotherapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She offers a mind-body approach to understanding the self, and loves helping people cultivate ways to feel safe in their own bodies, and in connection with others. She uses elements of spirituality, nature, anatomy, and the arts to support her therapeutic work, and finds these resources helpful in her personal life as well.

Keep in touch with Emily:

Website: http://www.emilyadamstherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyadamstherapy/

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

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.

01: Introducing Sensitive Stories Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Sensitive Stories, the podcast for the 20-30% of people who live with hearts and eyes wide open. Hosted by psychotherapist, author, and highly sensitive person, April Snow.
I invite you to grab your coziest blanket and join me as I deep dive into rich conversations with highly sensitive therapists, authors, experts as we explore the topics you care about most.

Each episode, you’ll hear inspiring and relatable stories from guests about how they discovered their own sensitivity, find balance in their own lives, and how you can move beyond overwhelm all the time, uncover your unique sensitive strengths that you were born with, and step into a more fulfilling and nurturing life as an HSP.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss these inspirational deep dives starting on March 12th!

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

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.

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