Sensitive Stories

Are you on an emotional rollercoaster? In this episode, I talk with Esther Kane, MSW, RCC, about the real reason you struggle with anxiety or depression and:
Impacts of being labeled as moody, serious, or quiet when you were younger
Discovering the connection between anxiety, depression, and your sensitive nervous system
How to leverage your capacity to feel deep joy to break out of the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on
Esther is a psychotherapist with nearly 30 years of experience who specializes in highly sensitive people, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing. She shares trauma-informed, body-based insights on her YouTube channel, Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person, providing practical support for those dealing with anxiety, emotional eating/food addiction, and overwhelm.
Keep in touch with Esther:
Website: https://www.estherkane.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivingHSP
Esther’s Newsletter and Counselling Services: https://www.estherkane.com/services
Resources Mentioned:
Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
Why We Meditate by Goleman and Rinpoche: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781982178468
Crossing Zero by Anders Sorenson
Radical Compassion by Tara Brach: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780525522836
Self-Compassion Break by Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/#guided-practices
Polyvagal Theory/Deb Dana: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/polyvagal-theory
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 feel disconnected from your creative side?  In this episode, I talk with Jill McDougall about embracing the messiness of play and:
Pulling the threads of curiosity and learning to trust your intuitive gifts
The impact of growing up feeling sensory-sensitive and wanting harmonious environments
Finding confidence and breaking free of limiting beliefs as an adult
Jill is a mixed media/collage artist living in Washington state. Fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, she notices the details and nuance of things and builds fragments of her observations into the layers of her art. She believes that the world needs authenticity, creativity and connection now more than ever, and is learning to lean into her sensitivities and reframe them as superpowers.
Keep in touch with Jill:
Website: https://www.jillmcdougall.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmcdougallart
Substack: https://jillinspire.substack.com
Resources Mentioned:
Sensitive by Jenn Granneman and Andre Solo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593235034
HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test
Olander Sand Trays: https://www.olanderearthworks.com
For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com 
Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.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 quietly restless or get lost in the clouds? In this episode, I talk with Nikolai Blinow, LMHC about the subtle signs of ADHD in highly sensitive people and:  
Why HSPs and women are often misdiagnosed
The three types of ADHD and how they present
How to embrace neurodiversity as a strength and lean into radical acceptance
Nikolai is a highly-sensitive person with ADHD who helps fellow HSP and ADHD women in leadership roles who are done with operating in survival mode. Her work blends strategic therapy & nervous system re-calibration to help women slow down, stay powerful, and keep their edge.
Keep in touch with Nikolai:
Website: http://www.ompowermentpsych.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolai-diana-blinow-9239302
Resources Mentioned:
Nikolai’s self-care challenges: https://www.ompowermentpsych.com/freechallenge
Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
ADHD 2.0 by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780399178740
HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test
ADHD Self-Report Scale: https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf
Divergently Community: https://www.joindivergently.com
Autism, ADHD, or High Sensitivity research review: https://youtu.be/qTap7Ibbq1c
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 lose yourself caring for others? In this episode, I talk with Kirsten Davidson, RP about being mindful about self-abandonment and:
Understanding the distinction between caretaking from a place of empathy and people pleasing from a place of fear of abandonment
Connecting with all the parts of yourself to heal and guide you in times of insecurity
How to decipher the roots of your anxious experiences
Kirsten is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Founder of Mind The Gaps Psychotherapy, where she supports adults, couples, and families in moving through disconnection, emotional overwhelm, and stuck patterns toward more self-led, connected ways of being. Her work is grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and existential approaches, helping clients explore what lies beneath their patterns with curiosity and compassion. Beyond the therapy room, she contributes to broader mental health conversations through public speaking and her writing for Psychology Today, where she explores relationships, identity, and personal growth.
Keep in touch with Kirsten:
Website: https://mindthegaps.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsten.davidson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-davidson-662742177
Resources Mentioned:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/kirsten-davidson
Internal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.com
For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com 
Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.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 hiding from your emotions? In this episode, I talk with Federica Torri about giving yourself permission to feel and:
Embracing your sensitivity and understanding the deeper role of the trait
Why it’s important to freely express yourself and how to find your way back to your inner world
How to let go of the “shoulds” and be more of your authentic self
Federica is a high sensation seeking HSP who has struggled her whole life with the feeling of not belonging, and always feeling "too much". Originally from Italy where she trained as a PhD biotech neuroscientist, Federica moved to the US to embark in a 10+ year career in software biotech where she experienced a deep burnout. After an endometriosis diagnosis she pivoted her career towards women's health patient advocacy and coaching, to then a Trauma Informed Yoga teacher and Reiki Practitioner. Federica founded Tender Flower Yoga in 2024 as a sanctuary for sensitive hearts to find a place to rest in Gentle Yoga, Healing Mudras, and Yoga Nidra. People say she has the gift to tuck people in, and make them feel welcome and cared for.   
Keep in touch with Federica:
Website: www.tenderfloweryoga.com
The Sovereign Sensitive Blueprint: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/blueprint
MiniBloom Kit: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/get-minibloomkit
Inner Bloom Circle mailing list: www.tenderfloweryoga.com/inner-bloom-circle-signup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenderfloweryoga
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenderFlowerYoga
Resources Mentioned:
Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182
Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Olga Mecking: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780358395317
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.