Sensitive Stories

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.

Was school overwhelming for you? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kaaryn Cater about the impact of the classroom environment on a highly sensitive student and:  
• How teachers and parents can support highly sensitive students to thrive and feel less overwhelmed
• What highly sensitive teachers can do to manage the sensory overwhelm and exhaustion from working in schools
• What strengths highly sensitive students can embody when offered the right supports such as mindfulness, access to nature, and time for reflection
Dr. Cater is an educator, coach, speaker, and researcher with more than 30 years of experience across education, coaching, and professional development. She is the founder of The Mindwise Connection and specialises in supporting highly sensitive children, adolescents, and adults, as well as the people who live, learn, and work alongside them. Her work focuses on sensitivity education, nervous system balance, and helping highly sensitive people use their strengths to thrive in learning, work, and life. Through her coaching and consultancy practice, she offers individual and family coaching, professional development for educators and practitioners, and consultancy for organisations seeking to create more inclusive and responsive environments. 
Keep in touch with Kaaryn:
• Website: https://www.mindwiseconnection.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindwise_connection_nz 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaaryn-cater-phd-b373103b  
Resources Mentioned: Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6364-9809  
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 been feeling more lonely lately? In this episode, I talk with Stacey Lindsay about finding the beauty of nurturing heartfelt connections at any age and:  
• The small decisions you can make to center yourself more fully in your own life 
• Following your own timeline for relationships, work, and personal growth 
• Why it’s important to be open to the beauty and joy around you  
Stacey is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor who focuses on civics and culture, with a lens on issues that affect people who identify as women. She’s interviewed hundreds of public figures and civilians for TV, digital, and print publications. She’s the author of the new book BEING 40: The Decade of Letting Go—and Embracing Who We Are, and a senior contributing editor for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper.   
Keep in touch with Stacey:
• Website: https://www.staceylindsay.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceylindsay  
Resources Mentioned:
• Being 40 by Stacey Lindsay: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593831199 
• The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781583949764 
• Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182  
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 stuck on your healing journey? In this episode, I talk with Liz Zhou, LPC about the benefits of psychedelic medicine for highly sensitive people and:  
• The three steps to safely and meaningfully experience psychedelics in a therapeutic context 

 • How to find a provider, which medicine to choose, and the importance of advocating for your sensory and emotional needs along the way 

• What you can learn about yourself throughout the experience 
Liz is a highly sensitive & neurodivergent therapist based in Colorado. She specializes in helping highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples heal their nervous systems and connect with their authentic selves, using brain-body modalities like: EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, & Psychedelic Integration. Prior to becoming a therapist, Liz worked as a shaman's translator & ceremony facilitator at plant medicine centers in Peru & Ecuador. Currently, Liz provides therapy services in Colorado & coaching services worldwide. 
Keep in touch with Liz:
• Website: https://www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.holistic.therapist 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Liz-Zhou  
Resources Mentioned:
• Psychedelic Prep & Integration Guide: https://www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com/psychedelic-guide 
• Third Wave Directory: https://thethirdwave.co/directory 
• Elemental Psychedelics Directory: https://www.elementalpsychedelics.com/facilitator-directory 
• Polaris Insight Center: https://www.polarisinsight.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.