87: Attending to Chronic Symptoms

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 symptomsWhy being a highly sensitive person can be an advantageUnderstanding the underlying causes and what you can learn from themDr. 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.caWebsite: https://www.intentionaltherapist.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessenResources Mentioned:Thrivival Skills for Therapists Course: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-studyYou Are Not Broken Course (use code APRIL25 for 25% off; CEs available): https://notbroken.newzenler.com/courses/you-are-not-broken?coupon=APRIL25Get 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 anxietyUsing grounding tools such as journaling, card pulls, or time in natureHow compassion and curiosity can strengthen your self-trustSofia 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/englishInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivityjourneyResources Mentioned:Sensitivity + Empathy cards (use code sensitivepodcast15 for 15% off): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1901106427/sensitivity-and-empathy-cards-hsp-empathIntuition in Decision Making research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386176080_INTUITION_IN_DECISION-MAKING_IN_THE_CONTEXT_OF_HIGHLY_SENSITIVE_PERSONSHighly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182Get 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 stressThe differences between overstimulation, overwhelm, and overloadWhy daydreaming is an essential part of downtime for highly sensitive peopleDefining the characteristics of high sensitivity through the new ORCHID acronymKeep in touch:April Snow, LMFT: https://www.sensitivestrengths.comBrian Torres, LMFT: https://www.briantorrestherapy.comResources Mentioned:Big Feelings, Big Joy book: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/bookORCHID research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886926001467 and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0090-6Get 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 BooksNina Shield - vice president and editorial director at HarperOneJulie Mosow - independent editor at Silverleaf EditorialStephanie Moon - book marketing strategist at HarperOne + Steph Moon CoDorothy Meyer - independent bookseller at Ren’s Coffeehouse + BooksMaegan Megginson, LMFT - highly sensitive therapist + business mentor at Megginson ConsultingBrian Torres, LMFT - highly sensitive therapist at Brian Torres PsychotherapyResources Mentioned:Big Feelings, Big Joy book: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/bookBook Signing Events: https://www.bigfeelingsbigjoy.com/eventsGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 youLetting go of self-judgment and embracing your imaginationAccepting your big emotionsEmily 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymacleodhspGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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-doubtCaring for your nervous system to support self-explorationFinding meaning through connections with nature, community, or spiritualityMarie 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.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/space_for_the_soul_therapyResources Mentioned:Sensitive Soul Sanctuary: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/join-sensitive-soul-santuary-membershipSensitive Soul Group: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/group-programmeFree Workbook: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/calm-connected-workbookFree Masterclass: https://www.spaceforthesoul.co.uk/sensitivity-masterclass#downloadmasterclassGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 HSPLearning to take care of yourself when you grew up in an environment or culture that didn’t have room for your sensitivityWhy simple acts of mindfulness are deeply healing and can change the way you parentAngelique 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foyefletchertherapyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foyefletcherllcResources Mentioned:Parent/Caregiver Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/parentcaregiver-support-coachingReconnect + Rejuvenate Support: https://foyefletchertherapy.com/coachingtherapy-packagesGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 sensitivityThe challenges faced by HSP men such as lack of community and models of sensitive masculinityPracticing portable self-care such as meditation, breathing, and connection with nature to recover from overwhelm more quicklyFinding more resilience as an HSP with the 3Es: Educate, Embrace, EvangelizeWilliam 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zallenwFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesensitivemanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrallenResources Mentioned:Online HSP Men’s Group: https://www.thesensitiveman.com/hsp-mens-group.htmlConfessions of a Sensitive Man by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781098325169On Being a Sensitive Man: Success Strategies for Harnessing Your Highly Sensing Nature by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781667817439The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182Research on High Sensitivity: https://sensitivityresearch.comSensitive: The Untold Story documentary: https://sensitivethemovie.comSensitive Men Rising documentary: https://sensitivemenrising.orgGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 differentSetting firm, but kind boundaries and how to manage pushbackFinding fulfilling ways to socialize without the overwhelm or social pressure to show up like everyone elseRewriting the messages that say HSPs are weird, too sensitive, shy, or weakIt’s possible for highly sensitive people to be ambitious, resilient, and strongIbinye 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezinniapracticeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezinniapracticeResources Mentioned:Individual Coaching for Highly Sensitive Women: https://calendly.com/ibi-k7ob/consultHSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-testGet 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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 healthThe importance of digital boundaries and creating a sanctuary in your homeLetting go of what doesn’t bring you joy and finding gratitude for your belongingsIntentionally going through the six stages of the KonMari method of tidying upRebecca 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkjoyandflowInsight Timer: http://www.insightttimer.com/sparkjoyandflowResources Mentioned:Circle of Joy Community: https://circleofjoy.mn.co/plans/1444189Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781607747307Get 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.comYou 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/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd 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.