Expansive Heart Psychotherapy

In this article, I explore five of the underlying gifts that surfaced this past year to allow Highly Sensitive folks an opportunity to honor your unique rhythms and meet your needs like never before. https://bit.ly/3qZIMnb

Want to discover the tricky ways overwhelm and anxiety could be sabotaging your quality of life? Learn how you can start to tame it in three easy steps! https://bit.ly/30sOAKT

How often do you bypass caring for yourself or struggle to move forward with a goal because the conditions aren’t perfect? It's common to wait for everything to be ideal to enjoy your life - to feel confident enough, to have enough time, to have enough money saved and so on. The pursuit of perfection is an exhausting and unattainable race, but there is hope to slow down and enjoy life more. In this article, I explore what drives perfectionism and how to manage it. https://bit.ly/3pn9VA7

During challenging moments how do you regain at least a little bit of comfort and ease? In this post I share four ways to find comfort in hard times and two guided exercises to self-soothe when life feels chaotic. https://bit.ly/360qObl

How do Introversion, Perfectionism, and Sensitivity overlap? In this interview, I share suggestions to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, let go of unrealistic expectations, and learn to thrive on our own terms as recovering perfectionists and Sensitive Introverts. https://bit.ly/35YiSZs

Checking our phones or browsing social media can feel like an escape during the holidays, but it actually adds to our stimulation level as HSPs take in a lot through the senses. If you find yourself constantly looking at your phone during a holiday meal or event, you may be in desperate need of some quiet time (preferably with eyes closed).

During online gatherings or other overstimulating activities, occasionally step away from the crowd (or screen) to focus on your breath. All it takes is three slow, deep breaths to recenter and recharge. HSPs often feel anxious in noisy environments or when engaged in too much screentime so finding a quiet area (such as a bathroom) can help calm the nervous system.

Why do we get anxious as Highly Sensitive People and how can we find a place of balance? Kelli and I discuss this along with honoring our needs, managing stimulation during conflict, and some of the advantages of being HSPs. https://apple.co/33xuGQG

As another year begins, you may get flooded with messages about setting resolutions and making grand changes in your life. Instead, what if you had permission to be yourself? To move at your own pace? To focus on doing less, not more? https://bit.ly/3rno3e2

Sleep is a common struggle for introspective types because our minds tend to be so busy at night. In this episode of the Calm + Cozy Podcast, I talk to sleep coach Beth about why our sleep habits that seem weird or high-maintenance are actually right on point, how to ask for what you need in your relationships, and other self-care topics. https://bit.ly/3lRjLIY

Are you struggling to accept your Sensitivity? Worried that your life will be boring in an effort to reduce overwhelm? In this post, I discuss the grieving process that sometimes accompanies being an HSP along with the perks. https://bit.ly/322rH22

Do you have enough energy for that? The weekend is upon us and before you say yes to that social invite, whether it be an outdoor potluck or a Zoom gathering, hit pause. Ask yourself a few questions: ... How tired am I today? Do I have the energy to socialize without completely depleting myself? Is this something I want to do or will I feel resentful? It’s easy to say yes, but we have to make sure we’re saying yes for ourselves, not out of obligation or guilt. Give yourself a moment to check the level on your social energy tank, just as you would your gas tank before heading out for a long drive. How full is your tank today? = energized + excited to socialize = can socialize = unsure, could go either way = need alone time = need to rest/nap

Do you get "stuck" in bed every morning, repeatedly hitting the snooze button? You may be experiencing "morning dread". In this blog post, I get underneath the cause of this incessant need to hibernate and offer five tips to help make your routine more manageable. https://bit.ly/32dCaqS

Are you someone who does your best self-reflection from home, snuggled up with a cup of tea and maybe your pet nearby? For Introverts and Highly Sensitive folks, there’s nothing like being immersed in your bubble. Sometimes the hardest part about getting therapy is actually getting there or finding a therapist in your community that you can connect with. Let’s take out the overwhelm of commuting and the stress of finding the time to get the support you need. Click below to ...work with me online... https://bit.ly/3dqkZHN

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person or Introvert who wants help reducing overwhelm and anxiety, embracing your Sensitive Strengths and learning to take better care of yourself? I offer compassionate psychotherapy sessions over secure online video anywhere in California. I look forward to hearing from you. https://bit.ly/3nu35bF

Highly Sensitive folks often struggle with feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, but small lifestyle changes can make a big impact. https://bit.ly/3aAvXck

Are you charging your phone more than yourself? It’s easy to forget that you are a human being that needs rest and care, not a robot. There is so much pressure to:... engage consume produce Making it so easy to lose touch of yourself and what you need to feel your best. I’m personally getting so fed up with the noise, distractions, and energy of our digital world. There’s so little space to just be quiet and move at your own pace. How can you take some space back to recharge and nourish yourself, every day? If you’re overstimulated by too much screen time or engagement, soothe your senses by turning down the volume. Give yourself a reset by relaxing in a quiet, dark room for 15-20 minutes, getting out into nature, or simply closing your eyes for a bit. What helps you recharge and reset?

Sleep is a common struggle for introspective types because our minds tend to be so busy at night. In this episode of the Calm + Cozy Podcast, I talk to sleep coach Beth about why our sleep habits that seem weird or high-maintenance are actually right on point, how to ask for what you need in your relationships, and other self-care topics. https://bit.ly/34h8WZ0

Ever get tongue-tied during an interview or first date? You're not alone! Being in the spotlight can be nerve-wrecking for Introverts and HSPs. In this post, I offer helpful strategies to navigate these tough situations. https://bit.ly/3kEpCRx

On the Season Three premiere of This Is Not What I Ordered, I share how my life-long health journey with eczema as a Highly Sensitive Person has taught me how to live an authentic life without guilt. I reflect on how being Highly Sensitive has helped me understand my illness, the importance of self-acceptance in the healing process, and how to create boundaries along the way. I also talk about:... Showing up for yourself and the importance of self-advocacy Accepting that your needs are different The value and power of therapy for Highly Sensitive People Deconstructing our own misconceptions about Sensitivity The importance of creating space and time for self-care Creating a life that is suited to your needs How to prioritize yourself without guilt https://bit.ly/2S7AlqA

Growing up I didn’t know I was an HSP, but I did know that I was different somehow. After many years of trying to be what others expected of me, I began to slowly embrace my true nature and live by my own rules. In this article I share five ways that I am living by my own rules to be able to thrive as an HSP in this busy world. https://bit.ly/2PNmPXT

Increase self-awareness and support your Highly Sensitive lifestyle with these resources. https://bit.ly/36CJVKv

Are you a "late bloomer" in the relationship department, take longer to warm up to people, or find meaningful connections to be rare? These are just a few common experiences for Sensitive folks when starting a relationship. Whether connecting with friends or romantic partners, you probably prefer quality over quantity. It's best for Sensitive folks to have a few key people to have deep relationships with who will also understand your need for copious amounts of alone time...! That can be hard to find and takes time. It’s common to feel bored, misunderstood, or overstimulated when socializing or in partnerships, especially if there's pressure to socialize too much, engage in small talk, or not feel truly seen. This along with your tendency to pause and reflect before making decisions might leave you moving more slowly through the dating process or into new friendships. What has your experience been with finding new relationships? How have you met people you can be yourself around?