Understanding HSPs with Jesie Steffes, LPC

<p>Have you ever been told you're "too sensitive" or that you feel things more deeply than everyone else around you? It's not a character flaw. It can be an advantage, and you'll learn why in this episode.</p><p></p><p>Kayla sits down with Jesie Steffes, a licensed professional counselor, grief therapist, and certified intuitive eating counselor, to unpack what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).</p><p></p><p>Jesie breaks down how to tell if you might be an HSP, and practical tools for navigating life with this trait—from setting boundaries (vs. rules) to knowing the difference between “caring” and “carrying,” especially if you work in a helping profession. </p><p></p><p>She also digs into how HSPs relate to food, body image, and emotional eating, and why living in rhythm with the seasons can be a game-changer for your nervous system.</p><p></p><p>If you've ever wondered why you feel frazzled or overstimulated compared to others, you won’t want to miss this conversation.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)<br />04:34 Understanding the HSP Identity<br />09:54 Boundaries as a Love Language<br />20:01 Body Image and Emotional Eating Among HSPs<br />22:33 Practical Strategies for HSPs in Therapy<br />28:13 Caring vs. Carrying in Helping Professions<br />34:08 Establishing Boundaries and Intentional Schedules<br />38:29 Living with the Seasons: Embracing Natural Rhythms<br />45:48 The Power of Writing and Connection<br />51:59 Introducing 'The Way of the Tender' Course</p><p></p><p><b>Keywords:</b><br />highly sensitive person, HSP, Elaine Aron, boundaries, people pleasing, burnout, helping professions, therapy, seasonal living, introvert, self care for empaths<br /><br /><b>🔗Links Mentioned:</b><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jesiesteffes.com/" target="_blank">Visit Jesie’s website</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jesiesteffes.com/the-way-of-the-tender-8-week-course" target="_blank">The Way of the Tender—8-week course for HSPs</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jesiesteffes.com/seasonal-self" target="_blank">Seasonal Self Workshops</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/jesie.steffes.healing/" target="_blank">Follow Jesie on Instagram</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jesiesteffes.substack.com/" target="_blank">Sated Soul on Substack</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/3RbiOjx" target="_blank">The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron PhD</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hsperson.com/test/" target="_blank">HSP Self-Test</a></p><p></p><p><b>More from Kayla:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/" target="_blank">Follow Kayla on Instagram</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@kaylagirgenrd" target="_blank">Subscribe on YouTube</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kaylagirgenrd.com/" target="_blank">Kayla's Website</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wintheweek.gr8.com/" target="_blank">Get Kayla’s Free Weekly Newsletter</a></p>