Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom

Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People (HSP): Inner Work and Strategies for Coping with Stress, Overwhelm, and Negative Emotions

As a highly sensitive person, are you looking for a more effective way to cope with stress and negative emotions? This show helps highly sensitive people avoid overwhelm, eliminate stress, and find true inner freedom. Listen to discover:• Specific stress management strategies to avoid overwhelm as an HSP• Real stories and insights to inspire your own inner freedom• Powerful ways to understand and embrace your sensitivityTodd Smith, your host and founder of True Inner Freedom, has been helping people reduce stress through The Work of Byron Katie since 2007—a powerful practice for questioning th...

Author

Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom

Category

Education

Podcast website

trueinnerfreedom.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

#111 | Authentic Inquiry: Avoiding Forced Answers to Question 4 in The Work of Byron Katie 29.05.2024

Who Would You Be Without That Thought? (And Why That's So Hard to Answer) Have you ever felt completely stuck when trying to answer, "Who would I be without this thought?" You're not alone—and this episode reveals why. If you're on a path of self-inquiry and inner freedom, you know that some thoughts cling tightly, making Question 4 of The Work by Byron Katie especially daunting. This episode dive...

#110 | Beyond the Surface: The Meditative Depth of Question 2 in The Work of Byron Katie for the Highly Sensitive Person 22.05.2024

Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious or excluded in a perfectly safe situation—and wondered, "Where did that come from?" In this powerful episode, Todd explores two deeply human experiences: the lasting emotional impact of unresolved social conflict and the sudden, seemingly unprovoked rushes of anxiety in safe, everyday situations. Whether you're a parent navigating school politics or som...

#109 | "He Might Be Mad at Me": Can You Question a Thought You're Not Sure Is True using The Work of Byron Katie? 15.05.2024

What do you do when your mind spins stories—like fearing someone is mad at you or feeling ashamed over circumstances beyond your control? If you've ever felt stuck in emotional loops, uncertain how to face uncomfortable truths, this episode is for you. Through deeply human coaching conversations, we explore how our internal narratives create stress—and how gentle inquiry can untangle them. Discove...

#108 | What if Your Partner Is Negative About Your Inner Work? How to Avoid Overwhelm When Others Don't Understand 08.05.2024

Do you ever feel weighed down by the constant fear of losing everything — even when nothing has actually happened yet? If you've ever been haunted by the "what ifs" of natural disasters, this episode will strike a chord. Whether you live in a high-risk fire zone or just wrestle with anxiety about the future, this conversation will help you see how your mind creates stress through imagined losses —...

#107 | Deepening Inquiry: Exploring Questions 1 and 2 in The Work of Byron Katie for Highly Sensitive People 24.04.2024

Is It True… or Are You Just Not Sure Yet? Ever struggled with knowing if a thought is really true—or just something your mind wants to believe? In this revealing episode, Todd dives into one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of self-inquiry: what to do when you can't confidently answer "Is it true?" with a full yes or no. If you've ever been stuck in the gray zone of 90% yes and 10% doubt...

#106 | Navigating Overwhelm: The Work of Byron Katie for the Sensitive Person in Highly Stressful Situations 17.04.2024

Ever feel like facing your stress might only make it grow—and possibly re-traumatize you in the process? Many people avoid looking too closely at painful emotions or past traumas for fear of reigniting old wounds. But what if there were a method to gently explore your stress without amplifying it—and instead, dissolve it at its root? This episode offers a transformative approach for those who want...

#105 | Managing Health Anxiety: The Work of Byron Katie for Highly Sensitive People 10.04.2024

What if the key to inner peace isn't in solving every stressful memory, but in knowing which ones actually matter? Many of us try to work through every past stressor, convinced that healing means revisiting each painful moment in detail. But what if some of those memories just aren't meant to be "worked"? This episode explores the subtle wisdom of letting your emotional compass guide your healing—...

#104 | The Hidden Overwhelm of Loneliness: Inner Work for Highly Sensitive People Without a Partner 03.04.2024

Are You Truly Happy Solo—or Hiding From Something Deeper? Ever found yourself wondering if your contentment with being alone is genuine—or if it's a shield against something you're afraid to face? In this revealing episode, we explore a deeply personal moment of introspection where a single comment about fear of abandonment opens a door to the possibility of fear of bonding. It's a journey into th...

#103 | How Highly Sensitive People Can Cope With a Child's Emotional Pain Without Getting Overwhelmed 27.03.2024

Is it possible that your child's emotional storms are not a sign of damage, but a reflection of raw, unfiltered aliveness? If you've ever felt helpless, overwhelmed, or frozen while witnessing your child's emotional breakdowns, you're not alone. This episode brings you inside one mother's heart-wrenching experience as she confronts the belief that her son is suffering too much —and the transformat...

#102 | Am I Doing The Work of Byron Katie Right? Inner Work Guidance for Highly Sensitive People 20.03.2024

Are You Really Doing "The Work"? Or Just Thinking You Are? Have you ever wondered if you're actually doing The Work—or just convincing yourself that you are while staying stuck in old stories? Why This Episode Matters to You In the midst of self-inquiry or healing practices, it's common to hit a wall where your mind starts playing tricks on you—convincing you you're making progress when you're act...

#101 | Why HSPs Can't Just "Let It Go" When They're Not Heard—And What Actually Helps Manage the Overwhelm 13.03.2024

Have you ever felt dismissed or unheard—even when you thought you made your needs clear? In this episode, we dive deep into a real-life situation that starts with a seemingly minor household miscommunication, but quickly reveals deep emotional currents tied to feeling ignored, losing trust, and the struggle to express oneself authentically. If you've ever wrestled with standing your ground without...

#100 | Not Spending Enough Time at Home? Inner Work for Overwhelmed HSPs Feeling Pulled in Every Direction 06.03.2024

Are you carrying hidden guilt about balancing work and home life—even when everything seems to be going right? In this episode, we dive deep into the silent tug-of-war many high-achievers face: the guilt of being away from home despite a thriving career and supportive relationships. If you've ever felt the inner conflict between personal ambition and relational duty, this episode is for you. You'l...

#99 | Decision-Making Stress for Highly Sensitive People: Using The Work of Byron Katie to Find Clarity 28.02.2024

Ever felt paralyzed by a tough decision—terrified of making the wrong move? What if the very tool you use for clarity isn't meant to give you the answer? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intersection of decision-making and inner inquiry, focusing on how "The Work" can support—not dictate—your choices. If you've ever struggled with analysis paralysis or the fear of future regret, y...

#98 | How Highly Sensitive People Can Stay Open Without Feeling Naive: Navigating The Work of Byron Katie 21.02.2024

Discover why waiting for the "right moment" to do inner work might be holding you back—and how trusting your stress can lead to breakthroughs. Why This Matters to You Have you ever wondered if you're doing your inner work the "right" way—or if you're even ready for it? If you're navigating personal growth, self-inquiry, or healing, you may hesitate to dive into your thoughts, fearing you're not op...

#97 | Same Answers Every Time? What It Means for Highly Sensitive People Doing The Work of Byron Katie 14.02.2024

Is your spiritual practice helping you truly experience freedom—or are you just remembering what it once felt like? When it comes to inner work and personal transformation, many of us get stuck revisiting old insights, hoping they'll carry us forward. But are we deepening our understanding or just replaying the past? This episode dives into the subtle, yet powerful distinction between reliving a p...

#96 | How to Let Go of the Fear of Looking Incompetent: Inner Work for Highly Sensitive People Feeling Judged 07.02.2024

Are You Mistaking Your Worth for Their Approval? Ever found yourself spiraling because others didn't respond to something you loved the way you hoped? This episode dives into the raw, relatable journey of untangling self-worth from external validation—through the lens of a book club disagreement that unraveled much deeper beliefs. Why This Matters to You If you've ever felt embarrassment, shame, o...

#95 | How to Handle Customer Service Chaos Without Losing It: The Work of Byron Katie for Highly Sensitive People 31.01.2024

What if the stress of your healthcare chaos isn't just about the paperwork—but about a deeper belief that's running the show? Navigating the U.S. healthcare system in retirement can feel like a bureaucratic nightmare—mistakes, missed bills, and the looming fear of not getting essential medication. But what if the real source of our suffering isn't the system, but the stories we believe about it? I...

#94 | Can You Still Do Inner Work When You're in a Full-Blown Trigger? (A Highly Sensitive Person Asks) 24.01.2024

Ever felt your motivation for spiritual growth fizzle out after an enthusiastic start? You're not alone. Many seekers hit a plateau after diving deep into a practice like The Work of Byron Katie. This episode explores why that happens, how to navigate the inevitable dips, and how to stay grounded when your expectations aren't met as quickly as you hoped. Learn why your desire for quick transformat...

#93 | Letting Go of 'The One That Got Away': Stress Management for HSPs in Home Searching 17.01.2024

Have you ever felt your mind is at peace with a decision, but your heart still aches? In this deeply personal session, we explore the emotional gap between understanding a loss intellectually and feeling it emotionally. Whether you're grieving a lost opportunity, a relationship, or a dream that didn't materialize, this episode helps you bridge that gap with clarity and compassion. Discover how to...

#92 | Overcoming Shame: How Highly Sensitive People Can Use The Work of Byron Katie for Inner Healing 03.01.2024

How Do You Do the Inner Work When Shame Is in the Way? Ever feel like shame hijacks your ability to heal, grow, or even think clearly in the moment? You're not alone—shame can be a powerful blocker, especially when it wraps itself around the stories we tell ourselves and the reactions we have in relationships. In this episode, we explore how shame often disguises deeper judgments—both toward ourse...

#91 | Is Changing Focus During The Work of Byron Katie Beneficial? Stress Management Insights for Highly Sensitive People 20.12.2023

Can You Ever Really Know the "Right" Thought to Question? What if the stress you're feeling isn't from the thought you started with—but from the one that emerges while you're doing the work? Many people experience confusion or uncertainty when trying to pinpoint the exact thought causing their stress. You might start questioning one thought, only to realize partway through that another one feels m...

#90 | Challenging the Notion of Victimhood: How HSPs Can Reclaim Power After Family Betrayal through Inner Work 13.12.2023

Have you ever held onto a grievance for years, only to discover it was blocking your peace more than the original injustice? Many of us struggle with betrayal, especially from those closest to us—family. When a deep wound is validated by legal facts, how do we begin to let go without denying what happened? This episode dives into the emotional tug-of-war between justice and freedom, offering a com...

#89 | Supporting Friends in Financial Need: Balancing Compassion and Boundaries for the Highly Sensitive Person 06.12.2023

Are you stuck in a mental loop, trying to solve a problem you don't even fully understand yet? When we feel a deep desire to help someone we love but don't know how, it can trigger an exhausting loop of frustration, helplessness, and self-blame. In this transformative episode, Edwin dives into a heartfelt conversation exploring the paralyzing impact of the thought "I want to help, but I don't know...

#88 | Think Dropping 'Should' Will Solve Everything? Here's Why It Doesn't (For the Highly Sensitive Person) 29.11.2023

Have you ever removed a limiting belief like "should" from your vocabulary, only to find that inner conflict and suffering still linger? What if the real cause lies buried even deeper in your subconscious? This episode speaks directly to anyone struggling with the emotional weight of inner tension—even after intellectually embracing the teachings of Byron Katie. If you're practicing The Work but s...

#87 | Deepening Inner Work: Overcoming Intellectualization—Effective Stress Management for the Highly Sensitive Person 22.11.2023

Are your thoughts of failure leaving you stuck, even when you "know better"? In this episode, we explore how feelings of failure often stem from unresolved childhood patterns and unexamined thoughts that subtly dictate our adult experiences. If you've ever struggled to feel genuine relief despite doing "the work" intellectually, this conversation will open doors you didn't even know were closed. H...

Listen to the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People (HSP): Inner Work and Strategies for Coping with Stress, Overwhelm, and Negative Emotions podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.