It Makes Sense That You Feel This Way

Episode 21: The Four Ways We Respond To Stress: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn

How do you respond to stress—fight, flight, freeze, or fawn? In this episode, Kerrie Toole, LICSW, unpacks these instinctive reactions and why highly sensitive people experience them differently.
From the surprising science of facial expressions to practical tips for grounding yourself, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand and manage your stress responses.

Episode 20: #1 Crisis Response Skill

In this episode of It Makes Sense That You Feel This Way, host Kerrie Toole, LICSW, shares the TIP method as a practical tool to help calm the nervous system in moments of high stress.
Perfect for both highly sensitive listeners and their loved ones, this episode provides a clear, proactive approach to navigating life’s emotional challenges with resilience and preparedness.

Episode 19: More Ways To Proactively Reduce Emotional Vulnerabilities

In this episode, host Kerrie Toole, LICSW explores how high-sensitivity individuals can reduce emotional vulnerabilities using the ABC skill set from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Kerrie breaks down strategies like accumulating positive experiences, building mastery, and coping ahead to help manage intense emotions and navigate life’s challenges. 
Whether you're starting your emotional regulation journey or looking to refine your existing skills, this episode offers essential tools for making progress and embracing your sensitivity as a superpower.

Episode 18: Reduce Emotional Vulnerability By Starting This Habit Today

In this episode, host Kerrie Toole, LICSW continues guiding listeners through the therapeutic journey for highly sensitive individuals. She introduces the ABC skill, offering practical steps to rewire your brain and find balance.
Learn how to intentionally collect enjoyable moments and build resilience to handle daily challenges. Tune in for actionable tools to reduce emotional overwhelm and strengthen your mental and emotional well-being.

Episode 17: Do This Today To Reduce Emotional Vulnerabilities

If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by intense emotions, whether you're a highly sensitive individual or parenting someone who is, today's episode is packed with practical tools to help you proactively reduce emotional vulnerability. 
Host Kerrie Toole, LICSW, discusses the importance of daily habits in creating a solid emotional foundation, introducing the "PLEASE" acronym from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 
Join Kerrie as she shares insights on emotional sensitivity, how our physiological state affects emotional regulation, and why preparation is key to navigating life's challenges with less stress.

Episode 16: Parenting Landmine #6 - Walking On Eggshells

In this episode, host Kerrie Toole, LICSW, continues her parenting series by diving into a common challenge for parents of highly sensitive kids: walking on eggshells.
She explores how this behavior develops, why it can perpetuate emotional fragility in families, and the toll it takes on parents, children, and loved ones.
She shares practical strategies for addressing these dynamics, offering guidance on how to start shifting away from avoidance and toward more open, supportive communication.

Episode 15: Parenting Landmine #5 - Timing

In today’s episode, Kerrie Toole, LICSW continues her series on parenting landmines, this time focusing on the timing of conversations with high-sensitivity individuals.
We’ve all experienced moments when emotions run high, and we’re caught in a panic—whether as parents or sensitive individuals ourselves. But how do we navigate these intense emotions without accidentally escalating the situation?
Tune in for practical tips on how to validate emotions, hold space, and approach these challenging moments with grace and understanding.

Episode 14: Parenting Landmine #4 - "Fixing It" For Them

Continuing the series on "Parenting Landmines," host Kerrie Toole, LICSW, discusses how parents often fall into the trap of trying to fix their kids' problems, unintentionally fostering dependence and undermining their children's ability to handle challenges on their own.
She explores the concept of helicopter and snowplow parenting, the impact of generational experiences, and how high-sensitivity parents can navigate these dynamics to empower their children to develop resilience and independence.

Episode 13: Parenting Landmine #3 - Accidentally Negating

Host Kerrie Toole, LICSW, explores a common challenge for parents of highly sensitive kids: accidentally negating their experiences and emotions. Often, with the best of intentions, we might dismiss or downplay their feelings, leading to unintended consequences. Whether you're a parent or a highly sensitive person yourself, this episode will help you recognize these patterns and offer strategies to communicate in a way that's more affirming and supportive.

Episode 12: Parenting Landmine #2 - Describing Emotions as "Bad" or "Negative"

In this episode, host Kerrie Toole, LICSW dives into a common parenting challenge: labeling emotions as "good" or "bad." She explains how this habit can unintentionally harm children, particularly those who are highly sensitive. Learn how to shift your perspective on emotions and create a more supportive environment for your kids (and yourself). Discover practical tips for reframing emotional experiences, fostering emotional intelligence, and building resilience.