Highly Sensitive Chiropractors: Boundaries, Burnout, and Business with Todd Smith

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24d ago 58:31

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In this powerful episode, Jerry sits down with Todd Smith from True Inner Freedom to explore how being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) impacts chiropractors both professionally and personally. If you’re a chiropractor who struggles with people-pleasing, overthinking, poor boundaries, and burnout — this conversation is for you.

Todd explains how HSP traits can become both a superpower and a liability in a high-touch profession like chiropractic. They dive deep into setting boundaries, understanding your personal limits, dealing with patients, family balance, and how self-awareness can lead to a more successful and satisfying practice.

Resources & Links:

Todd’s Website: TrueInnerFreedom.com
HSP Stress Test & Coaching Info: Take the HSP Stress Test
Todd’s Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People
Recommended Episode to Start With: Episode 237 – How to Say No as an HSP

00:01 – Introduction

Jerry introduces the episode and shares how Todd reached out authentically to be on the show.

02:38 – What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

Definition of HSP: A temperament trait identified by Dr. Elaine Aron in the 1990s.
20% of people are highly sensitive, equally split between men and women.
HSPs process information deeply and have stronger emotional and empathetic tendencies.

04:36 – The Negative Stigma Around Sensitivity

Why many people, especially men, resist identifying as “sensitive.”
The difference between healthy sensitivity and stress-amplified sensitivity.

06:11 – The HSP Stress Bucket Analogy

How HSPs reach emotional overload quicker.
The evolutionary benefits of sensitivity across species.

08:54 – Why Chiropractic Can Be Overwhelming for HSPs

The “high-touch” nature of chiropractic care.
How deep empathy can serve patients but drain the doctor.

09:45 – The Difference Between HSPs and Introverts

30% of HSPs are extroverts.
Key difference: extroverts gain energy from people; HSPs process deeply no matter the social orientation.

14:21 – Overthinking vs. Overprocessing

Using stress as an early warning sign for overthinking.
Identifying when thinking becomes counterproductive.

15:52 – People-Pleasing, Boundaries & Being “Too Nice”

How HSPs often sacrifice personal well-being to avoid conflict.
The dangers of prioritizing patients at the expense of family and self.

19:08 – Recognizing When You’re Out of Exchange

Jerry shares personal signs of resentment and burnout.
Practical examples of how ignoring boundaries hurts long-term relationships.

22:05 – Real-Life Example: Transitioning to Online Scheduling

How avoiding difficult patient conversations can sabotage practice efficiency.
Actionable steps for chiropractors to establish new boundaries.

26:48 – The Impact of Saying Yes to One Thing (And No to Another)

How HSPs can unintentionally hurt loved ones by over-serving patients.

29:08 – Questioning Your Own Thoughts & Beliefs

Todd introduces The Work of Byron Katie to challenge stressful beliefs.
Why questioning assumptions can unlock personal freedom.

Learn more about The Work of Byron Katie here: thework.com

33:15 – Parenting, Marriage, and Boundaries in Personal Life

Jerry and Todd discuss how HSP tendencies show up in parenting and marriage.
The difference between being a loving parent vs. needing to be liked.

37:10 – The Power of Defining Core Values

Jerry shares his life-changing “tombstone exercise” to clarify life priorities.
How clearly defined values help guide boundary decisions.

38:25 – Avoiding Conflict Harms Long-Term Relationships

How short-term avoidance creates long-term resentment.
The danger of letting small compromises accumulate.

40:52 – The Compound Effect of Small Decisions

Why big mistakes are often small ones repeated.
Daily choices move you toward or away from your ideal life.

41:47 – Personal Examples: Making Hard Business Decisions

Todd shares a difficult but necessary recent business decision.
The importance of trusting your inner voice.

46:12 – Chiropractors, Insecurity, and Owning Your Identity

Why chiropractors often struggle with professional insecurity.
The importance of owning the value of chiropractic care.

50:19 – Confidence Is Attractive

How being comfortable in your own skin draws people to you.
The toxic ripple effects of personal insecurity.

51:33 – The HSP Superpower in Chiropractic

Empathy + Deep Processing = Ideal skillset for chiropractic care.
How awareness and pacing prevent burnout while maximizing your gifts.

53:45 – Spotting HSPs in Practice

Why Todd now exclusively works with HSPs.
How understanding your patients’ sensitivity helps build stronger relationships.

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