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

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.
Support the Podcast
Rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast
Share this episode with another chiropractor who needs to hear it

Want Help Growing Your Practice?

Jerry offers business coaching, website design, SEO, and Google Ads services specifically for chiropractors. If you're ready for less stress and more momentum, visit RocketChiro.com.

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment
Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo
Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

Episode Details
Status: Published
Release Date: Jun 15, 2025
Author: Dr. Jerry Kennedy
Episode Type: full
Episode: 507
Rating: Clean
File Info
Size: 90 MB
Duration: 00:58:31
File Type: audio
Codec: mp3
Bitrate: 187.50 kbPs
Sample Rate: 44100 Hz
Upload Date: Jun 15th, 2025 08:07 PM
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Episode Description
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.
Support the Podcast
Rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast
Share this episode with another chiropractor who needs to hear it

Want Help Growing Your Practice?

Jerry offers business coaching, website design, SEO, and Google Ads services specifically for chiropractors. If you're ready for less stress and more momentum, visit RocketChiro.com.

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment
Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo
Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join