Highly Sensitive Chiropractors: Boundaries, Burnout, and Business with Todd Smith
Release Date: 06/16/2025
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info_outlineIn 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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