Compassionate Conversations with Esther Kane, MSW

Esther Kane, MSW, RCC
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Compassionate Conversations is all about getting honest and real with yourself, letting go of the past, along with behaviour patterns which are no longer serving you, and growing into the person you have always wanted to become. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) as well as being a psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people with almost three decades of experience, I will share the tools and tips which have helped both me and my highly sensitive clients completely transform their lives: owning their power, speaking their voice, and squeezing the juice out of life! Please join us in these Compassionate Conversations and share with people who could also benefit.Watch these episodes on my YouTube channel: @compassionateconversations441)www.estherkane.comInstagram:@estherkanemswFacebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RSW, RCC

  1. FEB 4

    Noise Sensitivity Revisited

    Send us a text Are you a highly sensitive person who feels overwhelmed by noise, travel, or shared living spaces? You’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone. In this Compassionate Conversations episode, Esther Kane, MSW is joined by writer (and HSP) Maryanne Pope, for a powerful follow-up conversation on noise sensitivity, sensory overload, and what it’s really like to live and travel as a highly sensitive person. From tiny home living and constant background noise, to budget travel, shared rooms, and sensory burnout, this episode explores how HSPs experience sound, smell, and stimulation differently — and why quiet is not a luxury, but a biological need. You’ll also hear: ✨ Why noise hits HSPs harder than most people ✨ Tools that actually help with noise sensitivity (earplugs, headphones, white noise) ✨ The hidden link between deep work, creativity, and sensory overwhelm ✨ A hilarious (and horrifying) real-life story about smell sensitivity while traveling ✨ How to advocate for yourself without guilt ✨ Why protecting your health must come before being “easygoing” If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” this conversation will help you reframe your sensitivity as wisdom — not weakness. 👉 Chapters 00:00 – Are You Overstimulated by Noise? (HSPs & Sensory Overload) 01:58 – Tiny Home Living: When “Quiet” Becomes Constant Noise 03:15 – Trains, Dogs, Construction: Daily Noise Triggers for HSPs 04:34 – Traveling as a Highly Sensitive Person 05:59 – Shared Spaces, Budget Travel & Sensory Burnout 06:28 – Finding Real Quiet as an HSP (Florida Retreat Story) 07:37 – Noise Sensitivity Survival Tools (Headphones, Earplugs, White Noise) 09:00 – Why HSPs Need Deep Quiet to Think & Heal 11:38 – How Highly Sensitive People Process Experiences Differently 12:23 – Introvert vs Extrovert Energy in HSPs 13:15 – Social Overstimulation & the Need for Alone Time 15:23 – BONUS: Smell Sensitivity in Highly Sensitive People 15:59 – When Chemical Smells Become a Health Issue 17:04 – Choosing Between Noise vs Smell Sensitivity 19:52 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself as an HSP 21:15 – Boundaries, Health & Using Your Voice 22:15 – Final Reflections for Highly Sensitive Viewers 📌 Mentioned in this episode: *Previous video Esther and Maryanne did on Sound Sensitivity & HSPs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VskvI9W05VQ *Maryanne Pope’s blog post on smell sensitivity: https://www.pinkgazelle.com/2025/11/19/toxic-air-freshener/ 👍 If this resonates, please like, comment, and share — it helps more highly sensitive people find this conversation. Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    22 min

  2. JAN 21

    How to Find Your Voice When You're Quiet

    Send us a text Have you ever been told you’re too quiet, too sensitive, or too emotional? Do you freeze, go blank, or people-please when you try to speak up? In this episode, psychotherapist Esther Kane, MSW shares a compassionate, body-aware approach to finding your voice as a highly sensitive person (HSP)—without forcing yourself to be louder, more assertive, or more extroverted. With nearly 30 years of experience working with highly sensitive people, Esther explains why many quiet, sensitive, and introverted individuals struggle to speak up—and why there is nothing wrong with you. Your silence is not a flaw; it is often a protective nervous system response shaped by early family conditioning, trauma, and socialization. You’ll learn: ✨ Why having a voice is not a personality trait ✨ How trauma and the nervous system impact your ability to speak ✨ Why quiet does not mean weak or powerless ✨ A 4-step process to safely find and use your voice ✨ A gentle, trauma-informed voice reclamation exercise for HSPs who freeze, go blank, or people-please This video is especially supportive for: • Highly sensitive people (HSPs) • Introverts and quiet individuals • Women navigating menopause and increased emotional sensitivity • People healing from relational trauma • Anyone who wants to speak their truth without abandoning themselves ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Finding Your Voice as a Highly Sensitive Person Why quiet, sensitive people struggle to speak and why nothing is wrong with you 01:30 – You Are Not Broken (Your Voice Adapted for Safety) Trauma, nervous system protection, and silence as survival 03:10 – Why Confidence Is Not a Personality Trait The truth about assertiveness, introversion, and self-trust 04:50 – Trauma, the Nervous System & Going Quiet Why your throat tightens, your mind goes blank, or you freeze when speaking 06:45 – Quiet Does NOT Mean Weak Gender socialization, people-pleasing, and quiet leadership 08:45 – How to Find Your Voice: A 4-Step Process Building confidence, self-esteem, and emotional safety 10:45 – Bonus Exercise: Gently Reclaim Your Voice A trauma-informed practice for highly sensitive people 12:20 – Your Quiet Voice Matters Why the world needs you truer, not louder Your voice doesn’t need to be louder. It needs to feel safe, trusted, and honored. 💛 Stay until the end for a simple nervous-system-friendly exercise you can use right away to begin reclaiming your voice. If this video resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need this message today. #highlysensitiveperson #hsp #empaths Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    14 min

  3. JAN 7

    Weight Loss Drugs Can't Cure Food Addiction with Dr. Vera Tarman

    Send us a text Are GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro helping—or harming—people with food addiction and emotional eating? In this powerful and deeply nuanced conversation, psychotherapist Esther Kane, MSW sits down with Dr. Vera Tarman, world-renowned food addiction expert and author of Food Junkies, to explore the real impact of GLP-1 medications on the body, brain, emotions, and long-term recovery. We go far beyond weight loss and ask the hard questions: • What happens to food addiction when appetite is chemically suppressed? • Why do cravings often return stronger when the medication stops? • Are GLP-1 drugs creating emotional blunting, depression, or anhedonia? • Who truly benefits from these medications—and who is being left behind? • Are there ethical, limited situations where GLP-1s can be helpful? This episode is especially important for anyone who: • Struggles with food addiction or emotional eating • Has a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression • Feels conflicted about taking weight loss medications • Wants root-cause healing, not just symptom management 💛 This is a compassionate, trauma-informed conversation about choice, awareness, and true recovery—not shame or quick fixes. ⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Why this conversation matters now 01:00 – Who is Dr. Vera Tarman & her work in food addiction 02:10 – Why GLP-1 drugs are being prescribed “like candy” 03:30 – The antidepressant parallel: are we repeating history? 05:00 – Who profits from weight loss drugs? (Let’s get political) 08:10 – Side effects doctors aren’t talking about 09:25 – Polypharmacy & medication stacking concerns 11:40 – How the food industry benefits from GLP-1s 12:45 – Are addictive foods still the real problem? 14:20 – When GLP-1s might be life-saving 16:05 – Why food addiction doesn’t disappear on medication 18:30 – Emotional blunting, anhedonia & loss of joy 20:15 – Mental health risks for people already struggling 22:05 – What to focus on instead of weight loss drugs 23:50 – Food addiction recovery vs. quick fixes 25:40 – Muscle loss, bone density & long-term health risks 28:10 – Why discomfort is part of healing 31:45 – Trauma, the body, and the capacity to heal 34:35 – Emotional eating as communication, not failure 36:45 – What cravings are really asking for 38:55 – Root-cause healing vs. symptom suppression 41:25 – Resilience, recovery, and real freedom from food addiction 42:30 – Final thoughts & resources 📚 Resources Mentioned 📘 Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction – Dr. Vera Tarman 🎧 Food Junkies Podcast 👥 Facebook Group: I’m Sweet Enough: Sugar-Free for Life Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    43 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    The SECRET to THRIVING as a Highly Sensitive Person

    Send us a text Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or misunderstood? In this therapeutic deep dive, seasoned psychotherapist, Esther Kane, shares the top secrets to thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person—based on more almost three decades of specializing in HSPs. You’ll learn: ✨ What it really means to be highly sensitive ✨ How your nervous system works ✨ Why you get overstimulated ✨ How to regulate big emotions ✨ Tools to protect your energy ✨ How to set boundaries without guilt ✨ How to build a sensitivity-friendly lifestyle ✨ The hidden gifts of being an HSP ✨ Real client-style examples that show what thriving truly looks like Chapters 00:01:39 Understanding the Highly Sensitive Trait 00:04:05 Overstimulation and Energy Management 00:07:34 Emotional Regulation for HSPs 00:10:26 Boundaries and Relationships 00:12:22 Thriving, Not Just Surviving 00:14:31 The Secret Gifts of High Sensitivity Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    16 min

  5. 12/10/2025

    Menopause Rage EXPOSED- What's REALLY Behind Your Anger

    Send us a text Are you feeling angrier, more irritable, or more emotionally overwhelmed during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone — and you’re not “losing it.” In this episode, we explore why menopausal rage can feel so intense, especially for highly sensitive women and women with a history of trauma. This is a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed conversation about what’s really happening in your brain, body, and nervous system during the menopausal transition. In This Video, You’ll Learn: •    Why sudden anger and irritability are common in perimenopause & menopause •    How hormonal changes impact your nervous system and emotional regulation •.   Why highly sensitive women (HSPs) feel menopausal rage more intensely •    How past trauma can resurface during the midlife transition •.   The hidden wisdom behind midlife anger — and what it’s trying to tell you •    Calming, trauma-informed tools to navigate emotional overwhelm This Episode is for you if: • You’re in perimenopause or menopause • You’re feeling more irritable, reactive, or overstimulated • You identify as a highly sensitive woman • You’ve experienced trauma or long-term stress • You’re seeking understanding instead of shame • You want to feel grounded, empowered, and supported during this transition Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Menopausal Rage 02:50 Understanding Menopausal Anger 05:27 The Role of Trauma in Anger 08:10 Healing Through Anger 11:15 The Impact of Ancestral Trauma 13:44 Transforming Anger into Advocacy 16:30 Navigating Relationships and Anger 19:13 The Gift of Menopause 22:08 Empowerment Through Anger 25:08 The Shift from Personal to Collective Anger 27:46 Finding Purpose in Anger 30:59 The Importance of Boundaries 33:46 Community and Connection 36:26 Conclusion and Reflection Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    40 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Best Careers for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)

    Send us a text Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) wondering why some jobs drain you while others make you come alive?  In this deep dive, psychotherapist Esther Kane, MSW, RSW shares the best careers for highly sensitive people—plus practical tools to help you build a work life that supports your sensitivity instead of overwhelming it.  You’ll learn: ✨ What it really means to be an HSP in the workplace ✨ The top careers where HSPs thrive—creative, healing, research, and nature-based roles ✨ Which careers may cause burnout for sensitive people ✨ Real client stories and inspiring examples ✨ How to create a sensory-friendly workspace, set boundaries, and trust your intuition If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” this episode will help you understand that your sensitivity isn’t a weakness—it’s your superpower.  🕊️ Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) at Work 09:46 Career Categories for HSPs 11:07 Careers HSPs May Want to Avoid 13:04 Practical Tips for Career Success as an HSP 20:34 Guided Meditation for Career Alignment 👉 Learn more at https://www.estherkane.com Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    22 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Dr. Judith Orloff on Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) & Empaths

    Send us a text In this enlightening interview, Dr. Judith Orloff—psychiatrist, New York Times bestselling author, and leading expert on empathy—shares powerful insights on how to embrace your sensitivity as a strength rather than a weakness. Dr. Orloff explains the key differences between empaths and highly sensitive people, how to recognize emotional overload, and what practical tools can help you stay balanced and empowered. She also discusses her new children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, inspired by her own childhood experiences as an intuitive, empathic child. ✨ In this conversation, you’ll learn: ·       The difference between an empath and a highly sensitive person (HSP) ·       How to protect yourself from “energy vampires” ·       Why sensitive children need understanding, not “toughening up” ·       Tools for emotional boundaries and self-care ·       How to teach kids empathy, self-love, and confidence ·       Why sensitivity is a superpower in today’s world Whether you identify as an empath, HSP, or simply want to understand sensitivity better, this interview offers gentle wisdom and practical strategies for thriving in an overwhelming world. 🎧 About Dr. Judith Orloff: Dr. Orloff is the author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, Thriving as an Empath, The Genius of Empathy, and The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. Her work bridges traditional psychiatry with intuitive understanding, helping empaths and sensitive people live more peaceful, empowered lives. 📚 Learn more at: https://drjudithorloff.com 📘 Books mentioned: ·       The Highly Sensitive Rabbit ·       The Empath’s Survival Guide ·       Thriving as an Empath ·       The Genius of Empathy 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews about psychology, emotional health, and thriving as a highly sensitive person.   Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    43 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Why It's a Good Thing When Women Get Angry

    Send us a text Have you ever been told you’re “too emotional” or “too sensitive” when you felt angry? In this video, psychotherapist Esther Kane, MSW, RSW explores why women’s anger is not something to be ashamed of — it’s something to listen to. You’ll learn how anger can be a powerful messenger, helping you recognize when your boundaries have been crossed and guiding you toward greater self-respect, healing, and empowerment. Esther explains what really happens when women suppress anger, how that energy can turn inward as depression or anxiety, and how somatic therapy can help you safely release and transform stored anger in the body. Stay until the end for practical tools you can use right away — including journaling prompts, breathwork techniques, and body-based exercises to express anger in healthy, healing ways. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Women's Anger 01:52 The Consequences of Suppressing Anger 04:16 Somatic Therapy: A Healing Approach 06:21 Healthy Expressions of Anger To watch this episode on Esther's YouTube Channel which if full of powerful visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdDwfkJIPds 🎧 Coming soon: Part 2 — a lively and honest conversation about how women can navigate anger through different life stages. #womensempowerment #healthyboundaries #healthyrelationships Links To watch episodes on Esther's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@compassionateconversations441 www.estherkane.com Subscribe to my newsletter to receive either of these for FREE:10 Tips for Getting Rid of Relationships That Drain Your Energy or the 6-part audio program, Making Peace With Food and Our Bodies: https://www.estherkane.com/#newsletter Instagram: @estherkanemsw Facebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RCC

    7 min
See All (70)

Trailer

About

Compassionate Conversations is all about getting honest and real with yourself, letting go of the past, along with behaviour patterns which are no longer serving you, and growing into the person you have always wanted to become. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) as well as being a psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive people with almost three decades of experience, I will share the tools and tips which have helped both me and my highly sensitive clients completely transform their lives: owning their power, speaking their voice, and squeezing the juice out of life! Please join us in these Compassionate Conversations and share with people who could also benefit.Watch these episodes on my YouTube channel: @compassionateconversations441)www.estherkane.comInstagram:@estherkanemswFacebook: Esther Kane, MSW, RSW, RCC

Information