Episode #57: The Challenges & Gifts of Being a Highly Sensitive Musician with Brian Zirngible, LMFT - Patricia Young

TITLE

The Challenges & Gifts of Being a Highly Sensitive Musician with Brian Zirngible, LMFT

GUEST

Brian Zirngible, LMFT

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Brian, who is a musician and a therapist, talks about his work with men who are creatives, musicians and artists, but rarely come to therapy on their own, and don’t know that they are Highly Sensitive. Brian talks about the names he was called for being sensitive, and that his family didn’t really talk about feelings. We talk about the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness and curiosity as well as slowing down before responding when we’re picking up on something without having all the information.

HIGHLIGHTS

Brian talks about how sensitivity was viewed in his family
What is an educated and empowered HSP?
Why is it important for the Highly Sensitive Person to be around other HSPs?
Brian talks about the names he was called for being sensitive
Brian talks about some men having difficulty expressing their feelings
In Brian’s experience, men often don’t go to therapy on their own
Many times, a partner, bandmate or spouse tell the man they need to go to therapy, or that they might benefit from talking to someone
Generally, the men that Brian sees, come in to get help with getting unstuck with creativity
Often underneath the unstuckness is depression, anxiety, substance abuse
It can be challenging to be a man since men are given the message to be tough, don’t cry, don’t be a baby
There is pressure in athletics, the classroom and the music industry to be tough and to deny sensitivity
Brian talks about Kristen Neff’s work and the importance of radical self-acceptance
Brian talks about his superpowers of being able to read a room, which helps him as a therapist, and as musician
We talk about the importance of slowing down and taking a breath and getting curious when we “read” something, but may not know why someone looks a certain way or has said something
We talk about the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion and curiosity
Brian’s primary message is that he wants people, especially the Highly Sensitive Person, to know you are not alone
He also talks about JOMO—the joy of missing out (instead of FOMO—the fear of missing out)
Brian talks about what he would want his younger self to know

GUEST BIO

Brian Zirngible is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Burnsville, Minnesota. His specialties & passions are supporting highly sensitive men, musicians & performing artists to find more balance, boundaries & bad-assery in their lives. Brian is a performing artist & musician himself, playing in 3 different musical projects. He practices daily meditation, mindfulness & is a husband to a super supportive & amazing wife. Brian is also a father to the cutest fur-baby shih tzu ever!

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young works with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) helping them to understand their HSP traits, and turning their perceived shortcomings into superpowers. Patricia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate the amazing gifts they have to offer. Patricia works globally online with HSPs providing coaching. Patricia also facilitates online groups for HSPs that focus on building community and developing skills (identifying your superpowers, boundaries, perfectionism, dealing with conflict, mindfulness, embracing emotions, creating a lifestyle that supports the HSP, communication and more).