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The Nourished Sensitive (n.)

1The Nourished Sensitive (a sensitive being who is thriving)
2The Nourished Sensitive (an approach to care that both honors and nourishes sensitivity)

The Nourished Sensitive is built on the premise that sensitivity is fertile ground for possibility and healing.

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By reframing sensitivity as a sanctuary and source of power, I help you see and feel yourself in a new light and relate to the world by honoring your own unique energy and needs.

This redefinition is not just about feeling better but about empowering a community of sensitive individuals to use their innate abilities and gifts to enrich their lives and contribute to the world around them in meaningful ways.

Our mission is to create a global community where sensitive folks see themselves, and are celebrated, for who they truly are: compassionate, empathetic, healing, creative, beautiful, and loving gifts to humanity.

The Nourished Sensitive unites sensitive individuals to foster mutual growth, holistic wellness, and learning, helping us live authentically and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Leah Tarleton

MS, RDN

Founder of The Nourished Sensitive, and recovering "perfectionist" turned self-accepting writer, creator, dreamer, deep thinker, and space creator for people like you and me. My highest calling in life is to live true to myself and inspire other deep feelers to do the same.

I believe that genuine human connection and compassion are ideals we ought to strive for – a belief that grounds everything that I do in my personal life, in my community, and in the world.

In my work, I focus on holistic nourishment that encompasses mind, body, and spirit—an approach to health and wellness too often overlooked in conventional healthcare. I abide by a code of personal and professional ethics that places human and planetary well-being at the forefront and strives to do no harm. I engage in continuing professional education, personal development, and my own personal healing so I show up as the best version of myself for those I serve.

I began my professional career as a clinical registered dietitian in the conventional healthcare system, witnessing firsthand how our health systems and practices often rely on surface-level, prescriptive solutions and quick fixes that often hinder or even prevent healing on a deeper level. These approaches frequently lack basic human empathy and an understanding of the true root causes of dysregulation and disease, which can arise as normal and natural responses to life's many stressors, especially in sensitive individuals.

My definition of nourishment thus extends beyond the surface of diet and exercise to include things like:

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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification badge.

What makes The Nourished Sensitive unique:

I don't teach or coach from a distance.

I get to know every client and community member and engage deeply. I draw from and share community stories to offer a range of experiences and perspectives.

I follow a comprehensive wellness model.

Rather than approach sensitivity from a purely clinical or theoretical standpoint, I follow a holistic health model that is dynamic and life-affirming, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I see personal growth as an inside job, and encourage my clients and community to move beyond surface-level personal development into deeper self-awareness and healing.

I integrate personal experience with professional expertise.

Beyond my own experiences, I have extensive expertise in compassionate, human-centered counseling techniques and perspectives like motivational interviewing, person-centered care, positive psychology, trauma-informed perspectives, social justice, and dynamic health and eating psychology.

I don’t believe you need to be “fixed”.

Instead, I will help you foster an empowered way of living that aligns with who you are and what you value most. I embolden you to take control of your health journey—an approach that differentiates me in a market dominated by prescriptive advice.

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Our Values

Empowerment

We empower each other to embrace our fullest potential and create positive change in our lives and communities.

Sustainability

We are committed to sustainable practices, fostering enduring change in human and planetary health while nurturing a brighter future for all beings.

Integrity

We live in alignment with our values, fostering honesty and trust in all our relationships and endeavors.

Compassion

We provide love and care without condition, listen without judgment, and spread kindness wherever we go.

Community

We recognize our interconnectedness and collaborate for collective well-being.

On a more personal level

My inner monologue is that of a truly hopeless romantic. I experience the world with an enduring sense of dreaminess and childlike wonder, imagination, and pure idealism born of female characters whose stories I grew up reading; from Anne of Green Gables, Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz, and Matilda, to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie, Fern from Charlotte's Web, and Anne Frank in her Diary of A Young Girl.

I’m a writer, a poet, a collage artist, and a visual storyteller. I like writing love notes and I appreciate life’s little romances, like a warm cup of tea in the morning, sending a postcard to a friend, or stopping to smell the flowers.

My dream is to give back from the abundance grown in The Nourished Sensitive garden; to protect the planet, take care of people and causes I care about, and offer generous scholarships and offerings. I chose this mission because leveraging the suffering in my past for the healing of others allows me to take something that was dark and painful and turn it into something beautiful.

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FAQs

A few answers about Leah and The Nourished Sensitive. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

My journey began in conventional healthcare, where I observed that many health systems focus on surface-level solutions, often neglecting the deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being. But it was through my own path of self-discovery that I began to understand the depth of my own high sensitivity and its impact on every aspect of my life. Realizing I was highly sensitive was a transformative moment—it helped me see myself with more compassion and begin to honor my natural way of experiencing the world. Through this journey, I found that sensitivity could be a strength rather than something to overcome, and I became inspired to focus on people who, like me, feel deeply and sometimes struggle to find spaces where this trait is truly honored. I invite you to read more about my path in this Canvas Rebel Article.
At The Nourished Sensitive, we recognize that sensitivity is a unique trait that requires a tailored approach. We offer a holistic wellness model that integrates mind, body, and spirit, providing personalized support that respects each individual's experiences. Our community fosters deep connections, encouraging members to share their stories and learn from one another. This collaborative environment empowers sensitive individuals to embrace their nature and use it as a source of strength and healing.
My coaching approach is rooted in empathy and empowerment. I believe that sensitive individuals don't need to be "fixed" but rather supported in reconnecting with their true selves. Utilizing compassionate counseling and trauma-informed practices, I work alongside each member to co-create a healing path that honors their unique needs and strengths. This approach encourages growth from the inside out, moving beyond surface-level wellness to a deeply fulfilling, life-affirming journey. Learn more about The Nourish to Flourish Coaching Journey.
Absolutely. While The Nourished Sensitive is designed with highly sensitive people in mind, anyone who resonates with our approach is welcome to join. Our work centers on empathy, authenticity, and holistic health, which can benefit anyone looking to deepen their self-awareness and well-being. Sensitivity takes many forms, and we’re here to support all who feel called to this space.
We offer a variety of resources designed to support holistic wellness and personal growth, including community memberships, one-on-one coaching, workshops, and group events. Each offering is crafted to honor the unique experiences of highly sensitive individuals, helping them foster resilience, empowerment, and a deeper connection with themselves. To learn more, visit Our Offerings.
For us, holistic wellness means honoring the full spectrum of mind, body, and spirit. It goes beyond just diet and exercise to include emotional health, creative expression, embodiment, and even spiritual exploration. This approach allows us to address the whole person, rather than focusing only on symptoms. By integrating all aspects of wellness, we create a more fulfilling, sustainable foundation for each individual’s well-being. To get a better sense of our holistic wellness framework, download our Services Guide.

Joining The Nourished Sensitive is stepping into a community that’s both deeply nurturing and supportive. New members can expect a welcoming space where they can explore their sensitivity, form supportive relationships, access holistic wellness resources, and connect with like-minded individuals. This journey often includes growth and self-discovery, along with ongoing workshops, resources, and support from others who understand and celebrate what it means to feel deeply. Learn more about our community, The Nourished Sensitive Collective.
Sensitivity allows us to perceive the world in unique, often profound ways. At The Nourished Sensitive, we view this trait as fertile ground for healing because it encourages introspection, empathy, and connection–elements that lead to greater wholeness. Sensitivity can reveal what needs attention within us and help us nurture both ourselves and others. By embracing this trait, we create a space where healing isn’t just possible but natural, allowing sensitive individuals to flourish in alignment with their true nature.
My approach to spirituality is rooted in a personal connection rather than a specific path, religion, or set of beliefs. I find wisdom and guidance in various spiritual traditions and natural elements, which I incorporate into my personal life and practice. This perspective allows me to remain open and grounded while serving a diverse community with a range of spiritual and personal beliefs. At The Nourished Sensitive, we respect each person’s unique spiritual journey and honor the value of curiosity, compassion, and connection.
Yes, absolutely. Personal healing is an essential part of my journey and informs my work deeply. I continuously engage in practices and reflections that support my own well-being and growth. This personal commitment allows me to show up fully for the community, with an understanding of the courage, vulnerability, and resilience involved in personal healing and growth. One of my highest values is integrity, so I believe in the importance of modeling the same principles I encourage in others—compassionate self-awareness, inner nourishment, and an ongoing journey toward wholeness.

Looking for community, connection, and support?

I’ve created a space just for you.

Plant your seed in a peaceful, supportive, and joyful community garden, where you will learn to cultivate the elements you need to thrive in your sensitivity and be nourished by friendship – together.

Join membership