What is a highly sensitive person?

Everyone has experienced sensitivity to situations or people at one time or another. But for some people, sensitivity extends to all of life most of the time, making it difficult to be in the world. If you identify as a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, it could be challenging for you to interact with others and to handle your day-to-day responsibilities as easily as you'd like.

Helping Highly Sensitive People embrace your sensitivity as a gift.

If you relate to being a Highly Sensitive Person, you’ll find comfort in knowing that it’s not a mental illness or disorder in any way. It’s just a physiological difference in a tiny part of the brain that causes HSPs to process information differently than those who are not HSP.

Still, nearly 20% of humans are born as HSPs! And while we can't change our physiology, there are things that HSPs can learn and apply to become happier and more effective people in life.

Am I a highly sensitive person?

The following are some common traits of HSPs:

• You're highly perceptive and feel the emotional pain of others
• You're attuned to other people’s moods and they affect you
• You feel stressed in loud, chaotic, or over-stimulating environments
• You feel easily overwhelmed when you have too much to do at once
• You're highly conscientious and try to avoid making mistakes and letting people down
• You lead a rich, complex inner life
• You avoid conflict as it makes you feel anxious and vulnerable
• You're hard on yourself for your sensitivities
• You need time to process your emotions deeply

How does being a highly sensitive person affect you?

Highly sensitive people have unique struggles as well as gifts. HSPs are often more perceptive of their environment, which can mean that you're more easily overwhelmed. It can also mean that you can more easily have an appreciation for the subtleties around you. As an HSP, you may feel more moved by art, entertainment, or your environment. This can result in more ease empathizing with others, which can be both positive and negative. You might find yourself asking yourself why life is so exhausting. Or why it's so difficult for you to enjoy others and have fun. It’s natural to want to withdraw when you're under stress, but being highly sensitive without support can cause you to isolate or spend more time alone just because life doesn’t seem “doable” anymore.

How can therapy help highly sensitive people?

​As a therapist for HSPs, I begin by forming a therapeutic relationship where you feel heard and have the experience of being less alone. Because I, too, identify as an HSP, I've struggled with many of the same issues you're facing- the social challenges, the isolation, the overwhelm.

One of the most helpful first steps is to identify the gifts that you as an HSP bring to the world. We also explore how you can express your unique HSP qualities comfortably and safely and share yourself with confidence, which will open up new possibilities for your life.

Because HSPs have certain tendencies, we’ll look at creating patterns that are more supportive of you. Along the way, you’ll gain new tools and perspectives for handling life challenges common to HSPs. Over time and with practice, you'll feel more freedom, self-assurance, and develop a greater love and appreciation for yourself as an HSP.

​Being sensitive in what often feels like an insensitive world can be tough, but it doesn’t have to stop you from being who you were meant to be! I can support you on your journey.

You deserve a therapist who understands and is experienced at working with Highly Sensitive People.

​Let's start seeing your HSP traits as strengths and a gifts. 

I'd be honored to be your safe haven on your therapeutic journey. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help us get a feel for each other and see if it's a good fit. Schedule your free consultation online by clicking the button below. Or visit my FAQ if you have more questions about getting started.

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