Do you feel things more strongly than those around you? Perhaps you are easily moved to tears by art or music, and easily distressed by violent movies or criticism. Are strong scents, bright lights, or loud noises likely to bother you? Do you need to have meaning or purpose in your work or relationships in order to feel fulfilled? You might be a Highly Sensitive Person.
About 30 years ago, Dr. Elaine Aron began researching how and why some people are more sensitive than others. Research shows that about 15-20% of animals are biologically wired to be more sensitive than the rest of the population. Your sensitivity isn’t “all in your head” - it’s genetic!
Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was super useful a few thousand years ago when we needed to devote most of our attention to physical survival - the HSP’s were more likely to hear a predator approaching or be able to smell or taste that food was bad. In a quiet world, being an HSP was an invaluable asset. In our modern society, there is so much stimulation around us so much of the time that navigating the world as an HSP can be extra challenging.
You may have been told you’re too sensitive or that you need to toughen up. You may feel anxious because you startle more easily, feel overwhelmed by to-do lists that others seem to manage just fine, or depressed because of the injustice you feel around you that others don’t seem to notice.
You’re not alone.
I’m highly sensitive too, and I specialize in helping HSP’s learn how to navigate this frequently insensitive world. Together we’ll explore how your sensitivity shows up in your life, in both helpful and unhelpful ways. We’ll figure out how you can enjoy your sensitivity and use it as the asset that it is.
HSP’s tend to particularly enjoy nature-based therapy sessions. Let’s find respite from this loud world by going into the forest and listening to the trees and birds instead of traffic and sirens.
What if your sensitivity were your superpower?