Highly Sensitive People
Welcome to all who have been labeled "too sensitive," or "too emotional" or "too needy." We see you and really value who you are in this world! We know that this world doesn't always feel kind to those of us who have highly sensitive traits. In fact, your sensitivity may have been treated like a liability. We think this couldn't be further from the truth! We believe that high sensitivity can be a very valuable trait, especially when the person holding that trait has been empowered to create a life that allows them to thrive!
When we are talking about being highly sensitive, we are referring to a temperament trait that exists in 15-20% of the population, split evenly between men and women. This trait generally causes a person to have a strong awareness of subtleties in stimuli and gives them the potential to become overwhelmed by too much stimuli (Aron & Aron, 1997). High sensitivity affects all areas of life and often expresses itself in these ways:
If you are wondering if you might be Highly Sensitive, take a quick quiz here.
Practically speaking, Highly Sensitive People (HSP) may not have a large capacity for a fast-paced social life, raising a large family, or working in a stressful environment. Elements in their world may very realistically limit their ability to thrive or succeed. Because of this, they may have been scorned for their inability to overcome obstacles that others may be able to navigate. HSP's often struggle with shame because they feel like there is something innately wrong with them for not being able to overcome. In reality, the fast-paced, driven culture does not serve the HSP temperament.
Being highly sensitive is not a character flaw, rather a very precious gift to the world.
When supporting HSP clients, we work to understand how these sensitivities arise in their life. We explore what the impact of sensitivity has been and how it has affected their work, relationships and sense of self. We start therapeutic work by acknowledging and validating the HSP experience. We work to reframe the impact of their sensitivities--illuminating the ways in which these traits really benefit them and their world. Knowing that HSP clients benefit from establishing a lifestyle that caters to their sensitivities and allows for appropriate expression of their rich internal life. We love to give HSP's permission to create an environment in which they can truly thrive!
Many HSP's need support with creating boundaries with others. In order to create an environment in which they thrive, HSP's often need to ask the people in their lives to interact with them differently. This can cause a stir in family systems that are used to the HSP playing a peace-keeping role or just simply going with the flow that others establish. Additionally, HSP's often benefit from learning new tools for dealing with others' emotions. HSP's are highly attuned and empathetic, and because they notice the emotional temperature in the room, they often feel responsible for it. We help the HSP to empathize with others without taking on other's emotions as their own, creating emotional autonomy.
We can help you explore these themes in your own life, setting up boundaries and expectations with loved ones and empowering you to develop a life in which you thrive!
When we are talking about being highly sensitive, we are referring to a temperament trait that exists in 15-20% of the population, split evenly between men and women. This trait generally causes a person to have a strong awareness of subtleties in stimuli and gives them the potential to become overwhelmed by too much stimuli (Aron & Aron, 1997). High sensitivity affects all areas of life and often expresses itself in these ways:
- Depth of Processing
- Overarousability
- Emotional Intensity
- Sensory Sensitivity
If you are wondering if you might be Highly Sensitive, take a quick quiz here.
Practically speaking, Highly Sensitive People (HSP) may not have a large capacity for a fast-paced social life, raising a large family, or working in a stressful environment. Elements in their world may very realistically limit their ability to thrive or succeed. Because of this, they may have been scorned for their inability to overcome obstacles that others may be able to navigate. HSP's often struggle with shame because they feel like there is something innately wrong with them for not being able to overcome. In reality, the fast-paced, driven culture does not serve the HSP temperament.
Being highly sensitive is not a character flaw, rather a very precious gift to the world.
When supporting HSP clients, we work to understand how these sensitivities arise in their life. We explore what the impact of sensitivity has been and how it has affected their work, relationships and sense of self. We start therapeutic work by acknowledging and validating the HSP experience. We work to reframe the impact of their sensitivities--illuminating the ways in which these traits really benefit them and their world. Knowing that HSP clients benefit from establishing a lifestyle that caters to their sensitivities and allows for appropriate expression of their rich internal life. We love to give HSP's permission to create an environment in which they can truly thrive!
Many HSP's need support with creating boundaries with others. In order to create an environment in which they thrive, HSP's often need to ask the people in their lives to interact with them differently. This can cause a stir in family systems that are used to the HSP playing a peace-keeping role or just simply going with the flow that others establish. Additionally, HSP's often benefit from learning new tools for dealing with others' emotions. HSP's are highly attuned and empathetic, and because they notice the emotional temperature in the room, they often feel responsible for it. We help the HSP to empathize with others without taking on other's emotions as their own, creating emotional autonomy.
We can help you explore these themes in your own life, setting up boundaries and expectations with loved ones and empowering you to develop a life in which you thrive!
|
A Benediction for Highly Sensitive People
May you learn to embrace and celebrate your sensitive qualities. May you more easily cast off judgement and harsh comments. May you learn to identify your unique set of needs. May you gift yourself the freedom to build a soft life. May you envision a life in which you thrive. May you tend your wellbeing like a skilled gardener. May boundaries allow you to stay soft. May you expand as you establish protection and safety. May you invite trusted others into your sensitive experience. May you find grounding with natural rhythms of life. May you bring your softness and sensitivity into the world. |