Therapy for Highly Sensitive People
Approximately 20% of the population exhibits an innate trait known as high sensitivity – marked by deep attunement to emotional and environmental stimuli. The DOES acronym is a helpful way of detecting traits of high sensitivity in oneself or others. Individuals who are highly sensitive tend to be deep internal processors, prone to overstimulation (often as a result of being deep processors), emotionally responsive or highly empathetic, and aware of subtle shifts in people and surroundings. You can take a self-test here to find out if you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP).
High sensitivity is a trait that cuts across all gender identities, though socialization patterns and norms within one’s family or peer group may lead to different styles of presenting the trait. While most HSPs are introverts, 30% are extroverts - anyone can be a highly sensitive person.
Because the U.S. is a culture that emphasizes values such as individualism, productivity, and efficiency, HSPs face a greater risk of being mislabeled as “overly” emotional, inefficient, less than, or unworthy of belonging. Some HSPs may feel like they need to hide their perspectives and feelings due to fear of being misunderstood, rejected, or perceived as not good enough.
Have you ever been labeled as too sensitive?
HSPs are prone to experience positive and negative events more intensely than non-HSPs (a phenomenon known as vantage sensitivity). While this can mean painful experiences are particularly palpable for highly sensitive people, research demonstrates that HSPs may gain even greater benefits from fulfilling and supportive experiences, including counseling.
I believe HSPs deserve neurodivergent affirming therapy. As a highly sensitive psychologist, myself, I approach unique ways of processing, communicating, and experiencing the world with curiosity and a sense of celebration. Whether you experience shame or pride about possessing traits of high sensitivity, you deserve understanding of your inner world and lived experiences.
