HSP TherapyBill Bradley2024-07-20T21:27:28+00:00

Have you been told again and again that you are too sensitive, too emotional, too intense, leaving you feeling like there is something wrong with you?

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by loud noises, crowded places, bright lights, and other sensory stimuli? Perhaps you long for the quiet solace of a dimly lit room during hectic times, seeking a reprieve from the chaos. As a child, were you often labeled as sensitive, shy, or quiet by adults and peers alike? You might struggle with an acute awareness of the moods and emotions of those around you. Or perhaps you grapple with perfectionism, demanding more from yourself than you ever would from others.

If any of this resonates with you, it’s likely that you possess a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) personality type. Navigating a culture that does not always value this trait can be incredibly challenging. You may have been urged to be less sensitive (as if that were easy!). Or perhaps you experience anxiety as you try to mold yourself to fit the expectations of a world that doesn’t understand the HSP trait.

You may have spent years trying to show up in the world as someone who is not highly sensitive, feeling misunderstood or invisible. And now you may feel burned out and exhausted.

You might be wondering if you will ever find a sense of belonging and whether your sensitivity will always hinder you from living a fulfilling life. Or maybe you dream of a world that moves at a slower, quieter pace than what Western culture seems to allow.

According to Dr. Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person, about 20-25% of the population is highly sensitive.

More current and refined research is showing that actually about 30% of the population is highly sensitive. This means you are certainly not alone.

This trait is present not only in humans but across various species, from fruit flies to dogs, cats, and primates. Often, HSPs serve as advisors to those without the trait, as insightful leaders value their keen awareness of subtleties and their deep, thoughtful nature. HSPs notice details that others might overlook. For instance, they may enter a room and instinctively sense how others are feeling or what adjustments could make the environment more comfortable.

Some cultures value the trait, respecting those who are empathic, intuitive and deep thinkers. Highly Sensitive Persons tend to be compassionate, caring, and insightful, frequently advocating for justice. They are usually conscientious and attentive to details, noticing subtleties in fragrances, colors, and sounds, and possessing a rich, deep inner life.

However, living in our fast-paced, highly stimulating culture can make being an HSP quite difficult.

Interestingly, about half of HSPs are also High Sensation Seekers (HSS). This seemingly contradictory trait means that while they are sensitive to stimuli, they also crave new and intense experiences. This duality can be confusing and overwhelming, sometimes bouncing back and forth between wanting quite calm and needing novelty. It also means that you have a unique capacity for both deep reflection and excitement, often tapping into creative expression or intuitive leadership. But understanding and balancing these aspects of your personality can be hard to do.

Despite these challenges, there is good news. You can understand and appreciate your sensitivity as a gift. The additional benefits of also having the HSS trait, if that is also you, can be uncovered.

HSP therapy can help you learn to honor and take care of yourself so that your uniqueness can shine through. High sensitivity is comparable to a Stradivarius violin, which are finely tuned instruments, producing exquisite sound, and requiring gentle care and protection, worth millions of dollars. And just like Stradivarius violins, your sensitivity is incredibly valuable!

I understand that this care and protection can be difficult to achieve without guidance, much like expecting a child to tie her shoes without ever being shown how.

Perhaps you have known of your highly sensitive person trait for some time and still struggle, or maybe you recently read something about highly sensitive persons and felt that ah-ha moment – yes, that is me.

Whether you have known about your HSP trait for some time and continue to struggle, or you recently discovered the concept and felt an “aha” moment – yes, that’s me – I’m glad you’re here. Acknowledging the need for an HSP counselor who feels like a good fit takes courage.

I know it can be difficult to begin to open up about the impact of your highly sensitive person trait, especially after being expected to simply be something different for so long. That’s why my approach to therapy is gentle, following your pace.

We begin by developing a comprehensive understanding of the HSP trait and how it manifests in your life. Then, we delve into the aspects of your life that concern you the most. We can explore how your relationships have been affected, find ways to stop holding yourself back from situations that overwhelm you, or help you seek employment that feels right for you.

With me, HSP therapy begins by developing a full understanding of the trait and how it shows up for you. Then we can look in more depth at the aspects of your life that you are most concerned about.

Next, we’ll introduce tools and skills, self-care exercises, and more to help you start feeling better quickly. Once you have a solid understanding of your sensitivity and tools to manage it in most situations, we can explore the gifts of your trait in all areas of your life – relationships, work, creative expression, and more – allowing you to find deep fulfillment and purpose.

Often, highly sensitive individuals carry trauma with them, so therapy may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), hypnotherapy, somatic mindfulness techniques, or creative therapies to support healing. These approaches can help you uncover and address the stuck spots, enabling you to appreciate all parts of yourself and feel free to be fully you.

I have been privileged to work with many HSPs over the years. Initially, they often take a deep breath, recognizing that they are finally being seen and have their traits valued.

As they begin to embrace their highly sensitive nature, they become able to express themselves confidently and fully, build supportive relationships, and pursue their chosen paths. This can be your experience too!

You believe HSP Therapy can help, but you still have questions…

I think I’ve tried everything, but nothing has ever really helped. Will this be any different?

Your frustration is understandable, and your persistence is commendable. Many of my clients initially want to “fix” what they perceive as wrong with them until they realize they are not broken. They need tools to fully embrace who they are and understand their highly sensitive trait as the gift it can be.

The journey can be challenging and may seem long. However, with every step you take, gaining new tools and understanding, you can find your moment to shine. Together, we can work through the challenges that hinder you, building on the foundation you’ve already created. I have had many clients who felt frustrated and invisible. By connecting with an HSP therapist and building an extended support system, you too can design and create a wonderful, fulfilling life.

I am already feeling so overwhelmed and drained. How will I ever be able to find time and energy for HSP therapy, too?

This concern is valid. While you may want to eliminate activities from your life, investing in yourself is crucial. You deserve a fulfilling, meaningful life that you choose. Setting aside time now for HSP counseling can help you fill the rest of your life with the experiences and relationships you dream of. Like many of my clients, by using the tools you’ll learn and focusing on what’s important to you through therapy, you’ll begin to have more free time, feeling less overwhelmed and drained.

How do I know if you are the therapist for me?

This is an important question! Finding an HSP therapist who feels like a good match is crucial. You may have tried therapy before and felt that you didn’t gain as much from it as you could have, or that your therapist wasn’t the right fit. You can learn some about a therapist by reading their website, but choosing a therapist is a significant decision. Because you will share deep, personal information in your sessions, feeling comfortable with your therapist is key to successfully meeting your goals. I encourage you to utilize a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation to ask me questions and explore whether I feel like the right fit for you.

You can find relief and learn to appreciate your high sensitivity!

If you are ready, I invite you to schedule your 15-minute phone consultation at 561-533-0948. During the consultation, we will explore your needs and goals and how I might help. And if you don’t feel a connection with me during our first session, that’s okay. I can offer suggestions for another colleague who may be a better fit for you. My priority is that you get what you need from your HSP therapy experience.

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Comparing Introverts, Empaths, and HSPs: Traits and Overlaps

There are over six billion people in this world, and among them, no two individuals are exactly alike. Even twins raised in the same household with equal amounts of love and attention will grow up with their own unique set of wants, needs, beliefs, values, interests, hobbies, and goals. While everyone is different, there are commonalities that link us together. This concept also applies to various personality types and mental conditions. For instance, introverts, empaths, and highly sensitive people (HSPs) share certain qualities and characteristics, but they also remain distinct from one another. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between introverts, empaths, and HSPs. Introverts The term “introvert” is used to describe the personality of a person who tends to find comfort in their own thoughts and feelings rather than through an external source. Introverts tend to find comfort in solitude and introspection, often turning inward rather than seeking out external interactions. They find more pleasure and meaning in quiet activities that allow for alone time, such as reading or drawing. A common belief is that introverts are shy or are not willing or able to be social. In reality, introverts do enjoy being social and spending time with their close family or friends; they just have to spend more time resting and recharging after socializing than extroverts. While there is some overlap, introversion is a distinct personality trait separate from being an empath or a highly sensitive person (HSP). Some introverts may not possess the other two traits at all. Empaths An empath is someone who can connect with others on a deeper level thanks to an acute awareness of both their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. They can “sense” the feelings of others simply by being near them, which can lead to them becoming easily overwhelmed. This heightened sensitivity means they are more prone to stress, panic attacks, depression, chronic fatigue, and other physical symptoms compared to those who are not empaths. An empath can be either an introvert or an extrovert. Most empaths are also likely to be a highly sensitive person. HSPs Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are neurodivergent individuals who have a heightened sensitivity to emotional, physical, or social stimuli. This increased sensitivity allows HSPs to process more information about the world around them, often noticing details that the average person may miss. Since they’re constantly taking in and processing information, they may also frequently show signs of being overwhelmed or overstimulated. Similar to empaths, an HSP can be either an introvert or an extrovert. Most HSPs also have the trait of being an empath. The Similarities There can be significant similarities and overlaps between introverts, empaths, and highly sensitive people (HSPs). These personality traits are often misunderstood, especially by those who do not share them. People who do not identify as introverts, empaths, or HSPs may perceive individuals with these traits as being overly sensitive. A person might possess one, two, or all three of these traits. And while any combination is possible, some scenarios are more likely than others. For instance, most empaths are also highly sensitive people, and vice versa. Additionally, HSPs are more likely to be introverted rather than extroverted. Next Steps While every personality trait comes with its positives and negatives, it’s essential to focus on the bright side of these traits if you have them. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you embrace and harness the strengths of these traits, while coping with the more challenging aspects. If you’d like to learn more about counseling for HSPs, click here. Reach out today to learn more about tapping into the best parts of your unique personality.
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Career Paths Suited for Highly Sensitive Individuals

As with anything in life, being a highly sensitive person (HSP) can bring on positives as well as challenges throughout your life, especially within a career. Everyone wants to have their career aligned with the best strengths and assets that they bring to the table. When a highly sensitive person approaches a career, they need to also factor in their sensitivity. It can be challenging for an HSP to find a career that doesn’t overwhelm or overstimulate them from day to day. Are you looking for the best career options as a highly sensitive person? Look no further! Let’s learn more about some of the career paths that may be best suited for highly sensitive individuals. Analytics Analytics may not be the first career path that you may think of when it comes to a highly sensitive person. A career in research or analytics could be well-suited for an HSP. HSPs are able to connect with others on a deeper level, but this is mostly due to how analytical and detail-oriented they are. They pay attention to the smaller details that many other people may not notice. This allows them to appreciate complex problems, data, and statistics. Most HSPs do extremely well in connecting with others and helping them. Some HSPs who are easily overwhelmed or overstimulated may prefer to work alone. A career in analytics, data, science, or statistics could be a great path for an HSP who prefers working in a more focused and quiet type of environment. Creative Roles Creative careers are a great career path for highly sensitive people. HSPs tend to have a deeper appreciation for being creative and the arts. A creative career path would offer highly sensitive people a chance to express themselves and their sensitivity through their livelihood. Having a heightened state of emotional awareness for themselves and others means they can reach people and resonate with them in a greater and deeper way. A career in art, design, or writing would be a perfect career path for a highly sensitive person. Helping Others A lot of highly sensitive people have both a want and a need to help others. They naturally are able to pick up on social cues that people who don’t have the highly sensitive trait are unable to see or feel. Careers like counseling, social work, or therapy require a greater sense of emotional intelligence. HSPs would also be able to lean into their ability to connect with others on a deeper level by seeing and feeling what the other person is going through. Their ability to actively listen and empathize with others would make them well-suited for a career in helping others. Environmental Work Another career path that could be impactful for a highly sensitive person is a career in environmental or conservation work. HSPs not only have a deeper connection to others, they also have a deep connection to the environment and nature. HSPs who have a passion for protecting the planet can find a job in conservation or the environment to be extremely rewarding. These types of careers would allow individuals to work outside in nature and actually see how their work is helping to improve the world around them. And yet, while all of these options may be a good fit for you, highly sensitive people can be successful and are needed in whatever career they are drawn to. They simply may need to develop skills to navigate their unique gifts and needs. Next Steps No matter if you’re a highly sensitive person or not, it’s always important to find a career that aligns with your interests, passions, and strengths. Finding a job that meets all of your criteria may not be easy, but it is possible. The possibilities are endless. It’s important to first identify what’s important to you and the strengths that you bring to the table. If you’re interested in learning more about the best career path for you as an HSP, reach out today so I can help you navigate these next steps. Meanwhile, learn more about HSP therapy here.
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Highly Sensitive and High Sensation Seeking: How to Find Balance and Harness Your Strengths

A lot of people think of being sensitive as someone being weak or fragile. In today’s world, sensitivity can be viewed as a negative trait. You may have even heard of phrases in real life or in television shows or movies like “Get over it,” “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “Rub some dirt on it” when someone was upset or down about something that happened in their life. But sensitivity isn’t a bad thing. As with all traits, sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse. You just have to be able to find that middle ground to use it to your advantage. When you also have the trait of high sensation seeking, figuring out how to meet your needs and desires with these two seemingly conflicting traits can be confusing for both you and your friends and family. Let’s learn more about how you can find a balance and harness your strengths while being a highly sensitive person and also a high sensation seeker. The Impact of Being Both An HSP and an HSS Highly sensitive people are neurodivergent individuals who have a heightened state of emotions and overall awareness of their surroundings. High sensation seekers are people who desire experiences and excitement that provide stimulation, whether it’s riding rollercoasters or simply wanting to try new restaurants and foods. Highly sensitive people (HSP) who are also high sensation seekers (HSS) often struggle with finding a balance between their want and need for thrilling or novel experiences while also trying to deal with a higher sense of sensitivity. This can lead to an inner conflict and constant negotiation between these two, very different traits. The Inner Conflict Being both an HSP and an HSS can make you feel like you’re being pulled in opposite directions by your own wants and needs. This inner conflict can harm the relationships in your life as well as your career. The silver lining is that you have positives and negatives of each trait that you also have the other perspective of. It’s important to find a balance so you’re not letting one trait drive everything while the other trait is kicked to the side. Finding a balance is essential to make sure that you’re meeting the wants and needs of both traits so that you also feel content, and satisfied, and that your wants and needs are being met. How HSP/HSS Individuals Can Acknowledge and Embrace Both Aspects of Their Temperament Acceptance Finding acceptance means accepting all parts of yourself, the good and the bad. You have to recognize and acknowledge the side of yourself that enjoys thrills and excitement. You also have to embrace the parts of you that may feel stressed, anxious, or overstimulated. Both sides make you who you are as a person. They allow you to be the most authentic version of yourself. Finding a Balance Finding a balance means taking the time to meet the wants and needs of both traits. This could mean that you split your time between the two traits. Try to plan your days accordingly. Your weekends could include a day filled with activities, get-togethers, or hobbies while the other day in your weekend could mean staying at home to rest, relax, and recover. Build Resilience Over time, you’ll realize that these characteristics and traits that you have are unique and can actually be pretty useful and powerful tools. Sensitivity is not a sign of weakness. You can use your HSP/HSS traits to tap into your emotions to better handle any challenge that life may throw your way. Increased Empathy and Emotional Intelligence HSPs have a deeper amount of empathy and the ability to understand their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Consider this as well as a stronger emotional intelligence as a superpower that not many others can say that they also have. Use these skills as a way to understand and communicate better for yourself and others. Next Steps To learn more about counseling for HSPs , click here. You’re not expected to navigate this all on your own. If you’re wanting a little extra support, I’m here for you. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
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What Is the Difference Between Autism and Being a Highly Sensitive Person?

While sensitivity can manifest in various ways, two terms that frequently come up are “Highly Sensitive Person” (HSP) and “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). These two conditions, while distinct, share some common traits that can sometimes lead to confusion as to how they are different. Let’s explore. What Is Autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that is used to describe individuals who face challenges in their behaviors, communication, speech, and social skills. It’s considered a developmental disorder that can impact someone’s ability to interact with others. What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? A highly sensitive person (HSP) is an individual who is believed to have a more responsive central nervous system which can make them more sensitive to emotional, physical, or social stimuli compared to the average individual. The Similarities People with autism and highly sensitive people share a lot of similarities. These are some of the most common similarities between the two: Difficulty adjusting to new environments: Having a hard time feeling comfortable or finding their place when they’re not familiar with it. Heightened awareness of stimuli: Being sensitive to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings. Motivated by personal values and beliefs: Being more likely to seek justice for those who are wronged or harmed. Nervous system sensitivity: Experiencing strong responses to external stimuli and stressors. Strong emotional reactivity: Being overwhelmed or overstimulated by environments or emotions, causing a strong emotional reaction. The Differences While high sensitivity is a common similarity between highly sensitive people and autism, not all highly sensitive people have autism. Autistic individuals may have high or increased sensitivity, but that doesn’t mean that the two conditions or traits are automatically intertwined. In fact, autistic individuals typically showcase a broader range of characteristics that go beyond just sensitivity. Here are some of the most common differences between autism and highly sensitive people: Interacting with Others Highly sensitive people are often deeply attuned to social nuances. Not only are they sensitive to the feelings of others, but they tend to pick up on small details within tone or body language. In short, they exhibit a social hyperawareness that allows them to more easily form deep connections with others. When it comes to social situations for autistic individuals, they often aren’t as likely to pick up on subtle social cues or may have trouble understanding the function or purpose of certain social cues. They might find it challenging to connect with people and their direct and literal communication style isn’t always well-received by neurotypicals. Decompressing While both HSPs and people with autism require alone time to decompress, the self-soothing techniques involved differ. HSPs need alone time to recover from the overuse or overstimulation of their social skillset. They might retreat to a safe, comfortable, quiet place to relax and reduce stimulation. Autistic individuals need alone time to process their thoughts and emotions, but they self-soothe by engaging with their special interests, performing repetitive movements (stimming), or finding comfort in their routine. These particular self-soothing practices aren’t as prominent in HSPs. Processing The key difference in processing comes down to this: Highly sensitive people display depth of processing, while people with autism display more breadth of processing. Depth of processing is responsible for the intuitiveness and attunement to others’ emotions, a common trait in HSPs. Breadth of processing involves a wider focus, meaning those with autism tend to take in more than just one intense, specific social instance. Instead their brain works to organize multiple separate experiences at a time. Next Steps There is absolutely nothing wrong with being autistic or being a highly sensitive person. Both conditions and traits come with strengths and struggles. No matter what you’re struggling with, I’m here to help you navigate it so you can live your life to the fullest. Learn more about HSP counseling here. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
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Understanding the Difference Between a Sensory Processing Disorder and a Highly Sensitive Person

One of the first things you’re taught about in school is about your five senses. You learn about taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight. As you grow older, you realize that these five basic senses aren’t given to each individual. Some people are born without the ability to see. Others may lose one of these abilities, like hearing, over time. On the other hand, some individuals may be more in tune with their five senses and even the senses of others. Let’s learn more about the differences between a sensory processing disorder and a highly sensitive person. What Is a Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that can affect the way that the brain processes sensory information or stimuli. Lights, noises, scents may seem too intense. The opposite situation could also happen with a sensory processing disorder. This means that it would take a great amount of stimuli like noises or smells to affect someone. What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? A highly sensitive person (HSP) describes individuals who have deeper or increased sensitivity to emotional, physical, and social stimuli. Highly sensitive people have a heightened awareness of others around them. This means that they can tune in and even absorb the feelings of others. If someone close to them is sad, they may experience sadness of their own. Highly sensitive people are extremely empathetic and can pick up on the emotions and feelings of others. The Signs and Symptoms Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about sensory processing disorder and being a highly sensitive person, you’re probably wondering how to know if you’re dealing with either. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a sensory processing disorder: Behavioral issues Fearful of certain activities Food textures are unpleasant Materials of clothing feel too itchy or scratchy Poor reactions to certain sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or touches Touches feel too hard These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a highly sensitive person: Affected by the energies and emotions of others Anxiety Craving downtime Easily startled Overwhelmed in crowded places Sensitive to caffeine The Similarities Both a sensory processing disorder and being a highly sensitive person can cause individuals to be overly sensitive to certain stimuli. Lights can appear to be too bright. Some sounds may seem too loud. Even certain textures can feel too extreme at times. Although there are similarities between sensory processing disorder and being a highly sensitive person, there are a lot more differences between the two. The Differences Disorder vs. Trait It can be easy to confuse having a sensory processing disorder and being a highly sensitive person. That being said, the two are very different from one another. For one, a sensory processing disorder is actually a disorder. Being a highly sensitive person isn’t a disorder at all. It’s a trait that some people can have. A big confusion between the two is that being a highly sensitive person is commonly known as having a sensory processing sensitivity. The Sensitivities The sensitivities can also differ between the two. Highly sensitive people don’t often have issues with their motor skills, spatial awareness, or their balance. Instead, most of the sensitivities are related to their emotions or the emotions of others. Next Steps If you’re struggling with a sensory processing disorder, being a highly sensitive person, or a combination of the two, it may feel like you’re alone, especially compared to your loved ones. The truth is, these are a lot more common than you think. And you’re not alone. Help is available to you when you’re ready to ask for it. If you notice you’re having a hard time getting through your day-to-day, reach out to me today to set up a consultation. You can learn more about HSP treatment here.
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How to Relieve Anxiety as a Highly Sensitive Person

When you’re a highly sensitive person, you have the ability to feel your emotions as well as the emotions of others on a deeper level. As with anything in life, there are positives and negatives to being a highly sensitive person. It shows a great deal of compassion and empathy to be a highly sensitive person. You may be able to pick up on cues that others aren’t able to notice. You also may be able to connect with others in a deeper and more meaningful way. On the other hand, feeling your own emotions as well as the emotions of the other people around you can be extremely overwhelming. Here’s how to relieve anxiety as a highly sensitive person. Be Aware of What Causes Your Anxiety One of the best ways to get ahead of your anxiety as a highly sensitive person is to first recognize and acknowledge some of the people, places, or things that may be causing you to have anxiety in the first place. Recognizing your stressors can help you better manage your anxiety levels moving forward. By knowing your triggers, you’ll be able to stop your anxiety before it happens, even if you happen to be in a situation that you know may increase your anxiety. You can choose to remove yourself from the situation depending on how you’re feeling. Take Care of Yourself Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. If you’re not taking care of yourself, your anxiety has a better chance of increasing. As a highly sensitive person, you’re more likely to dismiss your own needs and want to help others. Keep in mind that you can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is completely empty. You need to make sure your needs are being met before you can fully give to someone else. This means making sure you’re fueling your body properly during the day, getting enough sleep at night, drinking enough water, and finding time in your day to relax and unwind. Set Boundaries Boundaries may seem like a harsh ask. When you think of boundaries, you may think of drawing a line between yourself and another person. Try to be a little more open to setting boundaries. They don’t have to be as harsh as they seem. Plus, they can actually be a really great thing for building healthy and positive relationships for yourself and the other person or people involved. Your boundaries may relate to physical, emotional, sexual, intellectual, or financial. Don’t be afraid to say no. You have to stick to your own boundaries and respect them just as much as someone else in your life should. Try Stress-Reduction Exercises Preventative measures for anxiety are great, but you’re probably wondering what you should be doing if you’re actually dealing with anxiety in the present moment. One of the best ways to try to cope with anxiety is to implement stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. This is a great practice to use as a preventive measure but also as a way to cope in the present moment. Here are a few different exercises you can do to reduce your stress: Journal Meditate Yoga Move your body Deep breathing Repeat a mantra or affirmation Seek Additional Support There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Seeking additional support from a licensed and trained mental health professional may be exactly what you need to help you relieve anxiety as a highly sensitive person. Working with a therapist can help you get to the root cause or triggers of your anxiety. A therapist will be able to work with you to help you better manage and control your anxiety moving forward. You can learn more about counseling for HSPs here. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
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