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.

Contact Sara

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