Counselling Highly Sensitive Person

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

A highly sensitive person (HSP) experiences the world differently than others. Due to a biological difference that they’re born with, highly sensitive people are more aware of subtleties and process information deeply. This means they tend to be creative, insightful, and empathetic, but it also means they’re more prone than others to stress and overwhelm.

HSP’s are often affected by other people’s moods and easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input, bright lights, strong smells and sensitive to caffeine. Their nervous system can be sensitive resulting in them needing to withdraw and crave privacy and alone time. Despite being conscientious they can feel pressured if they have too much to do in a short amount of time, or asked to do too much at once.

Although being highly sensitive is completely normal — meaning, its not a disease, or a disorder — it’s often misunderstood, because only 15 to 20 percent of the population are HSPs.

Are you a highly sensitive person?
If you relate to most of these signs, there’s a good chance you’re an HSP.

The Challenges of Being an Highly Sensitive Person

There are many pros and cons to being and HSP and it can come with many emotional and interpersonal challenges leading to stress, anxiety and depression..

With proper support and a recognition of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, HSPs can set up environments in which they can thrive.

What can Help a Highly Sensitive Person?

Since Linda discovered she is an HSP she has learnt ways to meet these challenges her life has transformed.

Self care is critical and Linda aims to help you reduce the stress in your life and learn how to make changes to your lifestyle that can help you cope with the heightened emotional responses to stress.

Watch:
Elaine Aron - A Talk on High Sensitivity Part 1 of 3: Research

"Highly sensitive people have more trouble with emotional regulation and the main problem is that we think the feeling will go on forever or that we can't control it. Through experience we can learn that this is not true"

Dr. Elaine Aron

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Highly Sensitive Person