Highly Sensitive People
Consider the following questions.
Do you get easily overwhelmed or have difficulty making decisions or performing tasks under pressure?
Do you notice subtleties in the environment, or does your environment easily influence your state?
Are you highly aware of others’ moods and energy, do you feel things deeply or do you have a rich inner world?
If you answered yes to most of these and are considered shy or sensitive, you might be a highly sensitive person (HSP).
What is an HSP?
High sensitivity is not a disorder; it is an innate trait – previously identified as “shyness or introversion.”
Dr. Elaine Aron, a pioneer in the study of sensitivity, authored a book entitled, “The Highly Sensitive Person – How To Thrive When The World Overwhelms You.” She coined the term HSP and has conducted extensive research on this biological trait.
Between 15 and 20% of the population consists of highly sensitive people, and about 50% of psychotherapy clients are highly sensitive.
High sensitivity, also called Sensory Processing Sensitivity, is innate. About 70% of HSPs are introverted, and 30% are extroverted. Dr. Aron created a model to define the main characteristics of high sensitivity (DOES Model).
Four main characteristics of HSPs.
Depth of processing – HSPs process everything. They reflect before they act, think a lot about the meaning of life, see the consequences of their actions and think carefully about all perspectives and options.
Overstimulation – HSPs become more physiologically aroused because of their finely tuned nervous systems and depth of processing. For example, they are more likely to need downtime after a busy or stressful day.
Emotional reactivity and empathy – HSPs react strongly to emotional experiences. Brain scans have shown that HSPs have higher activity levels in the mirror neuron system and other areas of the brain connected to empathy.
Sensitivity to subtleties – HSPs are more sensitive to subtleties in their environment. For example, they are more sensitive to scents, lighting, beautiful music or art. They have a strong awareness of non-verbal cues and the moods of others.
High sensitivity is a gift!
HSPs have a significant capacity to go deep and have a profound ability for empathy. They are conscientious, intuitive and perceptive. HSPs make great leaders – they make thoughtful choices and connect well with others. They have a high level of self-awareness and are good problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
Because of the depth of processing and attunement to subtle changes around them, HSPs often struggle with anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, overwhelm and perfectionism. If you are an HSP, we like to offer information and resources to help you learn more about the trait and how you uniquely operate in the world. This information will enable you identify and implement the best tools to meet your needs.
As therapists, we are passionate about helping HSPs recognize and embrace their unique gifts. We provide resources to help you manage your big feelings and beautiful complexity to live a life that feels authentic, connected and peaceful.
“I understand now that I’m not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world.
I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often,
I say, ‘For the same reason I laugh so often – because I’m paying attention.'”
– Glennon Doyle Melton