Therapy for Highly Sensitive People (HSP)

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?

Has anyone ever told you “you’re too sensitive”, that you need to “let it go” or “toughen up”? Do you feel like you struggle to find ease in situations that others seem comfortable in? Maybe you’ve felt dismissed by the people around you when you’ve cried of had big emotions about something. HSPs often feel like something is wrong with them, because we live in a culture that rewards extraversion, confidence, and stoicism. The huge piece of the picture that we miss is that being a sensitive person gives you serious advantages in understanding who you are and the unique perspectives you have to offer the world.

What does it mean to be highly sensitive?

The term Highly Sensitive Person describes a set of personality traits; it is not a mental health diagnosis. As we continue to understand more about what it means to be a sensitive person, the research shows that it is an innate part of someone’s overall temperament, not something one chooses to feel. Being an HSP looks different for every unique individual, but there are some common patterns that people experience within this personality trait. HSPs are very attuned to their environments, and notice a lot about what is happening around them. For example, they may experience some or all of the following:

• Depth of Processing

  HSPs tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly than others. They may reflect deeply on experiences, analyze situations from multiple perspectives, and pay close attention to subtleties and details.

• Emotional Sensitivity

  HSPs are often more emotionally responsive and reactive. They may experience emotions intensely and be highly attuned to the emotions of others. They may also be more empathetic and compassionate. Highly Sensitive People are very aware of changes and energies they sense in the people and places around them. They can be easily affected by others’ moods and body language. People who are highly sensitive often require a quiet environment in order to decompress and unwind after being in a place they find overwhelming. HSPs can startle and blush easily, as their nervous system is more sensitive to changes in their environment.

• Overstimulation

  Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSIs can easily become overwhelmed by environmental stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or crowded spaces. They may require more time alone to recharge and recover from overstimulation.

• Sensory Sensitivity

  HSPs may have heightened sensitivity to physical sensations, such as textures, temperatures, and pain. They may be more aware of subtle changes in their environment and may prefer calm and soothing surroundings. HSPs will often notice sounds, sensations, and smells that the people around them do not notice. They can be more sensitive to pain or other physical sensations and become easily overwhelmed by crowded, busy environments. They can also become distracted by sounds like a ticking clock, or by the feeling of uncomfortable clothing on their skin.

• Empathy and Intuition

  HSPs often have a strong sense of empathy and can easily pick up on the emotional states of others. They may have an intuitive understanding of people and situations, which can be beneficial in personal relationships and social interactions.

• Creativity and Insightfulness

  Highly sensitive individuals often possess a rich inner world and can be highly creative. They may have a keen eye for detail, notice patterns, and make connections that others may overlook.

It's important to note that being highly sensitive is not a disorder or a condition but rather a normal variation of human temperament. It can have both advantages and challenges, and understanding and embracing this trait can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life for you as a highly sensitive individual.

Why Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Anxiety and Burnout

As an HSP, you process information more deeply and are often more attuned to the emotions and needs of others. You may feel overstimulated in busy environments or feel a heightened sense of responsibility when others are upset. All of this emotional and sensory input can become exhausting, leaving you feeling drained, anxious, or on edge.

You might also have a tendency to internalize stress, ruminate on difficult situations, or struggle with perfectionism, which can lead to burnout. Your nervous system is naturally more reactive, so you may find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed or in a state of “fight-or-flight,” even in situations that don’t seem immediately threatening to others. Over time, this constant state of alertness can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even physical health issues.

When you’re constantly absorbing other people’s emotions, overstimulated by your environment, or pushed beyond your limits, it can feel like there’s no way to catch your breath. Your body and mind get stuck in a cycle of stress that’s difficult to break out of on your own.

How Somatic Therapy Can Help

Somatic therapy offers a powerful approach to healing because it addresses the way your body and mind work together. When you're highly sensitive, your emotions are often felt deeply in your body. Anxiety, stress, and burnout manifest physically—whether it's tension in your shoulders, a racing heart, or stomach discomfort. By connecting with your body, somatic therapy allows you to recognize and release the physical manifestations of stress.

Here’s how somatic therapy can be especially beneficial for highly sensitive people like you:

• Helps You Regulate Your Nervous System

  One of the core principles of somatic therapy is learning to regulate your nervous system. As an HSP, you may be more prone to feeling overstimulated or anxious, but through somatic techniques, you can learn how to bring your body back into balance. I’ll guide you in using breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and body awareness practices that can help you calm your nervous system and restore a sense of safety and control.

• Releases Stuck Emotional Energy

  Highly sensitive people often internalize emotions, storing them in the body. This can lead to chronic tension or feelings of being “stuck” emotionally. Somatic therapy helps you tune into your physical sensations, which can unlock stored emotions and provide a way to release them safely. Instead of bottling up your feelings or becoming overwhelmed by them, you can gently process and release the emotional energy, bringing greater clarity and relief.

• Creates Space for Self-Awareness and Boundaries

  When you’re highly sensitive, it can be difficult to set boundaries, especially when you’re so attuned to the emotions of others. You may find yourself taking on too much, overextending yourself, or neglecting your own needs in favor of others. Somatic therapy helps you cultivate greater self-awareness by connecting with how your body feels when you’re in situations that are draining or overstimulating. This helps you identify when you need to set limits and take care of yourself, preventing burnout before it gets too severe.

• Restores Emotional Balance

  In somatic therapy, we work together to identify the patterns that fuel anxiety or emotional overwhelm. By becoming aware of the physical sensations tied to your emotions, you can start to recognize early warning signs of anxiety or stress before they escalate. You’ll learn how to shift your physical state in real-time—through breath, movement, and body awareness—so that you can regulate your emotions more effectively and return to a grounded state.

• Fosters Healing and Resilience

  Somatic therapy is also about building resilience. You’ll develop tools to stay more present and centered, even in difficult or overstimulating situations. This helps reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions, making you more capable of handling stress without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, you’ll feel more empowered in navigating the challenges of life without succumbing to burnout.

• Supports Deep Healing from Past Stress or Trauma

  If past stress or trauma is contributing to your anxiety or burnout, somatic therapy is especially beneficial. It works on a deeper level by accessing the body's memory of past experiences. This allows you to process and release trauma stored in the body in a gentle, supportive way. As you release these old patterns, you’ll feel lighter, more present, and more resilient moving forward.

As a highly sensitive person, you may face unique challenges when it comes to managing stress, anxiety, and burnout. But with somatic therapy, you can begin to heal in a way that respects your sensitivity and supports your need for emotional balance. Together, we can explore how your body and mind can work in harmony to help you feel more grounded, energized, and at peace.

If you’re ready to explore how somatic therapy can help you reduce anxiety and avoid burnout, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

If the characteristics of HSPs resonate with you and you have questions about starting therapy, contact me and we’ll get started!