What is HSP aka Sensory Processing Sensitivity?
People who reach out often identify with the traits of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), also referred to as Sensory Processing Sensitivity in scientific research. Others who reach out may not identify as Highly Sensitive but do often feel that they are more sensitive than average and may identify as Neurodivergent. You may want to work with a therapist who is knowledgeable about and supportive of sensitivity; all are welcome. Feel free to reach out if you would like to.
High sensitivity is an innate genetic trait found in at least 20% of people (and at least 100 species of animals, according to research). Being born Highly Sensitive is just a part of your temperament, it’s how you are wired, it’s a part of your personality. People exist on a continuum, from being very sensitive to not being sensitive at all. I bet you know both types, and those in between.
The world benefits from having many different kinds of people in it. I’ve found that HSPs tend to be empathetic, thoughtful, intuitive, perceptive, notice lots of subtle details, are deep feeling, deep processors and tend to be conscientious people. Being sensitive though comes with unique gifts and also challenges. The gifts are often what people enjoy about us. The challenges can vary from person to person, but they can show up as people-pleasing, over-empathy, perfectionism, unconsciously taking on other peoples’ feelings like they’re ours and other boundary issues, struggling to regulate big feelings, easily overwhelmed which can lead to feeling more anxious, and needing a lot space and quiet to unwind. (This is different than being introverted although 70% of HSPs are introverted and 30% are extroverted.)
I love supporting clients through a sensitivity affirmative lens, using evidence based modalities. Clients have shared that they find therapy supportive of their innate sensitive temperament to be therapeutic and validating.
“By noticing and processing so many details around them — not to mention their own internal thoughts — highly sensitive people are doing far more cognitive work than most others. Being overstimulated and frazzled is something anyone can identify with, but for HSPs, it happens much more easily.”
— Andre Sólo, The Highly Sensitive Refuge
Are you wondering if you are an HSP?
Here’s a link to take Dr. Elaine Aron’s self-test.