Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is not a psychological diagnosis. However, this concept is very much a reality. More than just being someone who doesn’t like certain noises or textures, an HSP is defined by their sensitivity to sensory processing. This is not automatically a good or bad thing, but it does present with some palpable symptoms.
If you’re an HSP, you probably crave alone time, experience intense emotions, and tend to overthink. You’re probably a loner and anything that resembles criticism gets to you. Conversely, the typical HSP has a powerful intuition, and a rich inner life is moved by art and beauty, and displays above-average compassion.
Why Would an HSP Seek Therapy?
Basically, the world can be very uncooperative with an HSP’s needs. Daily encounters with loud noises, bright lights, tight clothing, or crowded environments can serve to trigger you. Needless to say, avoiding such triggers is not always possible. Therefore, a highly sensitive person can benefit from support and guidance from an experienced professional.
4 Ways Therapy Can Help a Highly Sensitive Person
1. The Setting is Conducive to Progress
Your sessions will take place in a quiet, private, safe space. In such a setting, an HSP can focus less on sensory input and more on learning ways to better cope (see #3 below). You can also come to deeply appreciate the unique gifts you have and make the most of them.
2. Validation and Self-Compassion
Highly sensitive people get plenty of unsolicited comments and “advice” and their behavior. They get called “over-sensitive” or even “weird.” In therapy, you will be validated for what you feel — including learning how to name/describe what you feel. You recognize that there’s nothing “wrong” with you and that you’re worthy of self-compassion. From this foundation, you’ll be better positioned to set and enforce boundaries.
3. Coping Skills
High sensitivity to sensory processing can feel like an impediment to living a rich or even a “normal” life. With the help of a therapist, you can begin acquiring new tools for everyday life and for setting and attaining goals. An important development will involve putting greater emphasis on self-help, e.g.
- Accepting and appreciating your HSP status.
- Adjusting your daily life to include more of the balance you need.
- Learning how to respectfully say no.
- Cultivating the self-compassion mentioned above.
- Practicing daily self-care.
- Connecting with friends and family members who will support you.
4. Deeper Relationships
Therapy is an ideal setting for enhancing your communication skills. This enables you to turn uncomfortable situations into learning experiences. From there, they can become opportunities to build stronger connections with the people in your life.
Is Being an HSP Really Worthy of Seeing a Therapist?
It’s not uncommon for some folks to view therapy as reserved for someone with a “serious” illness. Hence, the simple act of reaching out for help is a giant step toward validating yourself as someone who deserves support.
From there, your therapy experiences can grow into a very positive part of your life. Sure, you will discover new ways to navigate a world that sometimes feels overwhelming. However, in addition, your therapist can guide you to identify and appreciate your HSP superpowers. There is magic feeling things deeply and always being ready to respond to others with empathy and care.
In other words, therapy can absolutely offer so much tangible support and help. In a less concrete way, it can inspire an HSP to see things as a trade-off. Sure, it’s not great when a crowded bus utterly exhausts you. But how awesome is it to revel in a sunset or a painting in a deep and profound way?
Reach out to learn more about anxiety therapy and how it can help you.