Highly Sensitive Person: A Brief Description and Insight
Highly Sensitive Person: A Brief Description and Insight
Have you ever been called overly sensitive? Do you find it hard to understand how others don’t feel the same depth in situations as you do? Maybe you feel drained by surface-level conversations? If so, you’re not alone. I didn’t discover the concept of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) until my late 20s, and it was a validating “aha” moment for me when I discovered this. Let’s hop in about what exactly HSP means, the importance of recognizing it, how it can come up in a therapeutic dynamic, common experiences, and celebrate this meaningful trait.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is defined as someone with an innate temperament trait characterized by heightened awareness of subtleties in their environment and a tendency to become overwhelmed by excessive stimuli. According to Elaine Aron, who pioneered research on HSPs, this trait is present in about 20% of the population. Understanding this can be helpful, as HSPs often face vulnerabilities like depression and anxiety.
The Importance of Recognition
It’s impactful to recognize and discuss HSPs, especially for those who might not have encountered this concept before. Many people may finally feel like they have an answer to their intense emotional experiences, after years of being labeled “too sensitive.” This recognition can be incredibly validating and help remove folks from the shame that can come up when called this in a negative manner. HSP is such a beneficial trait and creates for amazing, empathic, detailed oriented, and loyal people.
Supporting HSPs in Therapeutic Settings
As a therapist, it’s essential to understand how to support HSPs in therapeutic environments. Creating a space that minimizes overstimulation and fosters trust is key. When a therapist is an HSP, it can create a sense of connection and understanding for clients that their therapist, “gets it” and can offer a powerful therapeutic dynamic.
Common Experiences of HSPs
Here are some common experiences of HSPs:
Heightened awareness of subtle changes in their environment.
Greater empathy and understanding of others’ feelings.
A preference for observation before engaging in new experiences.
Tendency to consider multiple outcomes in any situation.
Intense emotional responses.
Overwhelm from loud sounds or bright lights.
Indirect communication styles, such as dropping hints.
Does any of this resonate with you? (I’ve attached a link to the HSP quiz below for further exploration.)
Conclusion: Embracing Your Sensitivity
You are certainly not alone in this journey. Many HSPs have masked their sensitivity for years, often leading to a sense of isolation. But remember, this trait is a superpower! HSPs are incredibly empathetic, capable of deep conversations, and fiercely loyal. Yes, we face challenges, but there are numerous strengths that come with being an HSP. So, let’s celebrate this unique trait and recognize the incredible qualities we have!
HSP Quiz: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
Reference: Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron (2010)
