empowering therapy for deep-feeling women
Therapy for Highly Sensitive Women in Boston & Utah
Yes, it’s a real thing… and no, it’s not a disorder
Are you a deep-feeler & over-thinker?
It’s like you feel so much, that sometimes you wonder if something is wrong with you…
You might be noticing that:
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Whether it’s from your own emotions or absorbing other peoples’ feelings - you feel stuck in a pattern of overwhelm and exhaustion.
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You’re aware of other people’s emotions & do your best to make everyone happy.
You try to do things the “right way” & criticize yourself when you make mistakes.
You might even struggle with avoiding tasks, because your standards are so high & it feels exhausting to get started.
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You wonder if you’re “good enough” at your job & in your relationships. It can feel like the self-doubt & anxiety take up way too much brain space.
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Because you’re so aware of other peoples’ emotions, it’s easy to feel guilty for saying “no” & setting limits.
You’re highly empathetic and don’t want to disappoint anyone. This can make dealing with conflict difficult.
If this is you, you’re likely a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
You feel your emotions deeply, can get overwhelmed when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time, and feel easily overstimulated.
Your brain is highly attuned to other people and your environment - and you process a lot of information all at once, which can lead to fatigue and stress.
There is nothing wrong with you. There are biological reasons for heightened sensitivity and it’s been described as a “highly sensitive person” or someone with “sensory processing sensitivity.”
According to Dr. Elaine Aron
“Roughly 20-30% of the population is highly sensitive. It’s a biological trait resulting in a highly sensitive nervous system & differences in the way the brain processes information.”
HSP’s are characterized by 4 things
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HSP's are highly analytical and can process multiple layers of information at the same time. This can result in deep thinking and creativity, but can also feel overwhelming during periods of stress and anxiety.
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It's easy to become overwhelmed and overstimulated when there is a lot going on. HSP's senses are highly attuned to their surroundings and can be flooded when there is a lot of noise, stress, or sensory stimulus at once.
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HSP's feel their emotions deeply and are highly empathetic. There is research that indicates HSP's have more mirror neurons that fire in the brain when witnessing something emotional or painful than non HSP's.
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HSP's notice the subtle things often missed by others. They are highly attuned to others and aware of shifts in mood, energy, or emotion.
Does any of this sound like you?
You procrastinate & avoid tasks that feel overwhelming
You are insightful and a deep thinker - often trying to “figure out” your feelings
You tend to be a perfectionist and struggle with self-criticism, especially when you make mistakes
You can always tell when something is wrong or “off” with your friends and family - sometimes before they’re even aware of it
You are highly empathetic and care about injustice
Here’s what therapy for HSP’s can do
Together we can:
Identify the negative beliefs you’ve developed about yourself due to your sensitivity. Beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m too much.”
Map out the internal patterns that show up when you feel overwhelmed, triggered, or have to deal with conflict.
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Help you gain clarity on your inner experience & get to know the parts of you that work hard to prevent rejection, overwhelm & failure.
Help you access more self-compassion & tap into your innate confidence.
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It’s important that you know:
“Being a sensitive person isn’t a bad thing. It‘s also not something you have to ‘fix.’ Your sensitivity can bring so much joy, creativity, and connection.”
Here’s what we can change
Imagine a life where…
You no longer believe something is “wrong” with you, because you’re sensitive
You know how to listen to your body and use strategies to help with overwhelm
You are more connected to yourself and have befriended your inner critic
You feel more comfortable setting boundaries to conserve your energy
You’ve embraced your sensitivity and feel more confident and capable
HSP’s are…
Capable people who have a sensitive nervous system and rich inner experience
Passionate individuals who care deeply about the things that are important to them
Highly creative and often high-achieving, who can find solutions to complex problems
Great at introspection and recognizing patterns
HSP’s are not…
“Too sensitive” or making things up for attention
Weak or incapable of living successful lives
Overly emotional individuals who can’t regulate feelings
Dealing with a mental disorder or disease
Your sensitivity is your super-power
Questions?
FAQs
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There’s no clinical test to find out if you’re an HSP, but if this resonates with you - it’s likely you are highly sensitive:
You notice subtle details
You feel your emotions deeply
You feel easily overwhelmed, especially if you have a lot going on
You’re highly empathetic
You get drained by busy or loud environments after a while
You’re very aware of other people’s mood & emotions
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There are many types of therapies that can help HSP's, but it really depends on your goals and what you're hoping to change in therapy.
Two modalities that are highly effective are:
EMDR therapy can help HSP’s process traumatic or painful experiences, and help shift negative beliefs like: “I’m too much, I’m not good enough, there’s something wrong with me.”
IFS therapy can help HSP’s understand the different parts of themself better & access more self-compassion, confidence, and calmness in a gentle way.
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Yes! Dr. Elaine Aron created an online quiz. It is not a diagnostic test, but it can bring clarity on whether you might be an HSP.
You can find it here: The Highly Sensitive Person Quiz
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Yes! Virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. In fact, many of my clients prefer the comfort of being home.
You can grab your favorite drink, cozy-up with a blanket, and invite your furry friends to join you.