An HSP Therapist's Perspective on Embracing an Empath's Gifts
As we close out January 2024, you may reflect on this first month of a new year. As an HSP or Empath, you may be keenly aware of the passing of time. Settling into a new year then brings up different emotions. Maybe this brings up feelings of being behind, grief, or anxiety about the future. It may even bring up joy and expectation, or a million things in between.
The urge to grow and change can help us get clearer about what we want. But, it can also become a crushing pressure to constantly keep growing, being more productive, etc. This posture can feel so overwhelming for our nervous system, leading us to disengage. As we continue onward into 2024, what would it be like to reflect on and celebrate your gifts as an HSP/Empath, just as much as you consider areas of growth? Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA, at Therapy on Fig can help you in these areas. At the same time, support from an HSP therapist can help you explore these emotions and find a sense of balance as you navigate the future.
Checking In
Take a moment to check in on that sensitive part of you; do you sense it is curled up, overwhelmed, tired, silent? Engaged, hopeful, excited, at ease?
As you check in with this part of you, invite in and validate what is there. Whatever you notice, consider this as a jumping-off point to learn more. (E.g. if you notice exhaustion and burn-out: what is this telling me about how my lifestyle, the way I relate to myself and/or others, may not be meeting my needs?). Just like with anything else, when our strengths are over or under-functioning, this creates friction. Exploring these sensitivities through therapy can be essential to understanding yourself better.
Checking in with your sensitivity first allows you to show up more authentically in the reflection process. Many of my clients who identify as HSPs/empaths struggle with people-pleasing. This being said, what would it be like for you to reflect on both how your gifts are evident in your relationship with others and your relationship with yourself? Here are a few areas to help you reflect and brainstorm.
Insights on Empathy and Emotional Attunement from an HSP Therapist
Your capacity for empathy is vast, as is your ability to tune into what you and others around you feel, creating depth and connection.
How have I noticed my empathetic nature help someone in my life feel seen? Are there people in my life I have been able to connect deeply with and feel deeply known by?
How have I noticed my empathetic nature to better understand myself and the different parts of me? Have there been moments where I have shown empathy and compassion towards parts of myself this year?
Conscientiousness
Being thoughtful and contentious of your needs and the needs of others. This may help you stay organized, prioritize tasks, remember and honor meaningful moments/events, etc.
How have thoughtfulness and conscientiousness served me this year? How have these qualities allowed me to accomplish what I want, and engage in work and hobbies in ways I feel good about?
How have thoughtfulness and conscientiousness helped my relationships blossom? When have I noticed these gifts showing up in ways that feel balanced in my relationships? Have I encouraged anyone in my life to be more thoughtful or considerate?
Thoughts from an HSP Therapist on Creativity and Imagination
Having a rich inner world and imagination supports your ability to engage in hobbies and passions that can help you de-stress, create, and find fulfillment spiritually and intrapersonally, outside of a job.
How has my creativity allowed me to cultivate a fulfilling personal life? What hobbies and/or projects have I dove into that I feel enriched and nourished by? How has my creativity helped meet spiritual needs of mine?
What are the ways my creativity and imagination have impacted others in my life? Does it help me connect well with other creatives or artists? How have I used this creativity to help address problems I see?
Attention to Detail and Subtleties
Your eye for detail helps you see needs, and spot problems (and solutions) others may not pick up on; this helps you address needs you see at work, in relationships, and within yourself.
How have I been able to pick up on my own needs/ aspects of my own experience that help me move through the world with greater ease?
How has this attention to my emotional state and experience helped me to regulate or prepare well for trips, important conversations, etc.?
In what ways has my attention to detail helped me to celebrate or care for loved ones? How has it helped me at work, or in my craft/ hobby?
There are so many gifts and ways to celebrate your strengths as an HSP/Empath. I hope this blog encourages you to celebrate and honor the gifts you have!
Embrace your Gifts as an Empath by Working with an HSP Therapist through Therapy for Empaths Today!
If you're an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP) seeking guidance on embracing your unique gifts, Therapy on Fig can provide invaluable support. An HSP therapist can offer insights and strategies tailored to your sensitivity, helping you navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Through Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA, you can learn to set boundaries, manage overwhelming emotions, and cultivate self-compassion. Take the first step towards embracing your gifts and living authentically by working with an HSP therapist today. Your journey to self-discovery and empowerment starts by following the steps below:
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Speak with an understanding HSP therapist.
Embrace your gifts as an empath!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Therapy on Fig in Los Angeles, Highland Park, and Throughout California
At Therapy on Fig, we offer therapy services tailored to the unique needs of empaths and highly sensitive people (HSPs). In addition to Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA, we also provide Trauma Therapy and Grief and Loss Therapy. We also address related concerns such as anxiety, stress management, and relationship issues. Our goal is to empower you to embrace your sensitivities and gifts as strengths and start on a path to self-discovery and healing. Contact us today to begin your journey to embracing your gifts as an empath.
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