HSP Therapy: Handling Life as an Highly Sensitive Person
Oftentimes, clients come to therapy with a general awareness of their pain points, triggers, and tendencies/patterns. In the early stages of therapy, I often will conduct an informal assessment to determine if a new client’s observations of themselves may align with traits of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this blog, from us here at Therapy on Fig, we will explore the idea of an HSP and how HSP therapy in Los Angeles, CA can help.
HSP Therapy might be for you if you:
Find yourself easily overwhelmed, aroused, or overstimulated.
Are aware of subtle cues and can often “read the room” well.
Are easily affected by the moods and energies of others.
Have people-pleasing or peacemaking tendencies.
Feel you have a relatively high capacity for empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Sometimes you wish you could just pause life and withdraw to a dark quiet space for a bit.
While not exhaustive, this list captures some common themes for HSPs. HSPs tend to experience and interact with the world differently. If these traits resonate with you, HSP therapy can provide the support and understanding you need to thrive.
The HSP Experience: Navigating Relationships
Being an HSP can impact one’s friendships, romantic relationships, family-of-origin dynamics, and career/work choices. While exploring these areas of life with my HSP clients, I often hear sentiments such as:
“I grew up being told by my parents that I’m too sensitive, too emotional, and I need to just suck it up.”
“My friends tell me not to take things too personally. I objectively get that, but I still feel like it’s mine to carry.”
“As long as everyone else in the group is happy, I’m okay.”
“I felt much less stressed and drained once I got to work from home during the pandemic.”
These experiences are quite distressing, so it makes sense that an HSP might easily see their sensitivity as a weakness, hindrance, or even something to be “fixed” in therapy. In therapy, we can explore these feelings and experiences in a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of highly sensitive people.
What can HSP Therapy Look Like?
Start with acknowledging that your HSP traits and tendencies are not something inherently wrong with you. These are parts of you that we can get to know. Begin with extending some curiosity toward these parts of you.
Identify the types of situations, environments, energies, or triggers that particularly activate your sensitivity. I typically like to get really specific with my clients here.
Example: When you got into an argument with your partner, what did this activate in you? What did you notice in your body? Were there specific words or a certain tone used, when you noticed that shift?
Example: When you found yourself feeling overstimulated at your work office, what specific aspects of your environment were overwhelming? I’ve heard clients name triggers such as fluorescent lighting, peeling wallpaper, and the temperature in an office space.
Once you’re aware of some specific things which activate your sensitivity, reflect on whether these are things that are workable. While we can’t expect our external circumstances to change and adhere to our sensitivities, when we have greater awareness, we can better identify our needs. For instance, are there areas where you can draw boundaries to honor your sensitivities? Are there opportunities to practice extra self-care before/after something activating?
Navigating life as an HSP can feel overwhelming and exhausting. However, therapy can be a space to better understand your sensitivities. With the help of an HSP therapist, it can create a pathway toward self-compassion and empowerment.
Start your HSP Therapy Journey through Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA Today!
Ready to explore your journey as a highly sensitive person (HSP) in a supportive environment? Therapy for Empaths in Los Angeles, CA offers a safe space to understand, validate, and harness your unique traits. Through compassionate guidance and tailored strategies with an HSP therapist, you can learn to navigate the complexities of your sensitivity and embrace it as a strength. If you're ready to embark on a path of self-discovery and growth with Therapy on Fig, follow the steps below:
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Speak with a compassionate HSP therapist.
Begin your journey to a happier life.
Other Therapy Services Offered at Therapy on Fig in Los Angeles, Highland Park, and throughout California
At Therapy on Fig, we offer a comprehensive range of 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 services to address related concerns such as trauma, anxiety, stress management, and relationship issues. Our goal is to empower you to embrace your sensitivity as a strength and embark on a journey of understanding and growth. Reach out today to begin your transformative path towards living a more fulfilled life.