Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are the roughly 20–30% of the population born with a nervous system that is more responsive to stimulation than others.
This trait is genetically based; in other words, you were born this way. Researchers refer to it as Sensory Processing Sensitivity.
If you have a highly sensitive nervous system, you may recognize some of these traits:
→ You feel deeply and empathize easily
→ You’re easily overwhelmed by things like big crowds, loud noises, strong smells, or bright lights
→ Your inner life is rich and complex
→ You need alone time when life feels busy or chaotic
→ You go out of your way to avoid overwhelming situations
→ You feel stressed when you have too much to do in too little time
→ You were described as sensitive or shy as a child
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The strengths of Highly Sensitive People
Highly Sensitive People also have unique gifts.
Common strengths include empathy, depth, creativity, intuition, and thoughtfulness.
Many HSPs think deeply about the people, ideas, and causes that matter to them. Their intuition often helps them access insights and perspectives others might overlook.
Highly sensitive people tend to care deeply about their relationships, their communities, and the world around them.
Common struggles include:
- absorbing the emotions of others
- low self-esteem or self-doubt
- feeling controlled by intense emotions (or suppressing emotions entirely)
- perfectionism
- overwhelm and fatigue
- empathy overload
- anxiety or chronic worry
- difficulty setting boundaries
- overstimulation
Without the right support, many highly sensitive people spend years feeling misunderstood or believing something is wrong with them.
The challenges of being highly sensitive
Sensitivity and neurodivergence
Many people who identify as highly sensitive also discover they are neurodivergent: for example having ADHD, autistic traits, or another form of deep nervous system sensitivity.
These experiences often overlap. What they share is a nervous system that processes information deeply and responds strongly to the world around it.
When sensitivity isn’t understood or supported, it can lead to anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, and self-doubt.
But when it is understood, sensitivity can become a source of empathy, creativity, insight, and meaningful connection.
Therapy for Highly Sensitive People
Working with a therapist who understands highly sensitive nervous systems can make a profound difference.
As a therapist trained in trauma therapy and supporting highly sensitive people, I work virtually with clients throughout Colorado and California.
If you're curious about working together, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to explore how I can best support you.
