Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths

The phrase ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ (HSP), was originally coined by Dr Elaine Aron and describes people with specific psychological traits. Counselling for Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths is needed to help people with these traits live happier lives.

‘Sensitive’ does not mean neurotic or paranoid or taking things personally. It means sensing subtleties and changes, whether related to language, emotions, energy or patterns of behaviour. An Empath is an HSP who feels these emotions and sensations as if they were their own. For example, an Empath may get a headache sitting next to a person who also has a headache.

Living as an HSP or Empath

An HSP sees things more deeply and processes things to a greater degree than is typical. Seeing and sensing connections that others might not, they may connect events and behaviours more easily and see the ‘big picture’ more clearly and earlier than others. They can identify consequences which family and colleagues may not.

But this can make life really hard if they don’t realise that other people don’t see the world this way. An HSP may feel that others are blind to ‘obvious’ differences or are too superficial, which can make them feel very out of place in the world. Competitive environments or busy, noisy offices or groups where criticism, judgement and pressure are commonplace can be a living hell for someone who is HSP. Their senses can feel like they are bombarded and overwhelmed, so they often try to steer clear of busy shopping centres, for example, or concerts and cinemas. Smaller, closer groups or depth conversations with individuals can work better for them.

Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths also tend to be very empathic and compassionate. Their ability to see and feel differently and in a wide variety of ways makes them able to appreciate how other people are feeling, so they naturally have high levels of empathy.

An Empath has an extra set of difficulties. Imagine going into a busy shopping arcade and feeling everyone else’s physical pains and difficult emotions as if they were your own.

Counselling for Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths

Finding out that we are HSP or an Empath can feel very enlightening. It’s as if we now grasp why we find life difficult and feel like an alien in this world. But after this initial euphoria dies down we still have to work out how to live in a meaningful, fulfilling way. This is where counselling for Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths is needed.

My counselling, mindfulness, coaching and cognitive-behavioural therapy skills can help you find a way forward that works for you. Firstly, I’ll help you realise and understand what it means to be an HSP or Empath. You may begin to realise why you feel the way you feel, and why the events in your life have happened. Then you can begin to build a life that works for you. What suits you, not what suits others or society. Counselling for Highly Sensitive Persons and Empaths can help you do that.

There are some useful sites that can help you assess yourself to see whether you are HSP or an Empath, together with giving excellent guidance and support in how to live well and thrive with these traits.

• Elaine Aron – https://hsperson.com/
• Highly Sensitive Refuge – https://highlysemsitivierefuge.com/
• How to spot if you are an Empath – https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/empath-signs/
• Judith Orloff – https://drjudithorloff.com/