Highly Sensitive Person’s Wellbeing

A safe space, gentle support, practical solutions and a calm nervous system

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Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are often described as experiencing the world more intensely.expand_more This heightened sensitivity can be a double-edged sword.expand_more While it allows for deeper empathy, creativity, and richer emotional experiences, research suggests it also makes HSPs more vulnerable to mental health challenges.expand_more Studies like one published in the journal “Prevalence of Highly Sensitive Personality and Its Relationship With Depression, and Anxiety in the Saudi General Population” (2017) found a significant association between high sensitivity and both depression and anxiety. This vulnerability may stem from the constant processing of internal and external stimuli, leading to emotional overload and difficulty regulating emotions. Additionally, HSPs may be more susceptible to the effects of trauma.expand_more According to Elaine N. Aron, a leading researcher on HSPs, their innate empathy can make them more prone to experiencing secondary traumatic stress, where they take on the emotions of others who have experienced trauma. Understanding this heightened sensitivity is crucial for HSPs and those who care for them.expand_more By adopting self-care practices and seeking support from understanding individuals, HSPs can navigate the challenges and harness the strengths of their unique emotional experience. Curious to learn more about HSPs? Keep reading below.

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Embracing Your Sensitivity:

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? If so, you are part of a unique group of individuals who experience the world in a profoundly deep and intense way. Livvy understands that being highly sensitive can bring both incredible gifts and unique challenges. She is here to support you on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

The Highly Sensitive Brain:

Research has shown that the brains of HSPs work differently compared to others. They tend to process sensory information more deeply, which means they can become easily overwhelmed by external stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional intensity. But it is possible to help HSPs find relief, understanding and discover what they need to florish.

Discovering Your Superpowers:

Being highly sensitive is not a weakness; it’s a superpower. If you are a HSP, Livvy wants to work with you to help you recognise and embrace your unique strengths, such as heightened empathy, creativity, and intuition. She will also guide you in discovering how you can use these superpowers to navigate your world with greater ease, finding lightness, joy, and peace in their daily lives.

Addressing Common Challenges:

HSPs often face specific psychological challenges, which can include setting boundaries, dealing with overwhelm, and navigating relationships with family and friends who may not fully understand their sensitivity. Livvy never assumes that all HSPs are the same. Her approach is tailored to your individual needs and experiences.

A Practitioner Who Understands:

Livvy is a HSPs herself with a high level of sensitivity. She understands the unique journey you are on because she has walked a similar path and continues too. This personal understanding and empathy allows her to provide you with the support and guidance you need.

Livvy is passionate about helping Highly Sensitive People embrace their sensitivity, discover their superpowers, and find peace and balance in their lives. Your sensitivity is a gift, and she is here to help you unwrap it and live a life that honors your unique qualities.

Navigating Trauma with Gentle Care:

For Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), the experience of trauma can be especially challenging due to their heightened sensitivity to external stimuli. Research and clinical experience highlight the importance of adopting a gentle and compassionate approach when helping HSPs heal from trauma. Gentle therapeutic methods prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment that respects the sensitivity of the individual. This gentle approach can be highly effective in supporting HSPs through their healing journey, allowing them to process and recover from traumatic experiences without overwhelming their delicate nervous systems.

The Risk of Overwhelm from Well-Meaning Professionals:

It’s important to acknowledge that even professionals in the field of psychology and mental health, who have the best intentions, can inadvertently overwhelm the delicate nervous system of an HSP. Standard therapeutic techniques that may work well for the general population can be too intense for HSPs. This can result in increased stress and emotional distress, hindering the therapeutic process. As a result, it is crucial for practitioner to work from an HSP informed understanding that allows HSP;s to access the tailored support they need.

Effectiveness of Therapies for HSPs:

Numerous therapeutic approaches have been found to be effective for HSPs in addressing trauma and enhancing their overall well-being:

Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapies focus on the mind-body connection, helping HSPs release stored trauma from their bodies through gentle movements and awareness techniques.
Affirmations: Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for HSPs to reframe their thoughts and beliefs, promoting self-compassion and healing.
Movement and Dance: Creative movement and dance therapies allow HSPs to express their emotions and release tension in a non-verbal and gentle way.
Art Therapy: Art therapy provides a creative outlet for HSPs to explore and process their emotions, often revealing insights and promoting healing.
Nature Therapy: Spending time in nature offers a soothing and grounding experience for HSPs, helping them reconnect with their inner selves and reduce stress.
Brain Integration Techniques: Therapies that focus on integrating brain functions, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), have shown promise in helping HSPs process trauma and reduce emotional distress.

Research continues to explore the effectiveness of these therapies specifically for HSPs, and the results are promising. As the understanding of HSPs’ unique needs deepens, therapeutic approaches that prioritize gentleness, empathy, and tailored support are becoming increasingly recognized as essential for their healing and well-being.

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Common challenges HSP’s encounter:

Sensitivity to the Environment: HSPs are highly attuned to their surroundings, which allows them to appreciate beauty, subtleties, and nuances that others may miss. However, this heightened sensitivity can lead to overstimulation and feelings of overwhelm in noisy or crowded environments.
Empathy: HSPs possess a deep sense of empathy, enabling them to understand and connect with others on a profound level. Yet, absorbing the emotions of others can sometimes result in emotional exhaustion and a sense of being emotionally drained.
Emotional Depth: HSPs experience emotions with great intensity, allowing for a rich and meaningful emotional life. On the flip side, this intensity can also make them more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Attention to Detail: Their meticulous attention to detail often leads to thorough and accurate work in their personal and professional endeavors. However, perfectionism can sometimes lead to self-criticism and excessive worry about making mistakes.
High Standards: HSPs hold themselves and others to high standards, promoting excellence in their work and relationships. Yet, setting unrealistic expectations for themselves can result in self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
Self-Reflection: They engage in self-reflection, which can lead to personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of themselves. However, overthinking and rumination can sometimes lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Strong Intuition: HSPs possess a strong intuitive sense, which can guide them in making wise decisions and choices. Yet, second-guessing their intuitive feelings can create inner conflict and uncertainty.
Caring Nature: They deeply care for the well-being of others, often making them reliable and compassionate friends, partners, and family members. However, putting others’ needs before their own can sometimes lead to neglecting self-care and emotional exhaustion.
Thoughtfulness: HSPs’ thoughtfulness and consideration for others contribute to harmonious relationships and a supportive social circle. Nevertheless, they may struggle with assertiveness and setting boundaries, which can result in feeling taken advantage of.
Respect for Boundaries: They understand and respect personal boundaries, creating a safe and nurturing environment for themselves and those around them. Nonetheless, difficulty in setting clear boundaries can sometimes lead to feelings of being overwhelmed by the demands of others.

Recognizing both the positive aspects and potential challenges of being highly sensitive is an important step toward self-awareness and emotional well-being for HSPs.