What the heck is a Highly Sensitive Person?

For better or for worse, social media is often the way many of us learn about resources for mental health, and understanding ourselves. The term "HSP" is one you might have come across, so lets break down what the heck that actually means.

According to Elaine Aron, researcher and writer of the book The Highly Sensitive Person (available along with other invaluable information on their website) around 15-20% of the population have a trait that makes them show up as more sensitive than others.

This trait is innate and normal, and means that you both take in more information and process information deeper than other people. Because of this, Highly Sensitive People tend to get overwhelmed and overstimulated, and notice subtleties that non-HSPs miss.

Being an HSP is NOT

1. a diagnosis

2. a bad thing

3. something that make you better or worse than other people

Being an HSP IS

1. a super power

2. a strength to be celebrated

3. and a package deal (because with great power comes great responsibility)

As an HSP myself, I have experienced therapists who are not sensitive or educated about this trait and inadvertently cause harm because of this. This has motivated me to specialize in working with highly sensitive people, so that you to can have a safe space for healing, where your trait is celebrated versus shamed, and you can understand and accept all parts of you as worthy and innately good.

If you are interested in learning more about treatment to empower Highly Sensitive Persons, contact me through my website, email me at samantha@mothandflametherapy.com or call me at 818-465-8516.