Empaths and Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
HSPs feel, and they feel a lot.
Have you ever felt as though your nerves were on the outside of your skin… just soaking up things in your environment?
Or felt as though you’re easily affected by other people and what’s going on around you?
Been quick to laugh and quick to cry?
Do you love nature, quiet, and spending time alone?
Prefer individual interactions and small groups to larger groups and crowds?
You might be an HSP.
What is an empath?
… and how do I know if I am one?
Most empaths also have traits of HSPs. And many people are HSPs AND empaths, so it’s ok if you can’t differentiate between the two.
Judith Orloff, MD, has an amazing book called The Empath’s Survival Guide. This book is full of information and even has a brief quiz near the beginning to help you determine if you might be an empath.
For now, I’ll share a quote from her book. If you relate, you likely have empath traits and would benefit from exploring and harnessing them in a safe, therapeutic space:
“Empaths are emotional sponges who absorb both the stress and joy of the world. We feel everything, often to an extreme, and have little guard up between others and ourselves. As a result, we are often over-whelmed by excessive stimulation and are prone to exhaustion and sensory overload.”
Creativity abounds!
Empaths and HSPs are often incredibly creative people, and many are artists.
Because you feel so much and have unique perspectives, you have a lot to share.
Those with active emotional lives are often called to channel their internal experiences into music, dance, performance, art, and writing.
They are often referred to as “they”…
…because they’re misunderstood by people who aren’t particularly sensitive or empathic.
People who aren’t attuned to their own sensitivities, or lack thereof, often see these traits as weaknesses.
Turn sensitivity into strength.
I’m also constantly in the process of self-acceptance and turning my own sensitivities into strengths.
There are ways to silence the internal and external critics, increase your confidence, and use your gifts for good.
Reframing empath and HSP traits as valuable strengths is a total game-changer, and you’ll feel a deep and profound transformation.
The world needs empaths and HSPs!
As our collective human consciousness rises and shifts, shouldn’t we have people using feelings and emotions as guides?
Empaths and HSPs can more easily relate to struggles outside of their own. So, they’re an integral part of finding solutions that represent all people.
Have you been told you were too sensitive or emotional?
This is the kiss of death for an HSP or empath. It squashes potential and creates shame about your unique and special gifts.
You won’t be a “they” in this office!
My office is extremely empath and HSP friendly!
Unsurprisingly, many therapists are sensitive and empathic.
I can relate to feelings of overstimulation—as though you’re absorbing everything around you.
Everyone might not love all of your feels, but I will!
I genuinely believe in the beauty and power of empathy and sensitivity. So, I’ll never shame it or see it as a negative.
Relief is here.
It can be a huge comfort to realize that your feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, fatigue, needing to isolate and withdraw, co-dependency, and sensory overload don’t mean there is something wrong with you.
You’re not crazy. You’re uniquely gifted and capable!
I want to help you embrace these talents, so you can love who you are and shine.