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Highly sensitive people (HSPs) and creatives often have unique mental health needs.
Statistics show that while only approximately 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive, HSPs make up nearly 80 percent of the people in therapy (Aron, 2010). Learn more about why this is in the Resources section. *Note: High sensitivity is a personality trait and is not the same as sensory processing disorder (SPD).
Here, we're looking at some of the reasons that might bring HSPs and creative individuals to counseling.
HSPs often:
Feel more deeply than non-HSPs
Need more time to process "life"--things that don't bother others may deeply trouble an HSP
Have been told over and over again, "you're too thin-skinned," "you're too sensitive," or "you shouldn't take things so seriously."
Feel misunderstood by most people (because they often are misunderstood)
May have high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and find it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a regulated nervous system
Struggle to stay in balance because of their "big feelings"
It's important for you to know that I, too, am an HSP. So when I say, "I get it," that's because I really do understand.
In our work together, we'll explore what strengths, resources, and tools you already have to help you. We'll also look at where you're experiencing the most difficulty and how that can be addressed.
As an HSP, you can learn to:
Handle big feelings without withdrawing or numbing yourself
Take care of your needs--biggest and smallest--without the guilt
Set effective boundaries
Work with your sensitivity instead of against it
Use creative pursuits as a way to express deep emotions and clear them out of your mind and body
Nurture yourself in healthy ways
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