Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by loud environments, emotionally drained after socializing, or deeply affected by the moods and energy of those around you? Maybe you’ve been told you're "too sensitive" or felt like you don’t quite fit in with the fast pace of the world. If any of this resonates, you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)—and you are not alone.
The term “Highly Sensitive Person” was first coined by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron in the 1990s. High sensitivity, also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), is a normal, innate trait found in about 20-30% of the population. Being an HSP means your nervous system is more finely tuned to notice and process subtle stimuli—both in your environment and within yourself.
This is not a disorder, weakness, or diagnosis. It’s simply a trait, and like all traits, it comes with unique strengths and challenges.
How Do I Know If I’m an HSP?
HSPs tend to be deeply empathetic, think deeply and reflect before acting, creative, intuitive and conscientious, emotionally attuned, and able to form strong relationships .
You may feel moved by art, music, or nature in ways that are hard to explain but deeply meaningful. These qualities are not flaws—they are incredible strengths.
Yet without the right tools and support, high sensitivity can sometimes lead to feeling: easily overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, emotional exhaustion and burnout, struggles with perfectionism and people pleasing, difficulties setting boundaries, and a sense of feeling “too much" , “not enough” or misunderstood.
Curious to explore more? You can take the self-test created by Dr. Elaine Aron here: 👉 Take the HSP Self-Test
How can therapy help?
We understand your need for a compassionate and accepting therapy environment, especially if you're highly sensitive or have a finely tuned nervous system.
Our therapy sessions will be tailored to address your unique needs, focusing on helping you understand your sensitivity, set boundaries that honor your needs, and process and regulate your emotions with greater ease. Whether you're navigating relationships, anxiety, self-doubt, or simply trying to better understand yourself, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
The goal is to help you see your sensitivity as a strength, not something to be "fixed." We offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel confident and secure in your own skin."
Helpful Resources for HSPs…
The Highly Sensitive Person (Dr. Elaine Aron)
The original and most comprehensive resource on HSPs, created by the researcher who first identified the trait. Includes articles, research, self-tests, book recommendations, and more.Highly Sensitive Refuge
A supportive online community with personal stories, articles, and tips for navigating life as an HSP. Topics range from relationships and career to self-care and emotional health.Julie Bjelland, LMFT – Sensitive Empowerment
A licensed therapist and HSP specialist offering online courses, a podcast, and a membership community designed specifically for Highly Sensitive People.
William Allen, The Sensitive Man
A supportive resource for Highly Sensitive males including an online men’s group and courses, blog posts, books, and podcast.
Work with our counsellors who specialize in HSP:
