Counseling for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) in Colorado
Find validation and skills to help you thrive.
Closer to the life and the ebb and flow
Closer to the edge of "I don't know"
Closer to that's the way it goes
Some hearts are built on a floodplain.
-Sara Groves
Aspects of High Sensitivity
The "DOES" acronym
D
Depth of Processing
HSPs process information more deeply than non-HSPs. Whether they are aware of it or not, HSPs are constantly taking in internal and external stimuli, finding patterns, noticing similarities, and comparing present and past experiences.
E
Emotional Responsiveness/Empathy
HSPs are deeply affected by their environment, their emotions, and others' emotions - both for better, AND for worse! An HSP may experience both intense joy and existential dread on a regular day - even within the same hour! HSPs tend to be more empathetic than non-HSPs because of this heightened emotional sensitivity.
O
Overstimulation
Because HSPs process stimuli more deeply, they can easily become overstimulated. This may look like feelings of overwhelm or anxiety which are tied to taking in too much at a time.
S
Sensitivity to Subtleties
HSPs will notice small changes to their environment which others may miss. They tend to be more sensitive to sensory stimuli. They also tend to notice fluctuations in others' emotional states - such as a coworker or family member seeming tired or troubled.
Sources: HSP website FAQ
Therapy for HSPs
HSPs tend to greatly benefit from therapy! Treatment for HSPs can include education about the HSP trait, skillbuilding for soothing overwhelm, and somatic and emotions-focused work to process experiences.