What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? How Counselling Can Help You Thrive

What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

The term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was popularised by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron in the 1990s. It refers to individuals with a finely tuned nervous system who process sensory information more deeply. HSPs often feel things intensely, notice subtleties that others miss, and can become overwhelmed in environments with a lot of stimulation.

Being highly sensitive is not a diagnosis or a flaw – it’s a temperament trait found in around 15–20% of the population. It occurs equally in all genders and is found across cultures. HSPs are often intuitive, empathic, creative, and deeply moved by art, nature, or meaningful conversation.

Yet, in a fast-paced and often overwhelming world, being a Highly Sensitive Person can sometimes feel like ‘too much.’

Common Experiences of HSPs

Highly Sensitive People may recognise themselves in the following:

• Feeling easily overstimulated by crowds, noise or bright lights

• Becoming emotionally affected by others’ moods

• Feeling deeply moved by music, art or nature

• Needing regular downtime or solitude to recharge

• Being conscientious, reflective and attuned to subtleties

• Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, conflict, or pressure

• Having a rich inner world and active imagination

• Often being told you're ‘too sensitive’ or ‘overreacting’

Without understanding or support, HSPs may struggle with anxiety, burnout, self-doubt or emotional exhaustion. Many have learned to hide their sensitivity or feel ashamed of it.

Counselling for Highly Sensitive People

Counselling offers a compassionate and non-judgemental space for Highly Sensitive People to explore their inner world, embrace their sensitivity, and develop strategies for emotional balance and self-care.

1. Embracing Sensitivity as Strength

Many HSPs have internalised messages that their sensitivity is a weakness. In therapy, we can begin to re-experience your sensitivity as a gift – a source of wisdom, empathy, and creativity. Counselling helps HSPs reconnect with their innate worth, rather than trying to ‘toughen up’ or fit in.

2. Building Boundaries and Emotional Resilience

Highly Sensitive People often absorb the emotions of those around them. Counselling can support the development of clear boundaries and energy management, so you can remain grounded and centred without shutting down or disconnecting from others.

3. Regulating Overwhelm and Anxiety

The nervous system of an HSP is more reactive – which can lead to frequent overwhelm or chronic anxiety. Through body-based practices, breathwork, and gentle exploration, therapy can support you in calming your nervous system and developing tools for emotional regulation.

4. Healing from Past Wounds

Many HSPs have grown up feeling misunderstood, criticised, or invalidated. Counselling offers a safe space to process early wounds, release shame, and develop a compassionate inner voice. Together, we can begin to rewrite the narrative of ‘too sensitive’ into one of deep honouring.

5. Finding Your Rhythm and Life Balance

HSPs often need more rest, spaciousness, and time in nature than the average person. Therapy can support you in designing a lifestyle that honours your nervous system, so that you feel more alive and rooted – not overwhelmed.

HSP Counselling in the UK

At Grounded Connection, I offer a trauma-informed, holistic approach to counselling for Highly Sensitive People. Grounded in empathy, presence and depth, my work supports HSPs to:

• Reconnect with their intuition

• Explore identity and inner parts

• Navigate relationships and overwhelm

• Find meaning, purpose and creativity

• Cultivate inner safety, slowness and trust

Whether you're newly discovering you're an HSP or have been on this path for a while, therapy can be a powerful companion on the journey home to yourself.

You Are Not Too Much

You are not broken. You are not weak. You are not ‘too sensitive.’

You are beautifully attuned – to life, to feeling, to meaning. You are wired for depth, not speed. And with the right support, you can thrive.

🌿 Ready to begin?

📍 Book your free consultation and take the first gentle step

Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision & Breathwork in Huddersfield & Online UK
By Melissa Rose Spencer | Creative & Somatic Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor & Breathwork Coach in Huddersfield | Online UK & Internationally