Do you feel tired, anxious, or overwhelmed by crowds, loud environments and emotionally-charged situations? Do you find yourself deeply affected by the problems and difficulties of others or in our world? You may be highly sensitive or empathic.

High sensitivity (also called Sensory-Processing Sensitivity) is a genetic trait shared by 15-20% of the population and popularized by psychologist Elaine Aron. To the highly sensitive, the world can often feel unpleasantly intense, overwhelming and chaotic. Highly sensitive people often need to take extra time for self-care and learn to develop healthy boundaries. As highly sensitive people learn to honor their sensitivity as a strength they can realize the

In addition to being highly sensitive, empathic people take on the energy, moods and often physical symptoms of those around them. This can negatively impact our emotional and physical well-being. Empathic people can learn to develop healthy energy boundaries, discharge the energy of others and ground themselves in their own bodies.

Many highly sensitive people and empaths, both adults and children, benefit from therapy with someone who understands what it is like to be a sensitive person in this world. Together we can look at tools to help navigate a world that was not created with the sensitive soul in mind. As you understand your own particular sensitivities, you can learn to utilize these skills to benefit yourself and others.

If you would like to take Dr. Aron’s self-test for High Sensitivity, you may do so here. A test for your children is also available here. If you would like to read more about being an empath, you can find more information and take a self-test here.