The Highly Sensitive Person
Amy Parks, LCPC-Therapy in Maryland
Therapy for Highly Sensitive People throughout Maryland
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is an individual who possesses a central nervous system that is more receptive to incoming stimuli. Being an HPS is a temperament trait and not a disorder. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of the population is HSP. The key components of an HSP are best described by the acronym D.O.E.S which was coined by Dr. Elaine Aron who has done extensive research on sensitivity. See more about her pioneering work on her website: https://hsperson.com/
Understanding Sensitivity
D.
Depth of Processing
Processing information more deeply, making deep connections, and seeing the big picture.
O.
Overarousability
Overstimulated by incoming sensory information, noticing the subtleties of the environment around you.
E.
Emotional Intensity/Empathy
Experiencing intense emotions and strong empathy for others.
S.
Sensory Sensitivity
Sensitivity toward strong smells, loud noises, itchy fabrics or tags, disliking soft touch.
Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?
Are you deeply moved by the world around you, music, or art?
Do you feel like you absorb the emotions of those around you?
Are you easily overwhelmed by strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, or itchy fabric?
Do the troubles of the world overwhelm you?
Do you have a rich inner world?
Do you have strong intuition?
Do you experience existential dread?
Do you feel profoundly different than those around you?
If you think you might be HSP, take the quiz here: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
High Sensitivity is a Personality Trait not a Disorder.
HSP friendly therapy
Highly Sensitive People are often misdiagnosed due to the way high sensitivity can present. Furthermore, HSP's benefit from specific therapeutic approaches. HPS's are more impacted by both negative experiences and positive experiences than non HPS's. Stress can have a more negative impact on HPS's which can lead to a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Learning how to cope with stress is paramount for an HSP. I have experience working with HSP clients and personally understand the nuances of this temperament trait. I teach my HPS clients how to cope with life and learn to utilize their very special skills in the world.
What we work on together
Understanding your nervous system
Many HSPs reach adulthood without ever understanding why they experience the world the way they do. Psychoeducation about high sensitivity — how it works, why it exists, and what it means for your daily life — is often the most transformative part of therapy for HSP clients.
Building protective self-care practices
Because HSPs are more affected by overstimulation and stress, self-care is not a luxury for them — it is essential. Together we design routines and boundaries that honor your need for downtime, sensory comfort, and emotional replenishment.
Boundary work and people-pleasing
HSPs are highly attuned to others' emotions and needs, which often makes them natural caregivers — and chronic people-pleasers. Therapy helps you develop boundaries that protect your energy without guilt.
Managing anxiety and overwhelm
High sensitivity significantly increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression, particularly in chronic stress environments. I use CBT, ACT, and nervous system regulation techniques to build resilience and reduce the impact of overwhelming experiences.
Embracing your gifts
High sensitivity is associated with creativity, depth, empathy, intuition, conscientiousness, and the capacity for profound connection. A key goal of HSP therapy is helping you inhabit your strengths fully — not in spite of your sensitivity, but because of it.
Ready to get started?
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can get to know each other before you schedule your first session. Reach out today to take that first step.