Have you ever been told that you’re "too sensitive," or noticed that your child seems deeply affected by bright lights, loud environments, or subtle shifts in emotional energy? If so, you or your child might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
High sensitivity, scientifically known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)-is a naturally occurring personality trait found in roughly 15% to 20% of the population (and also found in animal species!). It isn't a medical disorder, a weakness, or something that needs to be "fixed". Rather, it simply reflects a nervous system that processes sensory and emotional information more deeply than average.
What Does it Mean to Be an HSP?
Psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, a pioneer in the study of high sensitivity, uses the acronym DOES to summarize the core aspects of the trait:
D – Depth of Processing: HSPs tend to reflect deeply on experiences, weigh options carefully, and make connections that others might miss.
O – Overstimulation: Processing so much input means HSPs can get easily overwhelmed by chaotic, loud, or fast-paced environments.
E – Emotional Reactivity & Empathy: HSPs experience both positive and negative emotions intensely and naturally absorb the moods and feelings of those around them.
S – Sensing the Subtle: HSPs notice minor details, from gentle shifts in someone's tone of voice to subtle changes in physical surroundings.
For kids, high sensitivity might look like crying easily during overwhelming situations, feeling distressed by clothing tags or scratchy fabrics, or displaying profound empathy and insight beyond their years. As an HSP parent, high sensitivity may show up as deep emotional attunement and empathy toward your child's subtle needs, alongside a heightened vulnerability to sensory overload in chaotic, noisy parenting moments.
A Personal Perspective: Sensitivity as a Shared Journey
This trait isn't just something I help other’s work through, it's something I live every day. I am an HSP myself, and I am also raising a highly sensitive child.
Living and parenting with high sensitivity has given me a deep, firsthand appreciation for both its incredible gifts-like intuition, creativity, and deep capacity for connection as well as its daily challenges, such as overstimulation and emotional fatigue.
Understanding high sensitivity has been transformative for our family. It changed the narrative from "Why is this so overwhelming?" to "What does my nervous system need right now?"
How Therapy Can Help
It is important to remember that therapy cannot-and should not-change your inherent sensitivity. High sensitivity is a core part of who you or your child are.
However, specialized therapy can make a world of difference by helping you:
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Learn effective tools to ground your nervous system during periods of sensory or emotional overload.
Master Energy & Stress Management: Design daily routines and boundaries that protect your energy and prevent burnout.
Cultivate Self-Awareness & Acceptance: Recognize your specific triggers, articulate your unique needs, and reframe your sensitivity as a powerful strength.
Discover Your Sensitivity Level
Curious to learn whether high sensitivity plays a role in your life or your child's life? You can explore Dr. Elaine Aron's official self-assessment tools to learn more:
👉 Take the HSP Self-Test Here
Understanding sensitivity is the first step toward creating an environment where you and your family can truly thrive. If you'd like support navigating high sensitivity for yourself or your child, feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation.
Written by Alyssa Teitsma, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Alyssa specializes in maternal mental health, child and adolescent counseling, and parent/family support in Northern Virginia.