Therapy for the Highly Sensitive Person

You’re Tired of being overstimulated every step of the way

Okay, so maybe not every step of the way. But you’re legitimately wondering why you are so easily overwhelmed by emotions or physical stimuli. Do any of the following sound familiar?:

Photo of a person holding a honey suckle flower over a stick it note that says "highly sensitive person" representing how being a highly sensitive person is both a superpower and can have a negative impact on your mental health.
  • Are you easily overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells or rough fabrics?

  • Do you feel you need to withdraw during busy days to a dark room to relieve mental pressure?

  • Have you or others labeled you as ‘sensitive’?

  • Do you avoid violent movies?

  • Do you feel emotions deeply?

As you read the list, do you find yourself agreeing with the questions? These are common experiences for people who many in the mental health community describe as being highly sensitive. Being highly sensitive can be a real struggle. Sometimes being sensitive makes it difficult to navigate stressful situations.


Highly Sensitive Person Therapy Can help you find your superpower

Although being sensitive can feel get in the way sometimes, it is not a bad thing. Did you know that about 20% of the population is considered highly sensitive? At our therapy practice in Chicago, IL, we like to say that those that are considered highly sensitive have a super power. Did you know that being highly sensitive allows for deeper processing of information than what is typical?

The more challenging part of that means that you are more easily aroused but on the flip side it means you are more prone to being gifted, more creative, imaginative, inventive, and empathetic. That’s right, you have a superpower! You can take in tons of information at once and process it on a level that others cannot which, when in the right mind set, you can use in beautiful, unique ways.

At Obsidian Counseling, we know that finding a counselor that truly understands your super power can help you harness it. We have several therapists on staff that consider themselves highly sensitive persons (HSPs), so you know you’ll be in good hands.


Symptoms of a highly sensitive person

While being highly sensitive is for sure a superpower, it comes with some challenges. People who are highly sensitive are more prone to bouts of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety and depression that a highly sensitive person may experience include:

A woman looking outside a window in the winter looking distressed representing a person in Chicago who feels overwhelmed and struggles with anxiety.
  • Feeling jittery

  • Increased heart rate

  • Heightened or lessened need for sleep

  • Overthinking

  • Lack of enjoyment with typically pleasurable activities

  • Increased or decreased need for food

If you’re interested in a quick self assessment to see if you are highly sensitive, take the self-assessment below:


Good news: our Highly Sensitive Person therapists can help!

Our therapists know what it feels like to feel overstimulated every moment of the day. We have also sat with countless other people who have shared their stories of joy and frustration related to their level of sensitivity. Furthermore, we know that it can feel risky to ask for help. You may have experienced situations and people who have left you questioning yourself, your perceptions, and your abilities. These experiences may then leave you feeling flawed in some way.

Our counselors are here to allow you the space to heal and explore in a safe environment. We understand both the strength of you being highly sensitive and the ways it can impact your mental health. As therapists, we understand what it takes for a highly sensitive person to thrive and we want to help you along that journey.


Start highly sensitive person therapy in Northbrook, IL

If you are ready to begin your therapy journey with a team that is committed to affirming your identity, our therapists are ready to help. Our therapy practice prides itself on its commitment to our friends of the highly sensitive community. And while we’re based out of Northbrook, our therapy services are available online in Illinois. So, we work with people from all over the state. Take the steps below to get started and have the support you’ve been seeking.

  1. Fill out a consult form here.

  2. Meet with a highly sensitive therapist to see if Obsidian Counseling is a good fit for your needs.

  3. Start authentically connecting and living life to the fullest!

Photo of a small tree planted representing how counseling can help you start growing as a person so you overcome the challenges of depression and anxiety.

Other Services at Obsidian Counseling and Wellness

When you work with a therapist at our counseling practice in the Chicago, IL area, you will be met with compassion and authenticity. Our team feels honored to help guide folks along their healing process. Specifically, we help people in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and work stress. We offer counseling for parents as well as yoga therapy. Additionally, we value the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and are happy to help them find balance in their lives. We hope that you take the leap to begin your healing journey with our team of specialized therapists.