
Therapy for the
Highly Sensitive Person
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA & ONLINE
Trusted by Clients at:
Somatic Therapy Reduces Overwhelm and Empowers Your Gift of Sensitivity
The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) has a finely-tuned nervous system that makes them more responsive to sensory and emotional stimuli. This makes them exceptionally talented and deep individuals. It also means that they can be more easily overwhelmed.
If you are highly sensitive, you may stand more to gain from therapy than just about any other kind of person. When HSPs learn how to be a good stewards of their nervous systems and to hold ground in the world they go on to enrich their community with the profound gifts of their inner life. These gifts may involve music, art, science, writing, design, empathy, and imagination.
Highly sensitive people also enjoy therapy more than other groups and may be able to make more of it. Indeed, 50% of people in therapy are likely highly sensitive - Elaine Aron
Tools & Strategies for HSPs
Embodiment & mindfulness techniques
Reflection, journaling & self-awareness practices
Boundary setting & maintenance
Assertiveness training
Time-management, systems & calendaring
Breaking up tasks to be less overwhelming
Allow yourself to take breaks and recharge
Creating low-stimulation environments
Cultivating supportive & reciprocal relationships
Self-care, exercise & rest
Our somatic therapy was developed by training personally with:
Bessel Van Der Kolk,
Author of The Body Keeps the ScorePeter Levine,
Founder of Somatic ExperiencingDick Schwartz,
Founder of Internal Family SystemsLaurel Parnell,
Founder of Attachment-EMDR
HSP Characteristics
Sensory sensitivity: HSPs tend to be more sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or rough textures.
Emotional sensitivity: HSPs can be deeply affected by their own emotions and the emotions of others.
Overstimulation: Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSPs are more prone to becoming overstimulated in busy or chaotic environments.
Depth of processing: HSPs tend to process information deeply and reflect on their experiences extensively.
HSP Advantages
Empathy and compassion: Highly sensitive individuals often have a strong sense of empathy and compassion towards others. They are inherently attuned to and considerate of others; therefore have the capacity to create deep and meaningful relationships.
Creativity and intuition: Many HSPs possess a rich inner world and a strong sense of intuition. They may be drawn to creative pursuits such as art, music, or writing, where they can express their unique perspectives and insights.
Strong attention to detail: HSPs are often highly observant and detail-oriented. They notice subtleties and nuances that others may overlook, allowing them to excel in tasks that require careful attention and thorough analysis.
Heightened sensitivity to positive stimuli: Just as HSPs may be more sensitive to negative stimuli, such as loud noises or stressful situations, they are also more sensitive to positive stimuli. This means that positive experiences, such as moments of joy, excitement, or love, may be amplified for highly sensitive individuals, leading to more intense and profound emotional responses.
Strong moral compass: Highly sensitive individuals often have a strong sense of justice, fairness, and ethics. They are deeply affected by injustice or suffering in the world and may feel compelled to take action to make a positive difference.
At Beyond, we show you somatic practices that support nervous system regulation. These practices are essential for HSPs who can easily experience sensory or emotional overwhelm. Somatic practices allow blocked energy to discharge, bringing you back to a state of restful alertness.
The Somatic Therapy Approach
When we reset and reconnect your nervous system, you start to feel yourself again & your energy and motivation come back naturally.
You develop a wider window of tolerance so that your nervous system can handle more stimulation and your sensitivity becomes less a problem and more of an asset or gift.
We also support you in developing exercise, sleep and nutrition habits that support your nervous system and build up a buffer of capacity. This create a virtuous cycle of improvement in all areas including work and relationships.
Meet the Beyond Team
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Sarah Bibbo, ASW
PSYCHOTHERAPIST ASSOCIATE
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Flavia MacMenamin, AMFT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST ASSOCIATE
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Rosalie Maduro, AMFT, APCC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST ASSOCIATE
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Angie Bradshaw, LMFT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Steven Bradshaw, LMFT, SEP
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Hear from our clients