Coaching for Sensitives

We live in a culture that doesn’t tend to value qualities associated with the trait of sensitivity so I think many of us grow up thinking there’s something wrong with us. That we’re too emotional. Or too picky or high maintenance. We’re too serious. We’re too quiet. We’re too hesitant with decisions. We can end up internalizing some of our differences as deficiencies or weaknesses versus competencies and strengths.

Although roughly 1 in 5 people consider themselves highly sensitive, this trait still represents a minority of our population.  And because of this, the way many systems, environments, and workplaces are set up can make it harder for someone who’s highly sensitive.  Many of us end up living a lifestyle that’s not as conducive for our sensitivity, which often leaves us feeling under-resourced and burnt out. It can be really hard to shift these narratives and ingrained lifestyle patterns on our own.

That’s where coaching can come in. You will be reminded that you are not alone. That your sensitivity is an asset for you and for those around you. We can work together to support you in creating a lifestyle that attends to your sensitive nervous system. You can learn to feel into your boundaries and stay connected to your truth regardless of the situation. I can support you in letting go of old programing around your sensitive nature and fully embrace who you are!

If this sounds like you and you want to learn more, check out my coaching website or contact me directly: 828-772-0158.

Support Bundle for the Highly Sensitive Person

We know how challenging it can be to experience the world as a highly sensitive person. We want to offer you concrete, practical, useful tools to transform feelings of overstimulation and overwhelm into ease, groundedness, and peace.

This support bundle includes printable worksheets you can use daily, journal prompts, quick facts & resources, and a meditation to support healthy boundary-setting and an increased sense of empowerment and comfort.

Cost: $12

Click here for more information

Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. Let this be a sign that you’ve got a big heart and aren’t afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength.  -Brigitte Nicole

Books and Other Helpful Websites

The Highly Sensitive Person website by Elaine Aron. Access the book, HSP test, and research about HSPs.

The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook by Elaine Aron

The Highly Sensitive Person in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron

The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them by Elaine Aron

The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World by Ted Zeff

The Power of Sensitivity by Ted Zeff. Ted Zeff also has lots of great resources and articles on his website.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (this book is more about HSPs than social introverts!)

Self-Care for the Self-Aware: A Guide for Highly Sensitive People, Empaths, Intuitives and Healers by Dave Markowitz

Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person: Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Overwhelming Emotions by Julie Bjelland

HSP Asheville Facebook Page to build community and share resources and wisdom!

I understand now that I’m not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say “For the same reason I laugh so often–because I’m paying attention.”     –Glennon Doyle Melton

Psychotherapy vs. Coaching: How do I know which is right for me?

Truthfully, there is some overlap but here are some general guidelines for figuring out which is right for you at this point in your life. I want to encourage you to let go of any judgments you might have as you read through these and give yourself permission to start where you’re at.

Psychotherapy is likely the best fit for you if:

  • You are seeking support in addressing symptoms that fit under a diagnosable mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
  • You want to focus on healing past issues such as trauma, attachment wounds, etc.
  • You or your loved ones are concerned about your mental/emotional wellbeing and/or safety.
  • You were referred to therapy by another medical provider such as a primary care physician, psychiatrist, etc.
  • Counseling fits under the umbrella of the medical model, which means that it may be covered by insurance depending on your policy. I am an in network provider for BCBS, Aetna, and Medcost.

Coaching is likely the best fit for you if:

  • You do not meet diagnosable criteria for a mental health condition, though you may struggle with symptoms of anxiety or overwhelm at times.
  • You want to focus on creating more of what you want in your life such as improving your relationships, clarifying or creating a meaningful career, increasing your ability to connect to your inner knowing, etc.
  • You want to focus on changing your present and future experiences versus healing the past (that said, when we address our current challenges, we also heal the past AND vice versa).
  • You are interested in exploring non-conventional ways of addressing your circumstances including energy work, stone medicine, ritual, etc.
  • Coaching does not fit under the umbrella of the medical model, which means it is not covered by insurance. You can pay for sessions one at a time or pay for a package of sessions at a reduced fee.

If you’re still unsure which is the best fit, you can contact me and we can figure it out together.