Counseling for HSPs & Creatives
in Vermont
in Vermont
Highly sensitive people (HSPs) and creatives often have unique mental health needs.
Statistics show that while only approximately 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive, HSPs make up nearly 80 percent of the people in therapy (Aron, 2010). Learn more about why this is in the Resources section. *Note: High sensitivity is a personality trait and is not the same as sensory processing disorder (SPD), which is a mental health diagnosis.
Here, we're looking at some of the reasons that might bring HSPs and creative individuals to counseling.
HSPs often:
Feel more deeply than non-HSPs (humane society commercials can leave you in tears)
Need more time to process "life"--things that don't bother others may deeply trouble an HSP
Have been told over and over again, "you're too thin-skinned," "you're too sensitive," or "you shouldn't take things so seriously"
Feel misunderstood by most people (because they often are misunderstood)
May have high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and find it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a regulated nervous system
Struggle to stay in balance because of their "big feelings"
In our work together, we'll explore what strengths, resources, and tools you already have to help you. We'll also look at where you're experiencing the most difficulty and how that can be addressed.
As an HSP, you can learn to:
Handle big feelings without withdrawing or numbing yourself
Take care of your needs--biggest and smallest--without the guilt
Set effective boundaries
Work with your sensitivity instead of against it
Use creative pursuits as a way to express deep emotions and clear them out of your mind and body
Nurture yourself in healthy ways
Clients are often surprised by how very small changes can make a big impact in their day-to-day lives. It's not often a complete life overhaul that's needed, but tiny, positive steps.
Counseling for Creatives
Creative people come from all walks of life and work in many disciplines. Whether you're a sculptor, actor, musician, visual artist, writer, or (fill in the blank), as a creative, you likely face some of the same challenges with your mental health.
Creatives tend to struggle with:
Depression
Feelings of low self-esteem
Time management (and having enough time to pursue their passions)
Feeling misunderstood frequently; finding it challenging to do "regular life" like those around them
Depression in particular seems to be stronger among creatives. The irony is that often creating is a source of emotional release. However, when a creative person feels stuck, blocked, or depressed, it can be increasingly difficult to create anything at all.
Through counseling and "homework" between sessions, our goal will be to get you unstuck, unblocked, and able to re-engage with the creative work that you are meant to do. Both CBT and SFBT are excellent modalities to reframe negative mindsets, focus on the positive outcomes you want, and give you tools to get to a healthier mental place.