What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive” or you feel like you experience the world more intensely than others, you might be a highly sensitive person (also known as an HSP).
The term highly sensitive person comes from research by Dr. Elaine Aron, who found that about 15–20% of the population has a nervous system that processes sensory information more deeply. This isn’t a flaw, it’s just a trait, much like eye color or height.
Signs You Might Be an HSP
While only you can decide if the term resonates with you, common HSP experiences include:
Feeling deeply moved by art, music, or beauty
Becoming easily overwhelmed by loud noises, strong smells, or bright lights
Needing extra time to recover from busy or emotionally intense days
Sensing other people’s emotions strongly—sometimes before they say a word
Thinking deeply about life, relationships, and meaning
Strengths of Being an HSP
Being highly sensitive often comes with incredible strengths:
Empathy: Picking up on subtle emotional cues
Attention to detail: Noticing small things others might miss
Creativity: Bringing depth and originality to ideas
Deep connection: Forming meaningful relationships
Challenges HSPs May Face
Because HSPs process so much information, they can sometimes experience:
Sensory overload in busy or chaotic environments
Emotional exhaustion from absorbing others’ feelings
Difficulty setting boundaries when others expect constant emotional availability
Thriving as an HSP
Create buffer time between intense activities or social events
Limit overstimulation by adjusting lighting, sound, or your schedule
Practice boundaries by saying no when you need rest
Connect with other HSPs to feel understood and supported
The Bottom Line
Being a Highly Sensitive Person doesn’t mean you’re fragile, it means you experience the world in high-definition. With self-awareness and the right tools, your sensitivity can be one of your greatest strengths.
At Found we help highly sensitive people learn to honor their needs, set boundaries, and thrive in relationships and daily life.
Offices located in Provo, UT | Online therapy across Utah
