Are you Highly Sensitive?
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are individuals who possess an extraordinary sensitivity to various stimuli in their surroundings, encompassing emotional, physical, and sensory experiences. The term "Highly Sensitive Person" was introduced by psychologist Elaine Aron in the 1990s, following her extensive research on this unique trait. HSPs often process information more profoundly and exhibit stronger emotional reactions to situations compared to others.
It's essential to understand that being highly sensitive is not a disorder or a shortcoming; rather, it is a natural variation in brain wiring that allows some people to connect more deeply with the world around them. When recognized and managed effectively, this sensitivity can transform into a remarkable strength.
Hello, I’m Mary Galanis
As an accredited Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, passionate about helping you navigate and resolve life’s challenges with a practical yet compassionate approach. I understand how being Highly Sensitive can leave you feeling debilitated, overwhelmed, with deep physical and emotional limitations. I aim to empower you with the tools and treatments that are required to heal and regain control.
With a focus on tangible results, I offer personalised treatment plans using a variety of proven methods like Hypnosis, EMDR for trauma, Psychotherapy, and Somatic Healing, ensuring your holistic well-being is always at the centre of our work together.
Clinical Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy are recognised by medical professionals as proven, safe, and effective methods for treating Chronic Pain and many other issues. My goal is to empower you, offering tailored treatments to help you to regain peace of mind, quickly and effectively.
When I’m not helping clients, I enjoy spending time with my two adult daughters, practising yoga, and relaxing with my two cats. I believe in continuous growth—both in my personal life and in my practice—always striving to help you become a well-balanced and the best version of yourself.
We work together on your tailored treatment for your unique journey to better wellness.
Here’s to better and better.
Treating Highly Sensitive People with Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
Here are some key characteristics of highly sensitive people:
1. Heightened Sensory Sensitivity
HSPs experience increased sensitivity to sensory input, which means they may feel overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or crowded places. They are also more aware of subtle changes in their environment, such as shifts in others' moods or different textures. While this heightened awareness enriches their experience of life, it can also lead to sensory overload.
For instance, an HSP might struggle to focus in a noisy café or feel irritable in a brightly lit room.*
2. Deep Processing of Information
Highly sensitive individuals tend to reflect on experiences and emotions for extended periods. This deep processing often leads to insightful thoughts but can also result in overthinking or mental fatigue.
After attending an event, an HSP might find themselves pondering their feelings and others' reactions for hours or even days.
3. Emotional Reactivity and Empathy
HSPs frequently experience strong emotional responses to both positive and negative events. Their ability to empathize allows them to easily pick up on the feelings and moods of those around them. While this trait makes them compassionate listeners and supportive friends, it can also lead to emotional exhaustion in charged environments.
For example, they may find themselves crying during a touching movie or feeling deeply affected by someone else's suffering.
4. Easily Overstimulated
Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSPs can become quickly overwhelmed in busy or chaotic settings. They often require solitude to recharge after spending time in crowded spaces or noisy environments—this downtime is vital for maintaining emotional balance and overall well-being.
*After attending a large social gathering, an HSP might need to retreat to a quiet place for some much-needed alone time.
5. Sensitivity to Subtle Cues
HSPs excel at picking up subtle cues from their surroundings, including body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. This keen perception enables them to be more attuned to the emotions and needs of others, fostering empathy and understanding.
An HSP might intuitively sense when someone is feeling down simply by observing their behavior or the atmosphere in the room.*
6. Need for Meaningful Connections
HSPs prioritize deep relationships over superficial ones; shallow social interactions or large groups can leave them feeling drained. They thrive on one-on-one conversations with close friends or family members because they process emotions at a deeper level and seek authentic connections for fulfillment.
In casual settings filled with small talk, an HSP may feel uncomfortable and instead long for profound discussions.
7. Greater Sensitivity to Stress
Because HSPs react strongly to sensory and emotional stimuli, they may be more vulnerable to stress and anxiety than others. High-pressure environments can overwhelm them quickly; thus, creating a calm atmosphere is crucial for their mental health management.
For instance, after a stressful day at work, an HSP might struggle to unwind due to external stressors triggering their anxiety.
Understanding these traits helps us appreciate the unique strengths that highly sensitive individuals bring while also recognizing the challenges they face daily.
How Hypnotherapy Benefits Highly Sensitive People
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) possess an extraordinary sensitivity to sensory experiences, emotions, and their surroundings. While this trait can be a valuable asset, it often leads to feelings of emotional overwhelm, overstimulation, and stress. Hypnotherapy serves as a powerful tool for HSPs, helping them navigate these challenges by enhancing emotional regulation, alleviating anxiety, and building resilience.
1. Alleviating Overstimulation and Anxiety
HSPs frequently find themselves overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces, which can trigger anxiety and stress. Hypnotherapy addresses these issues by promoting deep relaxation and soothing the nervous system. It also teaches coping strategies for handling overstimulation. Through cognitive reframing, HSPs learn to perceive such situations from a more neutral or empowering viewpoint, significantly reducing their anxiety in overwhelming environments.
2. Strengthening Emotional Regulation
Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSPs often experience intense emotions that can lead to emotional exhaustion. Hypnotherapy enhances emotional resilience by enabling individuals to tap into their subconscious mind and process unresolved feelings. This therapeutic approach helps release emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety. Furthermore, hypnotherapy instills the importance of emotional boundaries allowing HSPs to shield themselves from absorbing the emotions of others while maintaining balance.
3. Managing Stress and Overwhelm
With an increased sensitivity to external stimuli, HSPs are particularly susceptible to stress. Hypnotherapy equips them with effective stress management tools, including relaxation techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This activation alleviates physical symptoms of stress such as muscle tension and headaches. Additionally, hypnotherapy encourages HSPs to reframe stressful scenarios, enabling them to face challenges with calmness and focus rather than feeling overwhelmed.
4. Cultivating Self-Awareness and Self-Compassion
HSPs are often introspective but may struggle with self-criticism, viewing their sensitivity as a drawback. Hypnotherapy nurtures self-compassion through positive affirmations like "I embrace my sensitivity as a strength." Such affirmations help individuals let go of negative self-perceptions and foster healthier self-esteem. Moreover, hypnotherapy creates a safe environment for healing past emotional wounds—allowing HSPs to fully accept their sensitive nature.
5. Building Healthier Coping Strategies
Given their heightened sensitivity, HSPs may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like avoidance or overthinking. Hypnotherapy aids in replacing these behaviors with more constructive responses. By visualizing positive outcomes and practicing relaxation techniques, HSPs can maintain composure in difficult situations. This therapeutic method also encourages creative problem-solving abilities—boosting confidence while addressing challenges effectively.
6. Enhancing Social Interactions and Relationships
Social anxiety or emotional exhaustion can plague HSPs during social interactions. Hypnotherapy offers relaxation techniques that soothe nerves before or during social events while guiding individuals in establishing emotional boundaries—preventing them from absorbing others' emotions or feeling drained by interactions. As a result, HSPs can nurture healthy relationships while safeguarding their emotional health.
7. Improving Sensory Sensitivity
Because of their heightened sensory awareness, HSPs may experience discomfort in environments that others find manageable. Hypnotherapy assists them in becoming less reactive to sensory input like loud sounds or bright lights—making these experiences easier to endure. Additionally, it helps create a mental sanctuary where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed by external stimuli.
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy offers a comprehensive approach for HSPs to address the unique challenges associated with heightened sensitivity. By fostering deep relaxation, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting healthier coping mechanisms, this therapeutic practice empowers HSPs to thrive in an often-overwhelming world. Ultimately, hypnotherapy enables them to embrace their sensitivity as a strength—enhancing both their emotional well-being and resilience.
Success Stories
I was always shy and lacked confidence. On top of that I was easily triggered by the smallest comment. Mary helped me undertsnad myself and my behaviours. Plus I had bad anxiety.