Blog | The Inner Life of the Highly Sensitive Person
The Strengths of Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” it might have felt like criticism. But sensitivity is not a flaw—it’s a trait, and it comes with powerful gifts. In fact, being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) means your nervous system is wired to notice, feel, and process the world more deeply than most people.
10 Signs You Might Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Have you ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “overthinking everything,” or that you “just need to toughen up”? If so, you may actually be part of the 20% of the population who are Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
From Confusion to Clarity: What Healing From Gaslighting Really Looks Like
Wondering what life looks like after gaslighting? See the before-and-after of healing and how therapy helps you move from confusion to clarity.
The Hidden Costs of Not Healing From Gaslighting
Gaslighting doesn’t just confuse you in the moment—it has ripple effects that reach every part of your life. Many women stay stuck, thinking it will fade on its own. The truth is: the longer it goes unhealed, the higher the cost.
Why Gaslighting Leaves You Doubting Yourself (And How to Rebuild Self-Trust)
Gaslighting works by making you question your reality. It erodes trust in your memory, your instincts, and your sense of self. The result? You begin to think “Maybe it really is me. Maybe I am too sensitive.”
10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing Gaslighting
Gaslighting is one of the most confusing—and damaging—forms of emotional abuse. It’s designed to make you question your memory, your feelings, and even your sanity. The truth is: if you’ve been made to believe you’re “too sensitive,” “imagining things,” or “overreacting,” you may be experiencing gaslighting.
Why Highly Sensitive People Get Stuck in Narcissistic Relationships
Why HSPs Get Pulled In
You didn’t end up in this dynamic because you're naïve.
You ended up here because you care.
HSPs often have a high capacity for empathy, emotional labor, and second chances. We want people to feel seen and safe—and we tend to question ourselves before we question someone else.
This makes us so good at navigating complexity… but it also makes us vulnerable to those who feed off that emotional flexibility without offering it back.
Especially when you’ve been taught to be accommodating, avoid conflict, or keep the peace no matter what.
Christina Sheehan, MS, LPC
As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) myself (she/her pronouns), I know the struggle it can be to accept yourself and your unique abilities and needs. My dream is a world where all HSPs can feel their value and have the freedom to share their gifts in the world. Now, maybe more then ever, highly sensitive people and empaths are very needed to help care for this world. Through my private practice in Portland, Oregon I currently contribute by working with highly sensitive individuals on the issues that affect HSPs more deeply then others. This includes, covert narcissistic relationships, midlife transitions/crisis!, and learning about & accepting yourself.