Navigating life as a highly sensitive person, or what some might call an empath, can be an extraordinary journey filled with both challenges and gifts. For years, I grappled with the overwhelming sensations and emotions that seemed to flood my senses. It wasn't until I delved into the world of psychotherapy that I discovered a new paradigm that resonated with my unique wiring.
In the realm of Sensory Processing Differences (SPD), I found solace in understanding that my heightened sensitivity wasn't a disorder but rather a manifestation of a distinct nervous system wiring. The term "empath" took on a new meaning beyond the mystical, as I realized it reflected the intricate way my nervous system interacted with the world.
Traditional therapists, who may not share the empathic experience, might struggle to grasp the depth of feeling others' emotions or the challenge of navigating a world inundated with stimuli. The heightened emotional climate that sensitive individuals experience requires a therapist who not only understands but also resonates with these nuances. Choosing a therapist who embodies intuition, compassion, and a holistic perspective can significantly enhance the healing journey for those with Sensory Processing Differences.
The Gifted Empath: A Evolutionary Leap
Empaths and those with SPD often possess remarkable abilities that set them apart. Their heightened senses extend beyond the emotional realm to include subtle perceptions of sound, light, and energy vibrations. As we witness a rise in the number of individuals born with SPD, some see it as a sign of human evolution toward a superior state. The capacity to process larger amounts of sensory data might indeed be an evolutionary leap for our species.
Checklist: Are you an Empathic SPD Human?
Hyper-sensitive to touch: touch may be uncomfortable or ticklish: May avoid tactile stimulation Hypo-sensitive to touch: May crave touch or seek out strong sensory input Difficulty Self-Soothing: Has trouble calming oneself: Requires lots of outside help to process life’s challenges, irritability, emotional roller coaster Sensory-avoidant behaviors: Afraid of heights, loses balance easily, avoids fast movements, may avoid hugs or eye contact Sensory-seeking behaviors: Craves fast movement, spinning, thrill-seeking, chewing on pens/fingernails, needs physical touch and emotional contact Sensitive to negativity: Negative talk, scary stories, violence or cruelty on TV, news, etc… Social Avoidance: Overwhelmed by sensory input in crowds, likes to spend a lot of time alone Hyper-sensitive to noise: Distracted by noise that others don’t notice, fearful of noise, shock at loud sounds Hypo-sensitive to noise: Doesn't respond when name is called, seeks loud music or TV, makes noise for fun Hyper-sensitive to smell: Offended by body smells, bathroom smells, cooking smells, can smell odors others cannot Hyper-sensitive to sights: Sensitive to bright light, feels calmer in dimly lit rooms, may feel uncomfortable in crowds or avoid eye contact Allergies: Sensitivities to food, environment, medications Immune Disorders: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus, etc… Extra-sensory perception: of any kind Mystical experiences: of any kind Inner Conflict: Deep sense of wanting a peaceful world but personally experiences internal turmoil – the two don’t seem to match and it may feel confusingIf you have a handful of these traits, you are probably an Empathic SPD Human.
Meet Paige Bartholomew Newberry
Paige Bartholomew Newberry, a master-level psychotherapist, specializes in trauma, relationship dynamics, and the unique challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals. As an empath, Paige has dedicated her life to studying mystical texts, shamanic healing, and spiritual well-being. Using a blend of hypnosis and diverse psychological modalities, Paige gently guides her clients into the subconscious, unraveling the secrets of the body, heart, and soul.
Connect with Paige
For a complimentary half-hour phone consultation, reach out to Paige at [email protected]. Paige accepts Texas insurance and offers sliding scales for her sessions, which are 20 minutes longer than typical therapy sessions. Encouraging continuous contact between sessions via text messaging, Paige stands as a leader and maverick in the field of psychology for empaths, guiding individuals toward a more peaceful existence in their bodies on planet Earth.
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