Often the topic of sensitivity comes up in therapy. Whether it be a client discussing how someone used their sensitivity against them in a hurtful way or an overall questioning of why they do or don’t feel things deeply. While it seems more common for more sensitive individuals to question their perceptions, the latter does occur too. Think about observing others around you experiencing big feelings and maybe you’re more neutral and don’t experience things intensely.
Sensitivity is a spectrum and how sensitive a person is can be attributed to both genetics and life experiences. Research shows that about 30% of people are considered to be highly sensitive, 40% medium, and 30% are low. Sensitivity is made up of 2 components: how you perceive sensory input from your environment and how you cognitively process the perceived information. Greater sensitivity means you’re more likely to reflect and think deeply about experiences.
Higher levels of sensitivity are associated with feelings of overwhelm, overstimulation, stress, and a difficult time with criticism. So yes, sensitivity may come with some challenges but there are many advantages of being highly sensitive. Such as, sensitive people often have a better understanding of relationships and other people’s feelings. They also tend to be more creative and pay attention to detail. When nurtured, sensitivity can be a strength. If you’re interested in learning more about your sensitivity try the quiz below. It’s also a wonderful topic to explore in therapy.
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