By Inahlai Powers
I am a psychotherapist and I am also an Empath and a Highly Sensitive Person. Some statistics report that up to 20% of the world’s population possess these traits. Although we are slowly becoming more knowledgeable about these unique traits, many people are unaware that what they are experiencing can be identified, and larger society continues to invalidate the legitimacy of these experiences. But those of us who live with them know that we experience life very differently than other people. If you are an Empath, you might have heard things like, “you are too sensitive” and “stop wearing your heart on your sleeve”. You may also find that you are highly intuitive, psychic, and very sensitive to the energy of other people, often sensing what they feel, including animals and plants. If you are a Highly Sensitive Person, you might find that you are particularly sensitive to loud noises, physical touch, some foods, medications, things in your environment, and deeply affected by violence and cruelty. Both traits are often accompanied by overwhelming anxiety, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, and feeling misunderstood.
As a result of my personal struggles with these traits and understanding the challenges of living with these traits, I have developed strategies to empower you. Most people can learn to manage these traits by coming to know and understand themselves, exercising self-compassion, and embracing them as “special” traits.