About Me
My name is Lauren, and I'm a coach and former therapist with a passion for working with highly sensitive people.
Growing up, I felt like a weird kid. I often felt like I didn’t fit in, I felt like my feelings were too big, I felt like I was too quiet, I had extreme reactions to certain sensory input. And up until several years ago, I had no idea why.
That’s when I discovered that I’m a highly sensitive person, also known as an HSP. HSPs often feel as though they don't fit in with others, may have sensory issues with things such as bright lights or certain fabrics, and can be very caring and empathetic-- sometimes at their own expense.
I started googling and researching everything I could find about the trait of high sensitivity, joined Facebook groups for support, and shared the information with my family. I finally felt validated, and I no longer felt alone.
Throughout my experience as a therapist, as well as through my own personal growth-- I have done a lot of work personally when it comes to acknowledging my needs, setting boundaries, and feeling okay about putting my needs first so I can be the best version of myself-- I’ve realized that HSPs are the people I’m most passionate about working with. I’m excited about my coaching programs and getting to work with people who are ready to set boundaries and really start to care for themselves.
I live in New Hampshire with my husband, our daughter, our two cats, and many chickens. I love theatre and dance (both performing and spectating), making crafts, and making music.
You might be a Highly Sensitive Person if...
- You are easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or coarse fabrics
- When you've been busy, you tend to find yourself needing to withdraw to a quiet, private place
- You get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short period of time
- You try hard not to make mistakes and to please others
- You have difficulty adjusting to change
- You process things deeply
- Others see you as sensitive or shy
So what is "high sensitivity?"
- It is a personality trait affecting about 15-20% of the population, and is also found in animals.
- It is also known as “sensory processing sensitivity," which is not the same as sensory processing disorder, which is a neurological disorder.
- There are four basic characteristics (“DOES”): Depth of processing, Overstimulation, Emotional responsiveness and empathy, Sensitivity to subtleties.
- High sensitivity is not the same as introversion—many HSPs are introverts (about 70%), and about 30% are extroverts.
- High sensitivity appears equally in men and women.
