Helping Exceptionally Sensitive Patients See Their Sensitivity as a Gift

Abstract

A small proportion of people are exceptionally sensitive to slights from others, and they might then heap shame upon themselves and even consider suicide. Often, however, these patients might also have a "gift" that their sensitivity to feelings concurrently provides them. They might be especially able to accurately infer the more subtle, underlying feelings of others and with this capacity connect with them in ways that most other persons cannot. However, these individuals might have no idea that their sensitivity is the strength that it is. They might regard their sensitivity as only a liability. Viewing this trait as an asset can change how they see themselves and, therefore, their quality of life. This article will address how therapists can reduce these patients' sense of liability and enhance their ability to make maximal use of their sensitivity.

Keywords: Sensitivity; expectations; resilience; shame; therapy.