• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Highly Sensitive Weekly
  • HSP Books
  • HSP Courses
  • HSP Quizzes
  • Write for Us
  • Sponsor
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Latest Articles

    Building an HSP Growth Mindset

    As a psychologist specializing in helping people with the Highly Sensitive Person trait (HSP), I’ve observed that HSPs are prone to pushing themselves to do more, do it better, and make a positive impact on their own lives and the world around them. I love this quality of HSPs. This push towards growth is a sign of health, creativity, and being well-adjusted. But it can come with a dark side if we do not manage our HSP tendencies to overthink and to feel too deeply. We need an HSP growth mindset to balance our drive to grow and our need to do it sustainably.... Read More

    9 Best Sleep Practices for the Highly Sensitive Teen

    Highly Sensitive Teenagers often have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. Between all of the physical changes, brain growth, academic challenges, and social-emotional pressures of adolescence, these special kids are dealing with a lot on top of being highly sensitive. In this article, we'll look at best sleep practices for the highly sensitive teen.... Read More

    14 Self-Care Ideas for the Highly Sensitive Person

    Self-care ideas for the Highly Sensitive Person is an incredibly important topic, one that needs revisiting on a regular basis. Also known as the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Trait, being highly sensitive doesn't mean that you have a disorder or medical diagnosis, it means that you have more mirror neurons in your brain which cause you to pick up on more stimuli in your environment. ... Read More

    Speaking and Leadership Skills for the HSP [Essential Guide]

    The past three years have taught us so much about leadership, self-care, how valuable everyone's story is. As we emerge from lockdown to a well-rounded life, many Highly Sensitive Leaders have found that they need to speak up and step out of their comfort zones in myriad ways. Speaking and leadership skills for the HSP are no longer optional, they are integral.... Read More

    Woman resting on man's lap looking up

    6 Ways to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People

    The Highly Sensitive Person has a finely attuned nervous system, which means they can get easily overwhelmed or overstimulated by their environment. The trait of sensitivity comes with many gifts; however, highly sensitive people often feel the need to ‘hide’ their sensitivity - being told that it is a weakness or they need to ‘toughen up’. Many HSPs can struggle with low self-esteem or a sense that there’s something wrong with them, often pushing aspects of their sensitivity into the shadow. The more a person understands themself as an HSP, the more they can hold space for themselves as well as hold space for highly sensitive people in their lives.... Read More

    Connect

    Our Sponsors

    Search

HSPJourney

HSPJourney

Your journey as a highly sensitive.

  • HSP Books
  • HSP Courses
  • HSP Quizzes
  • HSP Journey

6 Ways to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People

December 19, 2022 · In: HSP Relationships Jules De Vitto

Table of Contents

  • What does ‘holding space’ for someone mean?
    • Here are the six ways to make sure to hold space for highly sensitive people:
  • #1 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Offer Unconditional Acceptance
  • #2 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Space to Process and Integrate
  • #3 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Take Time to Educate Yourself
  • #4 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Validation for their Experiences
  • #5 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Extend Empowerment and Empathy
  • #6 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Time and Space for Communication
  • What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
  • Be sensitive, be free

The Highly Sensitive Person has a finely attuned nervous system, which means they can get easily overwhelmed or overstimulated by their environment. The trait of sensitivity comes with many gifts; however, highly sensitive people often feel the need to ‘hide’ their sensitivity – being told that it is a weakness or they need to ‘toughen up’. Many HSPs can struggle with low self-esteem or a sense that there’s something wrong with them, often pushing aspects of their sensitivity into the shadow. The more a person understands themself as an HSP, the more they can hold space for themselves as well as hold space for highly sensitive people in their lives.

What does ‘holding space’ for someone mean?

One of the most beneficial things we can do for highly sensitive people is to find a way to allow all parts of their temperament to be heard, seen, and acknowledged. If you’re in a relationship with an HSP or a friend or family member is struggling with their sensitivity, here are six ways you can hold space for them. 

Holding space means to be present with their lived experience with unconditional acceptance; that is, not judging, criticizing, or trying to ‘fix’ them or their experience in any way. 

When we can do this for a Highly Sensitive Person, we enable them to embrace their innate trait and step into their authentic power. You will find holding space for HSP enables them to express their vulnerabilities and ultimately will improve your ability to relate and communicate with each other. 

Although there are subtle nuances, these principles apply both in a personal and professional context and are the ways in which I hold space for clients in my work as a Highly Sensitive Person Coach. 

6 Ways to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People
Here are the six ways to make sure to hold space for highly sensitive people:

#1 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Offer Unconditional Acceptance

Even if it feels difficult to understand the experience of an HSP in your life, there’s so much value in accepting their lived experience and approaching what they’re saying with an open mind. Offer them unconditional, positive regard and listen to their lived experience with compassion and empathy. 

#2 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Space to Process and Integrate

Time for integration is so important because HSP process the world around them on such a profound level, they often have deep insights and they need time to integrate these experiences. We can also remind HSP to create space in their day-to-day life for processing, and this can be encouraged through journaling, a creative exercise, being out in nature, or drawing.

3 Valuable Workbooks for the Highly Sensitive Person

#3 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Take Time to Educate Yourself

We need to be fully educated on what high sensitivity is because there are so many myths and misconceptions which has led to many HSP feeling misunderstood. Research into the biological basis of the trait is continuing to grow, and simply by acknowledging rather than disregarding the trait, we are helping sensitive people to feel more empowered.

#4 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Validation for their Experiences

HSPs are tired of hearing phrases like, ‘you’re over- reacting’ or, ‘just get over it’ and ‘be strong’ – instead, the key is learning to hear, see and validate HSP as they truly are. We’re not trying to ‘fix’ the person or offer them advice. Sometimes advice can be helpful when it’s needed or asked for. However, it’s important to remember that usually, an HSP doesn’t want to find out how to be different but how to be embraced for who they really are.

6 Ways to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People

#5 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Extend Empowerment and Empathy

We can empower HSPs in our lives by offering them empathy, understanding, and reassurance. If an HSP is having a challenging day or struggling with overwhelm, simply acknowledging that it must be difficult right now can make a world of difference. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy, and this isn’t about feeling ‘sorry’ for the person, and it’s also not about that person being a victim. It’s simply enabling the person to feel heard, and this recognition can empower the person to attend to their needs rather than trying to push their needs to the side.

#6 Way to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People – Provide Time and Space for Communication

Communicating with a Highly Sensitive Person and enabling them time to communicate their feelings and needs is so important. HSP tend to think before speaking, and may need some time to process what they need to say before they share. Putting pressure on an HSP to speak before they are ready isn’t helpful! Give the person the space and time, but encourage them to express their voice so they can be heard. HSP usually have a lot to say when they are offered a safe environment in which to express themselves.

If you’re in a relationship or have a friend or family member who is highly sensitive, consider how you can start to implement or practice these principles when you’re spending time with the other person. If you’re a professional who works with HSP it can be helpful to ask yourself in what ways you are currently applying these principles. I have experienced that holding space using these six principles can make a huge impact and enable HSP to embrace the parts of themselves that, unfortunately, were often shamed into the shadow or exiled because of childhood experiences. It is never too late to allow these aspects to be brought out of the shadow and for HSP to learn to embrace their authentic gifts.

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) – the official name for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) – is an innate trait associated with greater sensitivity (or responsivity) to environmental and social stimuli. It is estimated that around 20% of the population is highly sensitive, and it is also found in over 100 other species, such as dogs, fish, and birds. The trait includes having more significant brain responses associated with awareness, self-other processing, and empathy. HSP also have high levels of self-awareness and an enhanced perception of the world, often seeing what is beyond the mind’s eye. Research has shown that those who are highly sensitive are deep thinkers, interested in spiritual ideas, and are also highly likely to engage in meaningful work. 

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email Share via Email

Would you like to find a highly sensitive therapist who can help you with your specific HSP Journey? We recommend BetterHelp for therapy with real benefits for Highly Sensitive People. It’s private, affordable, and takes place online. As an HSPJourney.com reader, you get 10% off your first month. Click here to learn more.

Be sensitive, be free

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

About Jules De Vitto

Jules has a BSc in Psychology, MA in Education, and MSc in Transpersonal Psychology, Consciousness, and Spirituality. She is an accredited and certified Transpersonal Coach, Authentic-Self-Empowerment Facilitator, as well as an experienced trainer, educator, and author of Resilience: Navigating Loss in a time of Crisis. She works as a Transpersonal Coach Tutor as part of the 1-year certificate in Transpersonal Coaching Psychology with Alef Trust and is accredited as a Coach Trainer by the International Association for Coaches, Therapists, and Mentors. She is the founder of the Highly Sensitive Human Academy— an online community that offers courses, coaching, and resources for Highly Sensitive People. She also trains professionals how to coach Highly Sensitive People through a certified 3-month online training program and offers practitioner training for those who want to work with Highly Sensitive Children.
 

you’ll also love

Speaking and Leadership Skills for the HSP [Essential Guide]
Man diving off cliff into ocean.Start Speaking the Language of the High Sensation Seeking, High Sensory Person
finding your freedom as a highly sensitive personFinding Your Freedom as a Highly Sensitive Person

Join the HSP Journey

Download our FREE gratitude journal when you sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

3 Gifts and 2 Challenges of Highly Sensitive Parents

Primary Sidebar

Meet Lauren

Meet Lauren
hello!

I'm Lauren, and I've been on a journey to better understand my trait as a Highly Sensitive Person. As the Editor-in-Chief of HSPJourney.com, I'd love to hear your story! This is a safe place for you.

Read More

Our Sponsors

Connect

Recent Posts

  • Building an HSP Growth Mindset
  • 9 Best Sleep Practices for the Highly Sensitive Teen
  • 14 Self-Care Ideas for the Highly Sensitive Person
  • Speaking and Leadership Skills for the HSP [Essential Guide]

Join the HSP Journey

Download our FREE gratitude journal when you sign up for our weekly newsletter!

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Footer

About HSP Journey

  • Contact Us
  • Highly Sensitive Weekly
  • Instagram
  • Meet the Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sponsor
  • Write for Us

Categories

  • HSP Books
  • HSP Courses
  • HSP Journey
  • HSP Kids
  • HSP Quizzes
  • HSP Relationships
  • HSP Self-Care

Recent Posts

  • Building an HSP Growth Mindset
  • 9 Best Sleep Practices for the Highly Sensitive Teen
  • 14 Self-Care Ideas for the Highly Sensitive Person
  • Speaking and Leadership Skills for the HSP [Essential Guide]
  • 6 Ways to Hold Space for Highly Sensitive People

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by 17th Avenue