What is an Empath and/or Sensitive Soul?

Many people wonder if they might be an empath or highly sensitive soul (also known as a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP).  If you tend to feel deeply, absorb the emotions of others or be easily overwhelmed by your environment, you may relate to being an empath or sensitive soul. These traits often point to a sensitive nervous system which processes the world more intensely than most.

Traits of Empaths and Sensitive Souls

Empaths and sensitive people often notice their nervous system is more finely tuned.

Traits include:

• Feeling other people’s emotions as if they were your own
• Becoming easily overstimulated by noise, crowds, or conflict
• Strong intuition and awareness of subtle shifts in their environment
• Needing extra rest and downtime to reset their nervous system
• Deep compassion and empathy that create meaningful connections

Common Struggles Empaths Face

The following challenges, and others, can show up when the nervous system is constantly taking in so much:

• People pleasing and difficulty saying, "No"
• Boundary issues in relationships
• Feeling “different” or misunderstood
• Emotional exhaustion and burnout
• Anxiety, overwhelm, or nervous system dysregulation

​The Gifts of Being an Empath

A sensitive nervous system isn’t a weakness.  It’s a strength which fosters the following traits:
​ 

• Being deeply present and caring in relationships
• Sensing what others need without them saying it
• Bringing creativity and intuition into decision making
• Noticing details and patterns which others often miss

​Empath vs. Highly Sensitive Person:  What’s the Difference?

A simple distinction for two terms which often overlap:

Empath:  Those who not only notice but also feel and absorb the emotions and energy of others.   

Highly Sensitive Person (HSP):  A research-based trait describing people whose nervous systems are extra responsive to stimuli, emotionally and physically.

​Support for Empaths and Sensitive Souls

We can learn to work with our sensitivity, not against it.

​With the right support, it’s possible to:

• Calm and regulate our nervous system
• Set and hold boundaries with confidence
• Stop people pleasing and speak with our true voice
• Build relationships that feel safe, supportive, and nourishing

If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, you are not alone.  My work is dedicated to helping empaths and sensitive souls shift lifelong conditioning, regulate their nervous system, and feel confident in their relationships.

LEarn More