Have you ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” or wondered why certain things affect you more deeply than others? You’re not alone. Research suggests that around 15–20 percent of people have a more responsive nervous system. Psychologist Dr Elaine Aron describes this as a heightened sensitivity to subtleties which is a natural, healthy trait, not a disorder or condition.
People with this temperament often process experiences more deeply, notice small changes in their environment, and feel emotions intensely. While this depth of awareness brings many strengths, it can also increase the risk of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm if life feels too busy or demanding.
The Strengths and Challenges of a Sensitive Nervous System
- Having a sensitive nervous system means you:
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Notice subtle facial expressions, tones of voice, or shifts in mood.
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Feel easily affected by bright lights, noise, or conflict.
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Have a rich inner world and strong empathy for others.
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Feel deeply moved by music, nature, or beauty.
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Often need quiet time to recharge after social or emotional experiences.
These qualities make you compassionate, intuitive, and thoughtful, yet they can also lead to exhaustion or self-doubt when the world feels “too much.”
Why Sensitivity Isn’t a Weakness
It’s easy to see why many sensitive people grow up believing something is wrong with them. Being told you’re “too emotional” or that you “take things too personally” can leave lasting impressions. But sensitivity is not a flaw, but rather it’s a sign of emotional awareness and depth of processing.
When understood and supported, this way of experiencing life becomes an incredible asset. It can enhance creativity, connection, and insight, especially when you have the right tools to stay balanced.
How Counselling or Therapy Can Help
In my work as a Holistic Counsellor, I support people who experience stress, anxiety, or the lingering effects of past experiences, to feel grounded, resilient, and at ease within themselves. For many of my clients with sensitive nervous systems, learning to regulate their emotions and build resilience changes everything.
Using evidence-based approaches such as Clinical EFT and HeartMath® tools, we work together to ease overwhelm, reduce emotional reactivity, and restore a sense of inner calm. Clients often describe feeling lighter, stronger, and more at ease in their own skin
Reclaiming the gifts of Sensitivity
When you understand and care for your sensitive nature, you no longer feel controlled by it. You can:
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Recover from stress more quickly.
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Create healthy emotional boundaries.
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Feel confident expressing your needs.
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Appreciate your sensitivity as a source of empathy, creativity, and intuition.
Ready to feel more grounded and empowered?
If you can relate to this, you don’t have to manage it on your own.
You’re welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call to see whether counselling or therapy could support you, or schedule a full session directly.
Curious about Dr Elaine Aron’s work? You can take her Sensitivity Quiz here.
Originally published March 2020. Updated November 2025 to reflect current understanding of emotional sensitivity and resilience.
