As a highly sensitive person myself, I know what it’s like to feel overstimulated in a too-loud, too-busy, fast world. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by everything. 

Throughout my youth, I was a frequent fainter. I literally lost consciousness more than a dozen times between childhood to young adulthood. These fainting spells would typically happen when my empathy was engaged due to hearing a story about something difficult someone else had experienced. I would have a strong visceral empathic response that went beyond normal listening – hearing a story was like experiencing it myself. I would suddenly find myself overwhelmed by feeling, and then my ears would start to buzz and my hands would tingle, and I’d pass out. After seeing many doctors, they all confirmed there was nothing medically wrong. They couldn’t find a reason for the fainting. As a young adult, I learned to notice the sensation of a faint coming on, and I’d be able to stay conscious. But in lieu of fainting, I suffered terrifying panic attacks. 

After many years of my own therapy and exploration, I’ve come to realize that my fainting spells and panic attacks were fight-flight-freeze responses expressing within a super sensitive nervous system. I didn’t have the understanding and tools that I do now. I didn’t know anything about being a Highly Sensitive Person. Now I know that our nervous systems need extra care and attention – and I’ve learned practical strategies to support nervous system regulation. I’ve also come to realize that my empathy is a gift that I can share with others, but it comes with the need for healthy boundaries.

Our bodies hold wisdom – they give us signals when something’s off, and we can work with our bodies to support us in the healing process. I’ve learned first-hand how to support a sensitive nervous system, how to work with anxiety and panic, and how to be an empathetic person in this often overwhelming world.

I now make it my life’s work to listen to other people’s stories – often difficult ones – and I can engage my empathy in a way that supports connection and healing. I’ve had to learn through my own experiences, as we all do.

I understand something about the journey you’re on because I’ve been through my own. And if I can help make your path a little smoother, I’m genuinely glad to be of use.