Therapy for the
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA & ONLINE

Your Sensitivity Can Be a Curse or a True Gift

Do you possess a heightened sensitivity to sensory, emotional, and social stimuli?

You may be a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP, as defined by Elaine Aron in her book the Highly Sensitive Person. You can take a quick self-test here.

HSPs are the artists, musicians, writers, healers, scientists, naturalists & deep thinkers of our society. They are more in touch with themselves and more engaged with reality.

Unfortunately, being sensitive also makes them more prone to being or overstimulated by sensory or emotional information, e.g. a loud room or discordant social dynamics. Overwhelming events can lead to sensitization or traumatization of the nervous system which creates patterns of fear, hyperarousal, hypervigilance, avoidance & low self esteem. As a result, many HSPs bemoan their sensitivity, and wish they were could change it.

Thankfully, with more support & better tools to regulate the nervous system, overwhelm reduces while the gift of sensitivity remains. HSPs can then become highly successful people, able to navigate the world, stand up for themselves & perform on the largest stages. When HSPs come into their full power the world becomes a richer and more vibrant place for all.

If you think you may be a highly sensitive person and are interested in what what therapy could do for you reach out for a free consultation.

Signs You May be a Highly Sensitive Person

Heightened Sensory Processing: HSPs are more sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells (even in infancy) and they notice things sooner than others.
Emotional Sensitivity: HSPs often experience emotions more intensely. As a result they are more sensitive to emotional undercurrents in social groups.
Empathy: HSPs tend to be highly empathetic, compassionate & attuned to the needs of others. They may excel in roles that involve caring for or supporting others.
Depth of Processing: HSPs engage in deeper cognitive processing, reflecting on situations more extensively & for longer. They often enjoy activities that allow for introspection and creative expression.
Overstimulation: HSPs are more susceptible to overstimulation by excessive noise, crowds, or chaos. They may need regular breaks or downtime to recharge.
Attention to Detail: HSPs often have a keen eye for detail & nuance & they often excel in professions that demand precision, such as research or creative endeavors.

Tools & Strategies for HSPs

Embodiment & mindfulness techniques
Reflection, journaling & self-awareness practices
Boundary setting & maintenance
Assertiveness training
Time-management, systems & calendaring
Breaking up tasks to be less overwhelming
Creating low-stimulation environments
Cultivating supportive & reciprocal relationships
Self-care, exercise & rest

Somatic Therapy Approach

I show you somatic practices that support nervous system regulation. These practices are essential for HSPs. They allow blocked energy to discharge, bringing you back to a state of restful alertness. As we reconnect your nervous system, you start to feel yourself again & your energy & motivation are restored. You develop a wider window of tolerance so that your nervous system can handle more information & energy & your sensitivity becomes less of a problem for you.

We identify unhelpful patterns in both your work & relationships that block your greater potential from emerging. We bring these blocks into awareness & unravel them by processing & unburdening the past events that live on in your nervous system. Often, we don’t need to dig deep into the past events themselves. What is important is the residue that still lives on in the present day.

We support you in developing exercise, sleep & nutrition habits that provide positive energy & help create a virtuous cycle of improvement in all areas.

Before long your sensitivity is no longer holding you back & you can give your full gift to the world.

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What Clients are Saying

David, Somatic Therapist, Kent

“Steven is a highly attuned listener, and processor. The way he holds 'space' is a splendid mix of wisdom, learning, guiding (to the outer edges of the comfort zone, and a little beyond) and support. He helps to shift my awareness and perspective in the most profound way.”
Declan, Software Engineer, London

“I've made actual progress rather than being stuck. Steven is also the only therapist I've had who's been able to talk about literature and art and all of the beautiful things that make up this world in a way that feels genuine. Our work has been very iterative and incremental. I got something in every session.”
Devon, Jewelry Designer, San Francisco

“Steven is very open and very kind. He's really perceptive and good at listening and honoring where a person is at or what they're feeling and what they might need in that moment. He makes people feel comfortable and safe and fosters a space that felt open and comfortable.”
Faisal, Incoming MD Candidate, DC

“Steven was instrumental to my growth and coming of age in college, and he has continued to follow-up with me ever since. This is not a business for Steven. This is his life's calling, and you can feel it. Our sessions have been transformative and lasting.“
Jacob, Scientist, Boston

“I found Steven engaging and curious. He's very unique and he's up to something I think good. I feel less isolated and more heart-open and connected. I can really see myself in others. I am more in tune now, not just with people but also with animals and trees.”
James, Creative Director, Grand Rapids

“I'm better equipped to handle circumstances and better see how things work. Techniques are sticking. If you look at my brain before we started the work and now, I think there are some new neural pathways, and others that are less entrenched. Our relationship has made a big difference in my life.”
Jorge, Psychology Student, Los Angeles

“I met Steven on a whim at one of the lowest points of my life and have since reached heights of peace, stability and self-advocacy I didn't think possible. Through Beyond, I’ve changed in resounding and permanent ways. I'm ever grateful and can't recommend the care I've received enough.”
Joshua Horsley, Podcaster, Reno

“Steven has made a huge impact in my life. I instantly connected with him and I look forward to our weekly sessions. Now, when I’m stuck or ruminating I often think “what would Steven say to me?” and it really helps me tackle problems on my own. Highly, highly, recommend Steven!”
Kim, London

“I find Steven a really calming and non-judgmental presence. He is very present for you when you're in a session, which I think is really important. I found it really useful and enriching to have more frameworks with which to understand myself and other people.”
Kirby, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Vancouver

“Steven is doing such significant and special work in the world that it is difficult to tame into words. He has the rare ability to walk with you down the darker trails of your psyche with warmth. He holds safe and generous space. Thank you, thank you, thank you Steven.”
Kris, Documentary Filmmaker, Los Angeles

“I’m a huge fan of Steven and the team at Beyond Psychology! I had a super illuminating and impactful experience. It helped unlock some personal insights and healing that had otherwise been hard to access. I would definitely recommend working with them, and personally hope to do so again in the future!”
Kuljit, Leadership Coach, DC

“I’ll be bold and say the modalities don’t matter as much as Steven’s presence. His calm and connected presence facilitated my awareness and processing. It amplified my sense of safety and served as a mirror to reflect to me what was emerging within me. This allowed me to be more embodied in my experiences, which was the next step in my healing journey.”
Kyle, Actor, Bay Area

“Steven is amazing, it’s been really easy for me to talk out my thoughts and have assistance whenever I’ve been in a rough patch or whenever I’ve just been unsure of what to do or what steps to take with a situation. Steven is very fun to talk to and very funny!”
Osiris, Yoga Therapist & Rapper, Los Angeles

“Thanks to Steven's skills and compassionate approach, I feel like I've made real progress in my healing journey. I'm so grateful to have found someone like him, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or other nervous system issues. Thank you, Steven, for all that you do!”
Paula, Ocean Scientist, Honolulu

“Thanks to Steven's skills and compassionate approach, I feel like I've made real progress in my healing journey. I'm so grateful to have found someone like him, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or other nervous system issues. Thank you, Steven, for all that you do!”
Raquel, Personal Assistant, Los Angeles

“I had such a sense of holding, safety and support that let me feel comfortable, seen and held.. My words for him are: safe, connecting, caring, and understanding. I feel grateful now and that I'm still growing and discovering different parts of me. I now have some real tools in case I hit potholes out in the world.”
Tom, Senior Product Manager, London

“Steven is really friendly and creates an open environment where it’s really easy to talk. I'm super grateful for all the work that I’ve done with him and can’t rate him highly enough. I definitely could not be where I am now without him. Thank you!”