What is an empath?

Empaths process more energetic information at a time more deeply than the average person. Energetic information is more subtle than sensory information - like emotions and the energy in spaces, places, and people. There are different types of empaths based on what information they are more attuned to, ie. animal empaths, environmental empaths, emotional empaths, and physical empaths (those who feel and sense others’ physical sensations).

Examples: sensing another’s feelings deeply without them being verbalized, perceiving the history of certain spaces, overwhelm with current world suffering

Most people who identify as an HSP also identify as an empath.

Heightened sensitivity is like holding an orange when you have twenty fingers and not ten. The orange is still an orange, it’s just experienced differently since your level of input is increased. Because of this unique way of perceiving the world, many of my clients excel in the arts, writing, are adept healers, and/or identify with being neurodivergent.

Sensitivity is a spectrum we all exist on, not an exact science. We each have different levels of awareness to information in our world. Some people are simply more perceptive to certain octaves of information.

With the ability to absorb more information at a time, these porous individuals must be mindful to pay attention and respond to their own energy and needs. Ongoing exposure to overstimulating amounts of input from the environment and within themselves can lead to overwhelm and burnout.

Sensitivity is not a weakness, but a highly attuned skill. In ancient cultures, they are the sages, healers, and transmuters of pain in their community. With awareness and compassionate support, HSP’s and empaths alike thrive and lead deep, meaningful lives.