Hightened Sensitivity and Giftedness

Highly sensitive persons (HSP) experience sensations and perceptions more intensely and more detailed than others, and also process them more deeply and more emotionally. Therefore, they often need more time and repose, and are more easily overstimulated or overwhelmed. A strong intuition, empathy, vivid memories and dreams as well as a strong sense of justice are further typical characteristics. I see heightened sensibility as a special talent, that does not get adequate appreciation within our modern society. My aim is to support people in seeing their particularity as a strength and to find suitable surroundings and life situations for themselves.

To gifted people, a lot of things come easier than to others. At the same time, they face special challanges in many areas of life. A gifted child is not simply a child with special talents or cognitive abilities which can be fostered. Its intellectual potential affects all areas of life, their perception, experience and reflection, such that it is inextricably linked to the child’s personality. The complexity of their thinking, their love of perfection and their readiness to continuously question things in order to find a better solution or more comprehensive answer may lead to unfulfillable expectations towards themselves and others and to disappointments. Their high level of self-reflection sometimes makes gifted people more vulnerable to self-criticism and self-doubt. Due to their precise social perception they not rarely tend to downplay or even deny their abilities, in order to not embarrass others. At the same time, their direct nature as well as their willingness to accept a personal disadvantage if it serves a higher value or goal may lead them into trouble with authorities. Multiply gifted people often have difficulties finding their professional way, which may be unconventional or focusing on various activities and projects at the same time.  

I have many years of professional and personal experience with gifted and highly sensitive persons, and offer counselling regarding the academic and professional context as well as social and emotional issues for people of all ages. In my experience, due to their excellent personal and social perception and ability to reflect, gifted children are able to quickly realize new ideas and suggestions.

More informationen regarding giftedness you can find here.