The Highly Sensitive Person and Sensory Processing Dis-Order
Description
For highly sensitive people (HSPs), the intensity of the world often feels magnified. Their heightened sensitivity makes them highly empathetic and deeply attuned to others' emotions. This allows them to form meaningful, compassionate connections. However, it can also lead to overwhelm. Everyday stimuli—like sounds, touch, smells, textures, and colors—can be particularly dysregulating for HSPs.
This is why understanding where we fall on the sensitivity spectrum is crucial. By recognizing how we process sensory input, we can learn to regulate our experiences and harness our gifts, rather than suppressing them for the sake of coping.
In today’s episode, hosts Elisabeth and Jennifer discuss the subjectivity of sensory experiences—how they're shaped, how they influence our overall health, and why two people can experience the same environment very differently. They also introduce NSI tools, which help manage overwhelm when sensory input becomes too intense. Finally, Elisabeth and Jennifer explore the behaviors that arise from sensory mismatches, and how high sensitivity influences these responses.
While high sensitivity may feel both like a gift and a curse, at Trauma Rewired, we believe it can be transformed into a powerful asset. With NSI tools, anyone can expand their capacity for life and share their unique gifts with the world—free from shame or discomfort.
Tune in to learn more about how you can harness your sensitivity and live more fully.
Topics discussed in this episode:
-
How our sensory experience impacts our overall health
-
What is sensory processing disorder?
-
Different ways we try and regulate sensory inputs
-
What is a highly sensitive person?
-
Is it possible to change your sensitivity level?
-
How sensory information is processed in the brain
-
Why it’s important to train the interoceptive system for accuracy and awareness
-
Sensitivity is an evolutionarily selective trait and an adaptation to trauma
-
What are behavioral activation and inhibition systems?
-
Our subjective sensory experiences
-
How to work with our nervous systems to harness our sensitivity
Contact us about private Rewire Neuro-Somatic Coaching: https://brainbased-wellness.com/rewire-private-neuro-somatic-coaching/
Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the fall cohort now! https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com
Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com
Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired
Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846
FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired
This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com
Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.
We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone’s life is in danger, immediately call 911.
We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don’t warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It’s very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren’t responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.
We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don’t verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization.
We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.
We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional.
The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.
Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.
We’ve done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com
All rights in our content are reserved