blog
Beachside Counseling is now Therapy for Highly Sensitive People
Therapy for Highly Sensitive People is a therapy space that helps HSPs cope with common life challenges. HSPs have a hard time finding a therapist who understands high sensitivity - working with a therapist who doesn't get it can exacerbate the shame and brokenness HSPs already tend to feel. We're here to help HSPs embrace the gifts of their sensitivities and learn to love their tender souls.
Hygge: An HSP's Secret to Surviving the Colder Months
The changing of the seasons usually means fewer outdoor activities, less socializing, and more time spent cooped up at home by yourself, with your partner, or with your family. If you're a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the increased time at home might be both good and bad. A lot of HSPs are introverts and this season offers a natural time of rest and rejuvenation. And, as an HSP you're also likely highly sensitive to your environment.
Podcast: How the Enneagram Can Help Artists Unblock
I was honored to be a guest on Beyond Artist's Block, a podcast created by Rachel Moore, LMFT that explores the intersections between art, creativity, and mental health.
In the show, Rachel and I talk in depth about my favorite personality tool, the Enneagram, and how it relates to creativity. We explore some of the different Enneagram types, how your Enneagram type might influence your inner critic, and my thoughts on the 3-way connection between Enneagram types, vulnerability, and creativity.
12 Ways to Honor Someone You Lost
People say that grief is a journey, but that's not quite right. Journey implies an end, that we will reach a final destination where we will no longer feel grief. Anyone who has lost someone they love knows that's not how grief works. It's true that the intensity of grief diminishes over time and we learn (willingly or not) how to incorporate the loss of our person into our lives as we heal... but that's not the same thing as reaching the end of grief.
What Does It Mean To Be A Highly Sensitive Person?
A highly sensitive person or HSP is an individual who feels overwhelmed or experiences heightened responses to stimuli. This is often a heightened emotional reaction to everyday situations and events. What does that really mean? Many HSPs go through life feeling overwhelmed or like there’s something wrong with them. They think that responding differently means that people just don’t understand them. It can feel very lonely and isolating, and many HSPs try to disguise or repress their responses in order to fit in.
Grief May Look Different if You’re a Highly Sensitive Person
Grief is not something anyone enjoys. It is a difficult, painful process. Whether you are experiencing bereavement, the specific kind of grief related to the loss of a loved one who has passed away, or grief following another type of loss, allowing yourself to mourn and come to terms with the loss is essential. This can be especially true for someone who is considered a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs are people who feel things more deeply, experience a stronger connection with their emotions, or need more time to process feelings. When HSPs are working through grief and loss, they may have a different experience compared with people who are not highly sensitive. In this blog, we’ll talk a bit about how grief can impact HSPs differently and what they should keep in mind when navigating the grief process.
5 Reasons Therapists Need Their Own Therapy
As therapists, we frequently find ourselves advising friends, loved ones, and potential clients that going to therapy is a good thing. We tell them that when they are struggling, it’s okay to seek support. We fight against the stigma related to therapy and stand up for the value of the care we provide to our clients. However, we don’t always do a great job of remembering the necessity and value of therapy when we're struggling ourselves. In this blog, we’ll take some time to remind you, fellow therapist, why it’s so important to remember to take our own advice and touch base with a therapist regularly.
5 Things to Help You Get Through a Heartbreak
As an HSP, I know what it means to have intense emotions and feel feelings very deeply. I know what it’s like to have big, painful, scary, gut-wrenching emotions caused by heartache, and I also know that it’s a journey you can get through. This blog is intended to offer you tips to help you navigate the turbulent times post-breakup and tools to support yourself as you go through this heartache. It won’t take the ache away but will lessen the pain and help you not drown in the sorrow.
4 Life Changes That Are Harder Than You Anticipate
Highly Sensitive People can struggle with change. And, life is all about change. We are constantly changing our minds, changing our perspectives, and changing our appearance. Some changes go unexpectedly smoothly. Things just feel like they fall into place with ease. Other times, you’ve planned for the change. You’re even looking forward to it, but it feels like everything is going wrong. This can happen with any transition, but in this blog, I’m going to take a look at four transitions that are often harder than we anticipate.
Grieving During the Holidays
Highly Sensitive People often struggle deeply with grief… it can be even harder during the holidays. During this joyful season, it may seem like everywhere you look people are happy and having a great time with their loved ones. If you’re grieving, this may leave you feeling isolated and all alone in your feelings. Even when the world seems to be telling you this season is a time of happiness and joy, it's important to honor the emotions you’re experiencing and show yourself some grace.
3 Ways that Emotions Are Like a Wave
HSPs feel their feelings… deeply. It’s common to feel overpowered by a wave of emotions. Metaphors, similes, and figurative language are all an essential part of how we as humans literally come to terms with big ideas and emotions. One of the most often used (cliché) similes about feelings is that emotions are like waves. You experience a wave of emotions. You’re overcome by a wave of emotions.
How to Tell If Your Therapist Is a Good Fit For You
I’ve heard from so many HSPs that they had a very difficult time finding a therapist who understood their high sensitivity. Therapists have different styles, and to achieve your therapy goals, you have to find a therapist who has a style that works for you and your sensitivity.
How to Know When You Need Therapy
Deciding to work with a therapist is a big step. People who are considering counseling can spend weeks, months, or even years vacillating back and forth before making the call to schedule a therapy session. If you’re on the fence or want to schedule a therapy session but keep talking yourself out of it, this blog may be able to help you find a reason to take the next step.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is evidence-based treatment to help people who are struggling with mood, cognitive, and behavioral disorders. I’m Christine Tomasello, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and in this blog, I’m going to talk through what therapy is and what it isn’t.