
Gifted and Highly Sensitive
Giftedness is a lens in which you experience the world. Gifted people are pensive, justice oriented, highly sensitive, multi-potential and complex. Gifted people also tend to feel intensely—so intensely that they can get lost in their feelings, or delve so deep into particular sensations that it is hard to see something else, the larger picture. As a gifted teen or adult, you are both unique and interconnected with everything else in nature. Gifted individuals may struggle with existential dread and live primarily in their heads. Due to their heightened awareness, self examination and high sensitivity, they may experience anxiety, depression, perfectionism and also struggle with relationships as they may feel that the connections they have aren't quite deep enough, or they struggle with being truly open and vulnerable. Gifted people are searchers.
Gifted Traits
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Intellectual Curiosity:
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Displaying a strong desire to explore and understand the world around them.
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Asking probing questions and seeking in-depth information.
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Rapid Learning:
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Demonstrating the ability to grasp new concepts quickly.
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Often excelling in academic settings due to a rapid pace of learning.
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Highly Creative:
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Expressing creativity in various forms, such as art, writing, or problem-solving.
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Making unique connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
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Intense Focus:
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Displaying deep concentration and focus on areas of interest.
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Engaging in tasks for extended periods without losing interest.
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Critical Thinking:
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Possessing advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
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Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative perspectives.
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Emotional Sensitivity:
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Demonstrating heightened emotional awareness and empathy.
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May be more affected by social and environmental stimuli.
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Independence:
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Preferring to work independently and autonomously.
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Demonstrating self-motivation and a drive for self-directed learning.
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Perfectionism:
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Setting high standards for themselves and others.
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Striving for perfection in their work and achievements.
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Interest in Social Justice:
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Showing a strong sense of fairness and concern for societal issues.
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Advocating for justice and equality.
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Heightened Sensitivity to Injustice:
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Reacting strongly to perceived injustices.
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Being motivated to address and rectify social problems.
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Eccentricity:
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Expressing unconventional thoughts, ideas, or behaviors.
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May have interests or pursuits that deviate from the norm.
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Advanced Verbal Ability:
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Excelling in language-related tasks, such as reading, writing, or speaking.
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Possessing an extensive vocabulary.
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How I can help
I understand the vulnerability that gifted individuals may feel in sharing what’s not working in their lives when their external accomplishments may be so visible. I support gifted individuals to understand themselves better, accept themselves and harness their sensitivity as a source of strength. To accept their high sensitivity and use it to have fullfilling relationships with their loved ones and to be able to connect with others with depth and true understanding. I honor their multipotentiality and take a warm and collaborative approach. Above all, I get them and I see their worth and help them to see it as well. I use an integrative approach applying Psychodynamic, Strengths-based, Mindfulness and Existential approaches to working with gifted teens and adults.