Online Therapy: A Hidden Blessing for Highly Sensitive People
The world changed drastically when COVID-19 hit in 2020, and with it, therapy evolved. Suddenly, teletherapy became the norm—part of a larger “Zoom boom” that shifted daily life onto screens.
For highly sensitive people (HSPs), who are naturally more prone to overstimulation, this transition was a mixed experience. On one hand, staying home provided a sense of relief from the chaos and unpredictability of the outside world. On the other, excessive screen time brought its own challenges—draining energy, straining eyes, and amplifying nervous system sensitivity. Privacy could be tricky, and the absence of in-person connection was felt.
Yet, humans are wired to adapt. As a highly sensitive person, finding the right approach to therapy—whether online or in-person—can be key to thriving in today’s world.
Is Online Therapy Right for Every HSP?
The truth is, online therapy isn’t ideal for everyone. For some highly sensitive individuals, the physical presence of another person is an essential part of the healing process. Being in the same space as a therapist can create a level of comfort and connection that virtual therapy simply can’t replicate.
If this resonates with you, listen to that instinct. Prioritizing your needs in therapy is crucial. While it may take effort to find an in-person therapist who’s the right fit, it’s worth the investment in your well-being.
The Highly Sensitive People Who Thrive with Teletherapy
For others, online therapy has been a game-changer. Many HSPs feel safer and more at ease in their own environment, allowing for deeper emotional work. Without the stress of commuting, therapy becomes more accessible. The ability to connect with a therapist anywhere in the state expands options. Plus, having a pet close by or wrapping up in a favorite blanket can bring an extra layer of comfort.
That said, not meeting a therapist in person may bring up mixed emotions. Some may struggle with the distance, while others may feel a sense of relief. The built-in physical boundary of teletherapy can actually increase feelings of safety for certain individuals, allowing them to open up more fully.
A Therapist’s Perspective: Offering Online Therapy as an HSP
As a highly sensitive therapist, I’ve experienced both the loss and the unexpected gifts of transitioning to online therapy.
For two years after COVID began, I kept my physical office space—but never used it. The small size, lack of fresh air circulation, and the thought of wearing a mask during sessions made in-person therapy feel unrealistic. Letting go of that space was deeply emotional for me. It had been a sacred container for healing, and saying goodbye felt like grieving not just my office but so many losses brought on by the pandemic.
Yet, over time, I realized that the true sacredness of therapy doesn’t exist in a physical room. It exists in the relationship between therapist and client, in the deep listening, in the trust built through shared experiences. I came to understand that I could hold space for my clients just as powerfully, even if we never met face-to-face.
In fact, I’ve found that phone therapy, in particular, creates a unique kind of intimacy. Without the distraction of a screen, I can listen with a deeper focus, and clients can relax more fully—sometimes even lying down, allowing themselves to truly sink into the experience. This mirrors traditional psychoanalysis, where patients recline without face-to-face interaction, fostering a different kind of self-exploration.
For now, I continue to offer therapy virtually throughout California, both online and over the phone. While I look forward to eventually reintroducing in-person sessions, I also recognize that teletherapy has made therapy more accessible for so many, especially for highly sensitive people who thrive in this format.
Finding the Right Fit
Every HSP is different. Some need in-person connection, while others find online therapy to be a hidden blessing. The key is honoring what works best for you. If you’re seeking therapy as a highly sensitive person, I invite you to explore what feels most aligned with your needs—because your comfort, safety, and healing matter.
I offer online psychotherapy for highly sensitive people and empaths across California. If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Contact me today.