Brooke Nielsen, LMFT

When I learned that I was a Highly Sensitive Person 20 years ago, it was a game changer. It transformed how I saw myself and the way I looked at my life-long struggles of over-thinking and soaking up the emotions of others. It also gave me a chance to appreciate my unique strengths, which I'd been quick to overlook.

While I related to the term Highly Sensitive Person, I struggled with the limited and sometimes negative connotation that the word "sensitive" carries.  I wanted a descriptor that would recognize the gifts of intellectual curiosity, empathy, and intuition (to name a few) of Highly Sensitive People. "Intuitive Warrior" seemed to be a better fit. 

In 2005, I became a Marriage and Family Therapist. It was a perfect fit, as it lets me use my intuition, natural curiosity, and empathy daily. At the same time, if I didn't want to burn out immediately, I had to learn to resist absorbing the energy of others, respect my limits and to set positive boundaries. I simultaneously became a Highly Sensitive Person expert professionally and an expert in myself as an HSP.

Through a decade of supporting dynamic, finely-tuned people, I've noticed a theme: HSPs tend to suffer from over-thinking, worry, overwhelm, and perfectionism. And they often don't know how to get the support they need to live well with the trait. I developed The Intuitive Warrior courses and community as a heart-felt response to that need.