Growing up, I always knew I experienced the world differently, but I could never quite understand why. As a young child, I was often described as shy, quiet, obedient, or “too emotional.” Although I appeared well-behaved on the outside, my inner world often felt chaotic. I didn’t have the language to explain why certain experiences felt overwhelming or why I noticed and felt things so deeply. Without an understanding of my sensitivity, I often wondered why the world seemed to affect me so differently than those around me.
For many years, I believed there was something wrong with me. Everyday experiences that seemed easy for others often felt overwhelming for me. Loud noises, scratchy clothing, bright lights, busy classrooms, and changes in routine left me feeling exhausted and overstimulated. I experienced emotions deeply, noticed subtle changes in people’s moods, and cared deeply about how others felt. Since I didn’t have the language to explain these experiences, I often kept them to myself.
Looking back, I realize that I wasn’t “too sensitive.” I was a highly sensitive child.
At the time, conversations surrounding children’s mental health weren’t as common, and therapy in elementary schools wasn’t as accessible as it is today. Without realizing it, I found my own way of coping through creativity. Art became my safe place. It was a space where I could slow down, express feelings that were difficult to put into words, and make sense of my inner world. Creating gave me a sense of calm and helped me process experiences long before I understood why it felt so healing.
As I grew older, I discovered the field of art therapy, and everything clicked for me. I realized there was an entire profession built around something so deeply rooted within me. Creativity can be a powerful way to understand ourselves, regulate emotions, and heal. Recognizing this gap within the school system and understanding the ways art can support children’s mental health fueled my passion for this work. But even as I pursued this career path, I never forgot about the young girl who felt so misunderstood.
Throughout my journey of becoming a therapist, I discovered the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and suddenly, so much of my life began to make sense. As an adult, this realization felt both overwhelming and freeing. I finally had a framework to understand these experiences I had carried alone for years. I couldn’t help but wonder how things might have been different if I had this understanding at a younger age.
Art Became My Safe Place
Highly sensitive children often process information more deeply, notice subtle details, experience emotions more intensely, and become overstimulated more easily than their peers. However, sensitivity is not a weakness or a diagnosis; it is a natural temperament and an important part of who they are.
When highly sensitive children don’t understand why they experience the world so intensely, they may begin to believe that something is wrong with them. They might feel different from their peers, withdraw in overwhelming situations, or become frustrated by the intensity of their emotions. Without support, these experiences can sometimes lead to self-doubt, anxiety, or feeling misunderstood.
This is why supporting highly sensitive children can make such a meaningful difference.
As an Art Therapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor, I’ve had the privilege of working with both highly sensitive adults and children. While it’s never too late to develop self-understanding and emotional regulation, there is something incredibly powerful about helping children build these skills early in life. When children learn to understand their sensitivity, they begin to see it as a meaningful part of their identity, rather than something they need to change.
If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell her that nothing was wrong with her. I would tell her that her sensitivity was something to understand, not fix. That message is one I now hope to share with every highly sensitive child and family I have the privilege of working with.
Because every child deserves to feel understood, accepted, and empowered to embrace who they are.
If this resonates with you or a child in your life, you are not alone in it. There is so much space for sensitivity to be understood, supported, and honoured.
With warmth and care,
Rayna
Work With Rayna
Rayna is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Professional Art Therapist at Constellations Counselling in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC. She works with highly sensitive children and adults, offering a gentle, creative space to better understand sensitivity, emotions, and individual needs.
If you’re looking for support for a highly sensitive child in Vancouver, you can [learn more about Rayna and her approach here] or contact Constellations Counselling to inquire about working with her.