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KEY FACTS
HSP isn’t a disorder—it’s a trait that develops when the nervous system processes sensory and emotional input more deeply (called Sensory Processing Sensitivity). This deeper wiring affects how someone experiences connection, conflict, and everyday life in relationships.
HSPs commonly share four traits that strongly influence relationships: depth of processing, sensitivity to subtleties, emotional intensity, and a tendency toward overstimulation in high-stress environments.
In relationships, these traits can lead to both strengths (empathy, intuition, attunement) and challenges (emotional flooding, conflict avoidance, sensory overwhelm). Misunderstandings often arise when partners interpret sensitivity as withdrawal, overreaction, or disinterest.
When couples understand HSP wiring, they can develop strategies to help slow conflict, improve communication, and create environments that feel safer and more supportive for both partners.
Consulting an expert or completing a structured sensitivity assessment can clarify whether HSP traits are contributing to communication patterns, conflict, or overwhelm—helping couples gain insight and learn tailored strategies for connection and regulation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What does it mean to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Answer: It’s not a disorder, but a naturally occurring temperamental trait rooted in a nervous system that processes sensory and emotional input more deeply—often referred to as Sensory Processing Sensitivity. This deeper wiring shapes how partners experience communication, conflict, and connection in meaningful ways.
Why do HSPs react more strongly during conflict?
Answer: Because HSPs feel emotions intensely and pick up on subtle cues, disagreements can trigger emotional flooding more quickly. This can look like withdrawal, overwhelm, or shutting down—not avoidance, but a nervous system protecting itself. Supportive communication can help both partners navigate conflict more calmly.
How does HSP show up differently in neurodiverse relationships?
Answer: In mixed-neurotype couples, an HSP partner may respond to emotional nuance, tone shifts, or subtle expressions that a neurodivergent partner might not automatically notice. Therapy helps couples build shared emotional communication strategies that honor both direct and intuitive communication styles.
What strengths can HSP traits bring to a relationship?
Answer: HSPs often bring empathy, intuition, and strong attunement to their partner’s needs. These qualities can create deeper connection and emotional responsiveness, supported by research on heightened social-emotional processing in sensitive individuals.
How can therapy or assessment help?
Answer: Working with a clinician familiar with HSP traits can help partners pinpoint whether sensitivity, overwhelm, or sensory triggers are driving misunderstandings. Tools like structured sensitivity assessments support accurate identification of sensory-emotional patterns, allowing couples to develop tailored strategies that strengthen communication and regulation.
Last reviewed: Dec 15, 2025 • Authors: Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT (Clinical Director) and Jasmyne Mena (Director of Clinical Research & Scientific Communications, Senior Medical Writer, Neurodiversity)
REFERENCES
Acevedo, B. P., Aron, E. N., Aron, A., Sangster, M. D., Collins, N., & Brown, L. L. (2014). The highly sensitive brain: an fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others' emotions. Brain and behavior, 4(4), 580–594. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.242
Acevedo, B. P., Aron, E. N., Aron, A., Cooper, T., & Marhenke, R. (2023). Sensory processing sensitivity and its relation to sensation seeking. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 4, Article 100100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2023.100100
Bröhl, A. S., Van Leeuwen, K., Pluess, M., De Fruyt, F., Van Hoof, E., Weyn, S., & Bijttebier, P. (2022). Personality profile of the self-identified highly sensitive person: A lay theory approach. Journal of Individual Differences, 43(2), 95–104. https://doi-org.libproxy.csudh.edu/10.1027/1614-0001/a000363
Golonka, K., & Gulla, B. (2021). Individual Differences and Susceptibility to Burnout Syndrome: Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Its Relation to Exhaustion and Disengagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 751350. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751350
Liu, J., & Fukushima, H. (2025). Beyond emotional distress: Exploring the positive link between highly sensitive person trait and aesthetic sensitivity. Personality and Individual Differences, 245, Article 113285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113285
McDowell, C. N., Bryant, M. E., & Parker, M. L. (2023). Decoding Neurodiverse Couples Therapy: A Solution-Focused Approach. Sexuality & Disability, 41(2), 255–273. https://doi-org.libproxy.csudh.edu/10.1007/s11195-022-09765-9
Meredith, P. J., Bailey, K. J., Strong, J., & Rappel, G. (2016). Adult Attachment, Sensory Processing, and Distress in Healthy Adults. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), Article 7001250010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.017376
Morellini, L., Izzo, A., Celeghin, A., Palermo, S., & Morese, R. (2023). Sensory processing sensitivity and social pain: a hypothesis and theory. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 17, 1135440. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1135440
WHY CHOOSE US?
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DEPTH OF TEAM — 30+ neuro-informed therapists and coaches. 16,000+
sessions each year. The world’s largest practice dedicated to neurodiverse
couples and individuals—so you benefit from deep, proven experience.
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WE ARE NEURODIVERSE: More than 90% of our clinicians are
neurodiverse themselves, bringing a firsthand understanding of autism, ADHD,
and related experiences. This lived perspective, combined with professional
training, allows us to provide both expertise and genuine compassion to help you
thrive.
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OUR MODEL: We use a neurodiverse counseling model—practical, skills-
based, and tailored to each couple.
We don’t pathologize difference; we name neurodiverse traits as natural
human variations in communication style, sensory needs, social energy, and
executive functioning. Together, we map those patterns so both partners can see
what’s really happening (not what they’re blaming each other for).
From there, we translate insight into action:
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shared language for signals and needs,
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simple agreements for sensory fit,
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clear routines for planning and follow-through, and
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repair tools that reduce defensiveness.
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The goal isn’t to make anyone “more normal.” It’s to help you work with your
differences—so empathy grows, teamwork strengthens, and your bond gets
measurably closer.
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STRENGTH-BASED: Our neurodiverse counseling model is strengths-based
and neuro-affirming because that’s what works—well-supported in couples
therapy and even more effective with neurodiverse couples. Instead of fixing
“deficits,” we identify and deploy real assets—precision, honesty, loyalty, pattern
recognition, creativity, deep focus—so they actively solve problems.
This lowers shame, builds safety fast, and turns differences into shared tools: clearer signals and agreements, sensory fit instead of overload, and routines that reduce friction. The payoff is practical—fewer blowups, better follow-through, and a bond that strengthens because you’re using what you already do well, together.
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OUR TEAM: Our experts are deeply compassionate and dedicated to helping neurodiverse couples thrive. Three things set our team apart:
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Ongoing Specialized Training – All team members receive weekly training on neurodiversity-focused content, ensuring our approaches stay current and effective.
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Collaborative Case Support – We hold weekly supervision sessions, including case consultations, so that no couple’s challenges are handled in isolation—your therapist has a full team behind them.
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Continuous Professional Growth – Every therapist pursues ongoing continuing education in neurodiverse relationships, keeping us at the forefront of best practices.
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ASSESSMENTS: In addition to providing therapy, many of our clinicians are specially trained in conducting in-depth adult autism and ADHD assessments. If you’re seeking greater clarity or considering an in-depth evaluation, our team can guide you through the process with professionalism and care.
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INSURANCE — We are insurance-friendly. As an out-of-network provider, we will send you a Superbill for therapy services that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please know that we do NOT bill insurance directly or participate as an in-network provider.
For more information, please visit the "Insurance/Fee" section on our FAQ page.
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DIAGNOSIS OPTIONAL — You don’t need a diagnosis to get help with us.
We can start with what’s happening now—communication loops, sensory needs, executive-function friction, meltdowns/shutdowns—and turn those patterns into clear agreements, better repairs, and real relief.
If you’re in California and want a formal autism or ADHD evaluation, our licensed clinicians can provide it—but it’s not required to benefit.
Either way, the goal is the same: less blame, more understanding, a stronger bond, and real individual healing.
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NOT A CRISIS SERVICE — We’re not a crisis service. If you’re ever in
immediate danger, call 911. For urgent mental health support, call or text 988 or
go to https://988lifeline.org -
Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center is part of New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc.
WHO WE HELP
We support neurodiverse couples and individuals nationwide through online therapy or coaching.
Some common issues we help clients tackle include:
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Autism/ADHD differences
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Parenting and co-parenting challenges
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Intimacy (both physical and emotional)
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Autism and ADHD assessments and self-screeners
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Recurring discussions about “tone,” initiative, alexithymia, or intimacy
LEARN MORE
📖 Check out our FAQs section if you have a specific question about our services you'd like an answer to.
Reach out now to get matched with an expert and schedule a free consultation.