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    Dawnbrownlpc@itherapymail.com | 615-351-9087

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    How to Set Healthy Boundaries

    November 25, 2020

    Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up […]

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    How to Set Healthy Boundaries

    November 25, 2020

    Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up in households that were unsafe and unstable, and where there was a constant invasion of personal boundaries.

    If you can relate, chances are you have a hard time creating healthy boundaries to create the life experience you wish to have. Here are some ways you can begin to do so:

    Identify Your Limits

    You can’t set boundaries unless you discover where it is you personally stand. You’ll need to take a bit of time to recognize what you can and cannot tolerate. What makes you happy and what makes you feel uncomfortable and stressed? Only until you have made these discoveries can you move on to the next steps.

    Don’t Be Shy

    People who have similar communication styles are easy to engage with. These people will quickly understand what your new barriers are. But people who have a different cultural background or personality may not easily understand your boundaries. With these people, it’s important to be very clear and direct.

    Pay Attention to Your Feelings

    People who have a hard time setting boundaries don’t often allow themselves to acknowledge their own feelings because they’re usually too busy worrying about everyone else’s.

    You’ll need to start recognizing how people make you feel in order to know whether your new boundaries are being crossed or not. When you’re with someone, make mental notes, or even jot down in a journal how that interaction made you feel.

    If, after spending time with someone, you feel anger or resentment, this is a sign that the person may be overstepping your boundaries. Reiterate to this person what your boundaries are. If they continue to disrespect you and them, you will want to cut yourself away from further interactions.

    Make Self-Care a Priority

    Put yourself and your needs first. This may feel strange and even somehow wrong if you’ve spent your entire life taking care of others. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings and get what you need to feel happy and well.

    Speak with Someone

    If you’ve spent an entire life with a sense of low self-worth, you may find setting boundaries quite difficult. In this case, it’s important to speak with a therapist that can help you discover where these feelings are coming from and how to change your thought patterns and behavior.

    If you’d like to explore therapy, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to help you on your journey toward self-care.

    Filed Under: Women's Issues

    10 Signs You Might Be a “Highly Sensitive Person”

    August 31, 2020

    Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait. But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone […]

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    10 Signs You Might Be a “Highly Sensitive Person”

    August 31, 2020

    Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.

    But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional responses to external (social, environmental) or internal (intra-personal) stimuli.”

    The bad news is, being highly sensitive can make many “normal” life situations feel awkward and downright uncomfortable. But fear not, there are some benefits to being highly sensitive, and I’ll share those a little later in this post.

    Signs You May Be a Highly Sensitive Person

    If you are curious whether you may be part of the population that is highly sensitive, here are 10 signs to look for:

    1. You are quick to feel negative emotions such as sadness and anxiety.
    2. You may feel physical symptoms in relation to these emotions, such as headaches and muscle tension.
    3. You become overwhelmed with physical stimuli such as sound, light and smells.
    4. You have never felt comfortable around crowds. The energy of the crowd easily overwhelms you.
    5. You become very emotional over the injustices of the world. (you cry or become angry at the thought of children or animals being harmed, as an example)
    6. You often worry what others think of you.
    7. You take things personally.
    8. You have a hard time letting things go and receiving critical feedback.
    9. You avoid most social situations and prefer to stay home alone.
    10. You startle easily to loud noises.

    Benefits of Being a Highly Sensitive Person

    As I mentioned earlier, while being a HSP can cause you to feel awkward or overwhelmed at times, there are some definite perks to being highly sensitive. For starters, you are someone who can enjoy subtle sensory detail that a majority of the population misses. You get pleasure from noticing the end of day light play. You’ll notice subtle shades of color and texture and feel immense pleasure at the complexities of Indian cuisine.

    You’re also someone others like being around because you are aware of others’ feelings, needs and emotions. Because of this natural empathy, HSPs make great teachers, managers and leaders.

    HSPs are also incredibly creative. Many artists, musicians and famous actors are highly sensitive people who have gifted the world with their talent and insight into what it means to be human.

    As you can see, if you can manage the negative aspects of being a highly sensitive person, you can reap some pretty great rewards.

    If you or someone you love suspects they are a HSP and would like to explore treatment options to manage those negative aspects, please get in touch with me. I’d love to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Depression, Women's Issues



    615-351-9087 Dawnbrownlpc@itherapymail.com

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