Growing up…

I was often overwhelmed by everything around me. I daydreamed because it was a safe space from the overwhelming sensory experience around me. As a child and adolescent, I may have come off as aloof, socially awkward, or shy… But what I was is a sensitive child who felt more than he could possibly take in.

My sensitivity

in turn became my greatest strength. I learned over time what worked for me: quiet environments that helped me to focus, a daily mindfulness practice that includes meditation at morning and night, and simply noticing my emotions in the moment without feeling overwhelmed by them.

I realized too, it wasn’t just my own emotions and thoughts I was experiencing, but those of people around me. I learned to channel my sensitivity to really tune into what others were experiencing. This intuition is a gift which I don’t completely understand myself. Sometimes, I know what others are feeling before they say anything at all.

It is a combination of careful listening, experience, and trusting what I feel in my body as I interact with this person. My intuition is my greatest strength as a therapist and also as a human being. It allows me to be understand deeply and to meet people where they are as a companion on their journey.

My work

Yoojin Nam LMFT is the author of Thinking to Feel. He has been providing psychotherapy for 7 years and is licensed to practice in CA & TX.

Wondering if therapy might benefit you? E-mail [email protected] to schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for therapy. The information contained within is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be therapeutic advice.