As we wind down the final month of spring, we find ourselves thinking more and more about balance, especially as we transition into summer. With everything going on both in our country and around the world, longer days, more sunlight, and a shift in energy has made us start really reflecting on how we choose to enter this new phase of life & the year.
From how we show up for ourselves, talk to ourselves, treat our bodies and minds, and manage our emotions, it's especially during times like these that we appreciate being connected with incredible people who specialize in helping us get through whatever we encounter during our meditative states.
Therapists like Rachel Dorneanu, who offer such insights into how we can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and understanding are one of the few we'd like to take a special moment to appreciate.
Based in the metro Atlanta area, Rachel has been helping people, especially perfectionists and Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), find a sense of balance and security in their lives. She’s someone who truly understands what it means to navigate the world with sensitivity and high expectations, something we resonate with deeply.
Today, we’re so excited to share Rachel’s thoughts with you, we hope you enjoy:
Being an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
'Hi, I'm Rachel, being an HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person, means that someone's brain picks up on things that others might not notice as much. They might feel more deeply, like strong emotions, loud noises, or bright lights. It’s like their senses are higher, so they notice little details or get overwhelmed more easily. For example, they might feel intensely sad after watching a sad movie or get super excited about something that makes them happy. Being an HSP isn’t bad, it just means their brain works a little differently, and they uniquely experience the world.
Here are some common traits that many HSPs experience:
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Easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells
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Deeply affected by the emotions of others
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Needing time alone to recharge after social activities
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Strong emotional reactions to art, music, or movies
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Feeling stressed or anxious when a lot is going on at once
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Noticing small details that others might miss
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Avoiding violent or disturbing content
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Difficulty handling criticism or conflict
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Being more sensitive to physical pain or discomfort
Perfectionism: The Pursuit of Impossible Standards
On the flip side, perfectionism is when someone feels that everything they do has to be perfect, with no mistakes. It’s like always wanting to get 100% on every test or make sure every picture you color stays exactly inside the lines. People who are perfectionists can get upset or stressed if things aren’t just right, even if they work hard. They might spend a lot of time trying to fix little things that others don’t even notice. It’s like having high standards for themselves all the time. But it’s important to remember that no one can be perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them!
Common symptoms of perfectionism include:
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Setting extremely high standards for yourself
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Fear of making mistakes or failing
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Procrastinating because tasks might not be done perfectly
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Constantly checking and rechecking work for errors
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Difficulty accepting help from others
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Feeling anxious about not meeting expectations
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Struggling to finish tasks because they never feel “good enough”
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Having a strong need for control and order
Rachel’s Insight
I’m an HSP and recovering perfectionist while also being a therapist. I think this gives me insight into my client’s experiences and helps to improve our therapeutic relationship quickly. I tend to explain to my clients the Window of Tolerance and how to notice their energy output throughout the day as HSPs.
I help them notice any triggers in their day, certain stimuli that irks them, spoon theory, and setting boundaries with people or environments as needed. When working with perfectionists, I help them determine what type of perfectionist they are, we review troublesome thought patterns and expectations. We then determine acceptance for things we can’t control and kindness to ourselves and others.
Tools for Managing Sensitivity and Perfectionism
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Spoon Theory is a way of understanding how energy is distributed throughout the day. Each task, from waking up to taking care of responsibilities, takes a “spoon.” For people with chronic illness or sensitivities, even small tasks can deplete energy quickly. The key is to manage your spoons wisely to avoid exhaustion.
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The Window of Tolerance represents the emotional and physiological state in which a person feels grounded and able to manage stress effectively. Rachel uses this concept to help clients maintain balance, especially when life feels like it’s throwing too much their way. With the right tools, including self-care and grounding techniques, it's possible to stay within your window and avoid becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.
Affirmations to Support Your Journey
Both HSPs and perfectionists can benefit from affirmations that help reframe their mindset. Rachel has shared some powerful affirmations that we think you’ll find helpful:
For HSPs:
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“I embrace my sensitivity as a gift that allows me to experience the world deeply.”
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“It’s okay to step away when I feel overwhelmed.”
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“I honor the signals my body and mind give me, and I respond with care and kindness.”
For Perfectionists:
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“I am enough, just as I am.”
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“Mistakes are growth opportunities, not proof of failure.”
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“I release the need for perfection and accept the beauty in imperfection.”
As we continue reflecting on this time of year, we’re so grateful to be partnered with therapists like Rachel, who are committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, self acceptance, and balance. We personally have found a great deal of value and comfort in her practices and teachings and hope you're able to extract some too.
To help you get started with us, Rachel has offered not only a 20% off discount (with the code SCW20) so you can begin your journey of self-reflection this season with our guided journals.
But she's also extended her own calendar for you to contact her for a free 15-minute consultation to see how you can start working towards your dreams, goals, and future plans.
Her number is: +1 404-490-3765
Her email is: rachel@sagecounselingtherapyandwellness.com
Her website is: www.sagecounselingtherapyandwellness.com
... and she's looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for being part of the our Wave of Mind community, and we look forward to bringing more valuable insights from wonderful therapists like Rachel to support your journey toward emotional balance and wellness.