Hi there. I am Maree. I'm so glad you stopped by.
There were countless times during my university and counseling training when I poured over textbooks in a desperate attempt to understand what was wrong with me. Surely, I must have a diagnosis in the DSM, the Psychiatric Manual, to explain these "symptoms." I knew I was different, but what was it that made me so?
What I initially thought was simply a deep sense of empathy and heightened sensitivity eventually led to a diagnosis of ADHD (combined presentation). And suddenly, everything made sense.
Perhaps you can relate to some of the following:
"Empaths and highly sensitive people are multi-sensory beings who perceive beyond the surface of people’s personas, sensing and absorbing their innermost emotions as if they were their own." (Unknown)
You may have experienced sensory overload from a young age—perhaps cross-conversations were unbearable, or you found it hard to relate to peers because your emotional maturity outpaced your age.
We deeply dislike conflict—naturally, we are lovers, not fighters. We feel others' emotions intensely, often struggling to distinguish between our own feelings and the emotions of those around us.
Everything we encounter affects us.
Exposure to the news may be especially distressing for you. The constant stream of emotionally charged stories might feel overwhelming, which is why many sensitive souls choose to avoid it. You may even find yourself deeply moved by movies and music, holding back tears to avoid appearing vulnerable, even though inside you feel anything but. Sometimes, the emotional intensity is so strong that you avoid media altogether to prevent being stirred.
We tend to be deep thinkers, spending hours contemplating life, people, and the universe. Remarks like “You think too much” or “What’s wrong with you (now)?” only deepen the sense of isolation. For someone with high sensitivity, these comments are hurtful—they leave us feeling emotionally misunderstood and socially alienated.
Sadly, many sensitive children internalize the belief that they are “too much,” “burdensome,” or “unwelcome.” This creates an inner conflict—the desire to fit in while also feeling disconnected from our unique nature.
Many of us wonder why we seek temporary relief through substances or emotional eating, or why anxiety develops in response to the overstimulation of modern life We often struggle in relationships, as we have so much to offer but can easily become overwhelmed and fatigued. Because we dislike conflict, we can end up trapped in toxic relationships, which may take a long time to heal from.
I’m deeply grateful for my role as a school counselor, where I’ve had the privilege of raising awareness and offering support to young, sensitive, and empathetic individuals.
I’ve also created The Sanctuary for Sensitive Souls Studio—a purpose-built space in the Dandenong Ranges of Melbourne, Victoria. This serene, non-clinical environment provides counseling specifically tailored for those with high empathy. The setting is perfect for individuals who prefer a quieter, more intimate space. With no communal waiting room, clients can enjoy greater privacy and avoid exposure to the emotional energy (anxiety, sadness) of others seeking support.
