FAQ
What is HSP or Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)?
Sensory Processing Sensitivity is a unique perceptual difference in approximately 20% of the population. Generally called sensitivity, it has been described as as an ability to quickly process stimuli from the environment with greater depth of processing and faster emotional reactivity. It was first tested in the 1990's and studied by Dr. Elaine Aron a clinical psychologist who invented a test called the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to identify and help highly sensitive people.
Sensory processing sensitivty affects every aspect of our health from the way we perceive the world, to how our bodies handle stress, and our relationships.
While there are many theoretical reasons why highly sensitive people (HSP's) perceive more information from their environment and feel an emotional reaction faster, one reason might be a specifical neurological function called, mirror neurons. I go into depth describing mirror neurons and how they might help shape the four gifts of sensitivity (empathy, intuition, vision, and expression) in my book (released February 16th, 2021), Four Gifts of the Highly Sensitive.
Mirror neurons' reflect information from our environment back through the brain. These neurons 'mirror' the attributes of what type of action might be seen, heard, and felt so that we can respond accordingly. This information can then be used for taking action.
Here are some of the latest research studies on SPS and mirror neurons:
The highly sensitive brain: an fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others' emotions, (2014) Brain and Behavior
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/
Mirror Neurons After a Quarter Century: New Light and New Cracks, (2016) Harvard Review
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/mirror-neurons-quarter-century-new-light-new-cracks/
The Original Study on Mirror Neurons:
Understanding motor events: A neurological study (1992)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21855076_Understanding_motor_events_A_neurophysiological_study
The Mind's MIrror, (2005) APA
http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct05/mirror.aspx
Sensory Processing Sensitivity is a unique perceptual difference in approximately 20% of the population. Generally called sensitivity, it has been described as as an ability to quickly process stimuli from the environment with greater depth of processing and faster emotional reactivity. It was first tested in the 1990's and studied by Dr. Elaine Aron a clinical psychologist who invented a test called the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to identify and help highly sensitive people.
Sensory processing sensitivty affects every aspect of our health from the way we perceive the world, to how our bodies handle stress, and our relationships.
While there are many theoretical reasons why highly sensitive people (HSP's) perceive more information from their environment and feel an emotional reaction faster, one reason might be a specifical neurological function called, mirror neurons. I go into depth describing mirror neurons and how they might help shape the four gifts of sensitivity (empathy, intuition, vision, and expression) in my book (released February 16th, 2021), Four Gifts of the Highly Sensitive.
Mirror neurons' reflect information from our environment back through the brain. These neurons 'mirror' the attributes of what type of action might be seen, heard, and felt so that we can respond accordingly. This information can then be used for taking action.
Here are some of the latest research studies on SPS and mirror neurons:
The highly sensitive brain: an fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others' emotions, (2014) Brain and Behavior
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/
Mirror Neurons After a Quarter Century: New Light and New Cracks, (2016) Harvard Review
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/mirror-neurons-quarter-century-new-light-new-cracks/
The Original Study on Mirror Neurons:
Understanding motor events: A neurological study (1992)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21855076_Understanding_motor_events_A_neurophysiological_study
The Mind's MIrror, (2005) APA
http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct05/mirror.aspx
What is an Integrative Medicine Health and Wellness Coach?
A Health Coach is a wellness professional who works with clients one-on-one or in group settings to help them achieve their personal wellness goals including weight loss, boosting energy, or sleeping better. Often times integrative medicine coaches specialize in certain areas of health such as gluten free diets, anti-inflammatory ingredients, reducing sugar cravings and balancing blood sugar, or they are detoxification specialists.
Integrative Health Coaches assess primary foods versus secondary foods and act as a supportive mentor and guide to help their clients discover which foods and lifestyle support get them feeling their best. Coaches are accountability partners and even partners who give an unbiased approach to their clients and empower them to live the lives they love.
What is the difference between a health coach and a doctor?
Health coaches and doctors have the same goals but use different tools. Doctors and Physicians trained in western medicine offer solutions to their patients based in surgical interventions, pharmaceutical medications, and through prognosis of specific symptoms.
Health coaches are not 'treating' anything clinically. They are trained to use healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body therapies to gain balance, achieve health and wellness, and feel better.
Their end point is the same.
Will my insurance cover health coach costs and services?
While many health coverages do not cover health coaching services several large providers are starting to. It depends on your health care coverage and benefits. Health care insurances that do cover health coaching are:
A Health Coach is a wellness professional who works with clients one-on-one or in group settings to help them achieve their personal wellness goals including weight loss, boosting energy, or sleeping better. Often times integrative medicine coaches specialize in certain areas of health such as gluten free diets, anti-inflammatory ingredients, reducing sugar cravings and balancing blood sugar, or they are detoxification specialists.
Integrative Health Coaches assess primary foods versus secondary foods and act as a supportive mentor and guide to help their clients discover which foods and lifestyle support get them feeling their best. Coaches are accountability partners and even partners who give an unbiased approach to their clients and empower them to live the lives they love.
What is the difference between a health coach and a doctor?
Health coaches and doctors have the same goals but use different tools. Doctors and Physicians trained in western medicine offer solutions to their patients based in surgical interventions, pharmaceutical medications, and through prognosis of specific symptoms.
Health coaches are not 'treating' anything clinically. They are trained to use healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body therapies to gain balance, achieve health and wellness, and feel better.
Their end point is the same.
Will my insurance cover health coach costs and services?
While many health coverages do not cover health coaching services several large providers are starting to. It depends on your health care coverage and benefits. Health care insurances that do cover health coaching are:
- Humana
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Vera Whole Health Care
Did You Know?
- 1 out of every 4 adults has at least 2 or more chronic illnesses.
- Diabetes medication costs an average of $13,700 per year out of pocket.
- 60 Million American's are affected by allergies each year costing $18 Billion.
- American spent over $70 Billion on weight loss last year.
- Current law allows 350 different pesticides to be used on the food we eat.
- More than 4 billion pounds of pesticiedes are used annually in the US. That's 8 pounds for each of us.
- More than 10,000 food and chemical additives are allowed into the US food supply; including colors, sweeteners, stimulants, preservatives, flavorings, emulsifiers, humectants, and antimicrobials. The average American eats roughly 14 pounds of additives each year.
The Politics of Health Coaching
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Currently, there is a lobbying effort in Congress to recognize and adopt health coaching standards in the health care industry. Lifestyle change is the new prescription for good health, and Health Coaches will lead the way.
Health Coaches have met with over 300 members of Congress and are now included in 5 pieces of federal legislation. Find the H. Res 121 Here |
The quiet revolution of health and wellness coaches, The Hill:
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/265266-the-quiet-revolution-of-health-and-wellness-coaches
Will health coaching save the modern world?, The Huffington Post
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/will-health-coaching-save-the-modern-world_us_58a5b2d0e4b0fa149f9ac231
Health Coaches: Skills, Training, and Benefits of Working with One, Dr. Axe:
https://draxe.com/health-coach/
