How I learned what HSP stood for

I didn’t even know what HSP stood for when I first came across Catherine, but the way she shares such helpful information online resonated and taught me not only what HSP stands for (highly sensitive person), but that I am one.

After avidly following Catherine and consuming her newsletter and podcast, I knew I wanted the opportunity to work with her one-on-one. Our coaching engagement was 6 months and in that she introduced me to feng shui, meditation, archetype work, a view into my North Node and astrology chart that I never knew, Tarot, tapping, and so much more. I hope this short Q&A provides you a glimpse into her magic and some inspiration for your life.

1. In general, what do people come to you to get help with or accountability on?

Most of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or burnt out—often from years of people-pleasing, overworking, or living according to other people’s expectations. They’re highly sensitive and intuitive by nature, but they’ve been taught to suppress that part of themselves in favor of productivity, perfectionism, and control. They come to me for support in reconnecting with their true selves—learning to trust their intuition, reclaim their energy, set better boundaries, and live in a way that’s more aligned, peaceful, and authentic. Whether it’s navigating a life transition, healing from burnout, or making a big decision, they’re looking for a safe, grounded space to come back to themselves. And they often want accountability in actually living differently: slowing down, tuning in, and letting go of the constant pressure to push or perform.

2. How did you get started in this field?

I spent 20 years in content and communications, climbing the corporate ladder while secretly feeling anxious, disconnected, and burnt out. In my late 30s, I experienced a spiritual awakening that opened me to practices like Tarot, energy work, feng shui, and nervous system healing. I began to understand that I was a highly sensitive person living out of alignment with my true nature. At 40, I took a leap and left my corporate career to become a life coach. It was terrifying—but it also felt like coming home. I finally gave myself permission to live intuitively, and now I help other highly sensitive women do the same: reconnect with their energy, trust their inner voice, and create lives that feel peaceful, purposeful, and authentic.

3. Where are you based?

I’m based in western Loudoun County, Virginia, on the traditional lands of the Piscataway and Manahoac peoples.

4. What’s one of your favorite exercises and/or suggestions for someone who’s feeling stuck or uncertain about how to move forward with a decision (whether career wise, personal, etc.)?

I love asking, “What were you like when you were 7 years old?” That age captures so much of who we were before we learned to edit or shrink ourselves to fit in. It often reveals someone’s essence—their creativity, sensitivity, curiosity, or boldness—before the world told them who they should be. And if we’re going a little more playful or cosmic, I’ll always be curious to know someone’s astrology—especially their Moon sign. It tells me so much about how they process emotions and what they need to feel safe and seen.

5. How do you prepare for meeting with a client? Any routines, rituals, exercises for yourself?

Before each session, I take a few quiet moments to clear the energy with smoke or incense and to ground myself. I review my notes, pull a Tarot card to set the tone or receive intuitive guidance, and tune in to where the client might be emotionally or energetically that days

6. What’s one thing you’ve noticed in the collective community on trends, needs, requests, where people you work with are in their path, etc.?

One big thing I’ve noticed is that many of us are spiritually deprived—we’re hungry for meaning, connection, and something beyond the constant doing. Most of the people I work with are far more sensitive than they’ve been allowed to realize, and they’re carrying deeply dysregulated nervous systems from years of trying to function in environments that aren’t built for them—like 9-5 jobs, productivity culture, or capitalism in general. There’s a deep yearning to slow down, reconnect with intuition and the natural world, and remember a way of being that feels more human and whole.

7. What’s a question you ask to find out the most about a person?

One of my favorite tools to help someone get unstuck is Tarot. Tarot isn’t about predicting the future—it’s a way to access your intuition and see different perspectives on a situation. When you’re feeling uncertain, pulling a few cards can illuminate what’s really going on beneath the surface—your fears, desires, and possible paths ahead. It helps you connect with your inner wisdom so you can make decisions from a place of clarity and confidence, rather than overwhelm or doubt.

8. Where’s your favorite place to sit at your home?

My favorite spot is right on my PEMF mat laid out on the couch in our living room. It’s where I love to settle in with a good book.

9. Where’s your favorite hotel or place to vacation?

Right now, I’m really enjoying camping in our new pop-up camper and exploring local state and national parks. Being outside in nature and having simple, quiet time feels really good. I also love Italy — it feels like a place that calls to me. I’m actually planning to host a retreat there in 2026, which I’m really excited about.

10. How can people find out more about you and follow you?

You can learn more about my work and stay connected in a few ways: Join the Trust the Universe membership and listen to the podcast I co-host with my friend Missy Toy Ozeas. Follow me on Instagram, Subscribe to my Substack newsletter, The Sunday Soother, for weekly inspiration and practical tips. You can also visit my website anytime to explore coaching, courses, and more.

Thank you, Catherine!

xoxo,

Rachel