How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15-20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 326, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

How Highly Sensitive People Can Navigate Overstimulation in Relationships

Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) means experiencing the world with heightened depth and intensity. While this sensitivity brings profound emotional connections and deep understanding in relationships, it can also lead to overstimulation—especially in high-energy social settings, conflict situations, or when navigating the everyday emotional exchanges of a close partnership. HSP psychology identifies this trait as a nervous system that is more reactive and responsive to emotional and environmental input. HSP people often notice subtleties that others miss, which can make everyday interactions—including close relationships—more intense.

Not sure if you or your partner is HSP? Take our free assessment.

If you’ve ever felt drained after a long conversation with your partner or overwhelmed by your loved one’s emotions, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right boundaries, self-care strategies, and communication techniques, you can build a relationship that supports your sensitivity rather than overwhelms it.

Why Do HSPs Experience Overstimulation in Relationships?

These patterns are connected to key HSP traits such as deep processing, emotional intensity, and sensory sensitivity. Understanding these core HSP traits can help you reframe your experience with more self-compassion and insight. Highly Sensitive People process sensory and emotional input more deeply than others. This means that:

Intense conversations—even positive ones—can leave you mentally exhausted.
Crowded or high-energy environments (like loud restaurants or social events) might make you feel drained before your partner does.
Emotional mirroring—picking up on and absorbing your partner’s emotions—can lead to emotional overload.
Conflict or criticism can feel overwhelming, making it harder to communicate your needs effectively.

According to Dr. Elaine Aron, the psychologist who coined the term Highly Sensitive Person, HSPs process emotions more deeply due to differences in their nervous systems, making them more susceptible to overstimulation in relationships.

Understanding these patterns is the first step toward navigating them with intention.

1. Setting Gentle But Firm Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about preserving your energy so you can show up fully in your relationships. Some ways to establish them:

Physical Space: If you feel overstimulated, communicate your need for quiet time without guilt. A simple “I need a little downtime to recharge, but I’d love to reconnect later” can go a long way.
Emotional Energy: If you tend to absorb your partner’s emotions, remind yourself: Their emotions are theirs; mine are mine. Journaling, visualization techniques (like imagining an energetic boundary around yourself), or even stepping outside for fresh air can help reset.
Social Commitments: If socializing drains you, work with your partner to find a balance—perhaps alternating between quiet date nights and social outings.

“One of the most important things HSPs can do in relationships is set boundaries that allow them to recharge emotionally. Without this, overstimulation can lead to exhaustion and resentment.”

— Lisa Chen, HSP Therapist in Hermosa Beach

Remember: Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary act of self-care.

2. HSP Self Care: A Relationship Strengthener

Many HSPs put their partner’s needs before their own. While this generosity is beautiful, neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout and resentment. Self-care is essential—not just for you, but for the health of your relationship.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Dim lighting, soft music, or cozy spaces can help regulate your nervous system when you need to decompress. For some sensory helpers, find out what our HSP therapists recommend.
Develop a Wind-Down Ritual: After emotionally intense conversations, take time to reset—whether through meditation, a warm bath, or quiet reflection.
Mindful Alone Time: Even in happy relationships, HSPs often need solitude to process. Let your partner know that alone time isn’t about withdrawing from them—it’s about recharging so you can show up more fully.

“Many HSPs thrive when they create an intentional self-care routine that allows them to balance their deep emotional connections with their need for solitude. ”

— Jessica Slavin, AMFT, HSP Therapist at Lisa Chen & Associates

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of emotional well-being—both for you and your relationship.

3. Communicating Your Needs With Compassion

Many HSPs struggle with expressing their needs, fearing they’ll be seen as too sensitive or high-maintenance. But your sensitivity is not a burden—it’s a strength. Here’s how to communicate effectively:

Use "I" Statements: Instead of “You’re overwhelming me,” try “I feel overstimulated and need a moment to recharge.” This shifts the focus to your experience rather than blaming your partner.
Share Your Processing Style: If you need extra time to process emotions, let your partner know. A simple “I need a little time to think before responding” can prevent miscommunication.
Ask for What You Need: Your partner can’t read your mind. If you need more quiet time, a slower pace, or reassurance in certain situations, communicate it clearly and kindly.

“Open and clear communication is the key to making relationships work for HSPs. When you share your needs from a place of self-awareness, it builds trust and understanding.”

— Lisa Chen, HSP therapist in Hermosa Beach

Vulnerability fosters connection. Expressing your needs helps create a relationship where both you and your partner feel understood and supported.

Finding Support from an HSP Therapist in Los Angeles or Hermosa Beach

Being an HSP in a relationship isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about finding ways to navigate connection without overwhelm. When you set healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care, and communicate your needs with clarity, your sensitivity becomes an asset rather than a challenge.

The more you understand the foundations of HSP psychology, the more empowered you’ll feel to work with your sensitivity rather than against it. Learning to honor your HSP traits—through boundaries, communication, and nervous system regulation—can radically shift how you show up in your relationships.

If you’re struggling with overstimulation in your relationship, working with a therapist who understands HSPs can make all the difference. At our Hermosa Beach therapy practice, we specialize in helping Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) navigate relationships, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles, Hermosa Beach, or anywhere in California via telehealth, we provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Want to explore personalized tools for your relationship as an HSP? Book a free consultation today to start feeling more grounded, connected, and understood.