How it works
A Toolkit Built for Your Nervous System
Your nervous system processes information more thoroughly than most. That's powerful — and it requires the right support. Sia meets you exactly where you are, with tools designed around how sensitivity actually works.
The Misunderstood Reality
What people often say
- ×"Just toughen up"
- ×"You're being too sensitive"
- ×"Stop overthinking everything"
- ×"Just push through it"
What's actually happening
- ✓Your nervous system processes information more deeply
- ✓You notice subtleties others miss
- ✓Your empathy and awareness are gifts
- ✓You need tools that work with your wiring, not against it
Psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron's research on Highly Sensitive People reveals this isn't a weakness or something to fix — it's a trait present in about 20% of the population. Your sensitivity is how your nervous system is wired, and it comes with both profound strengths and specific needs.
The Science Behind High Sensitivity
Research on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) has identified four core dimensions that characterize the highly sensitive trait. Understanding these helps explain why certain situations feel more intense for you — and how the right support can make a real difference.
Depth of Processing
You process information thoroughly, noticing implications and connections others might miss. You think deeply about decisions and naturally reflect on meanings and patterns.
How Sia addresses this →
Every technique includes clear explanations of why it works, honoring your need to understand the science and reasoning behind each approach.
Overstimulation
Your nervous system reaches sensory or emotional overload more quickly in high-stimulation environments. What others handle easily can drain your energy reserves faster.
How Sia addresses this →
Immediate support for overwhelming moments, plus tools to track your energy patterns and prevent hitting "empty" before it happens.
Emotional Reactivity & Empathy
You experience emotions deeply and naturally attune to others' feelings and needs. You walk into a room and instantly sense the emotional atmosphere.
How Sia addresses this →
Boundary-setting techniques that help you protect your energy while preserving your empathy and emotional depth.
Sensing the Subtle
You notice subtle changes in your environment — from shifts in mood to sensory details like changes in lighting, sound, or temperature that others don't register.
How Sia addresses this →
Tools to track the patterns you observe and validate what you're noticing, helping you learn from your acute awareness.
Want to learn more? Dr. Elaine Aron's book The Highly Sensitive Person is a great starting point, or visit hsperson.com for research and resources.
A note on neurodivergence: Sensory processing sensitivity often appears alongside ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent traits. Research shows significant overlap between high sensitivity and neurodivergence. Sia is not a medical app and does not diagnose or treat ADHD, autism, or other conditions. We focus specifically on supporting the sensory and emotional sensitivity aspects that many neurodivergent individuals experience, regardless of diagnosis.
How Sia Works
Sia's features are built around how sensitivity actually shows up in daily life. We combine immediate support with gentle long-term shifts — all explained in plain language.
Your Personal Sanctuary
Three spaces designed around how sensitive nervous systems work: Right Now for managing overstimulation, Toolkit for deep processing and understanding, and Growth & Insights for tracking the subtle patterns you notice.
Support for Real Moments
Not generic advice. Get specific guidance for specific situations — whether you're overwhelmed at a party, navigating a difficult conversation, or managing emotional intensity. Each situation includes immediate relief and deeper techniques.
The Why Behind Every Technique
You don't just want to know what to do — you want to understand why it works. Every technique includes the science and reasoning, respecting your depth of processing and natural curiosity.
Uncover Your Patterns
You notice things others miss. Track what matters to you — which situations drain your energy, which techniques help, and the subtle patterns in your sensory and emotional responses. All data stays private and local unless you choose to sync.
Your Data, Your Control
When you feel deeply, trust matters. Sia is local-first: your data stays on your device unless you explicitly choose to sync. Sign in with Apple, Google, or use Guest mode. Everything is encrypted where possible, with clear controls and explanations.
Why Sia Is Different
Built by HSPs, for HSPs — with a research-backed understanding of how high sensitivity actually works.
Nervous System First
Not productivity hacks or one-size-fits-all wellness. We focus on nervous system regulation based on how your sensitivity actually works.
Research-Backed
Grounded in decades of research on sensory processing sensitivity and high sensitivity. Every feature addresses real needs that sensitive people face.
Free Forever
No ads, no subscriptions, no freemium traps. We believe support for highly sensitive people should be accessible to everyone.
Help Us Keep Sia Free
Research-backed support for sensitive people should be accessible to everyone. If this approach resonates with you, consider supporting our mission with a donation on Ko-fi. Every contribution helps us build more tools designed around how your nervous system actually works.
Ready to try Sia?
Download the app and discover tools built for how your nervous system actually works. Or start by taking our quiz to understand your unique sensitivity profile.
Research & Attribution
Our understanding of high sensitivity is informed by decades of research on Sensory Processing Sensitivity, including the foundational work of psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron. For deeper learning, visit her official website or read The Highly Sensitive Person.
Sia is an independent app designed to support highly sensitive people. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Aron or her research organization. The four dimensions of sensitivity referenced here draw from peer-reviewed research in the field of sensory processing sensitivity.