Therapy for Rejection Sensitivity 

What is Rejection Sensitivity?​

Rejection sensitivity is not a flaw — it’s a pattern often rooted in early experiences of inconsistency, neglect, or criticism. It can also appear alongside ADHD, trauma, or attachment challenges.

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Rejection sensitivity has been linked to heightened emotional reactivity and self-criticism, which can amplify stress and interpersonal conflict.

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Common Signs of Rejection Sensitivity​

• Feeling anxious about being disliked or judged

• Overanalyzing texts, tone, or facial expressions

• Feeling crushed by mild criticism

• Avoiding relationships or opportunities for fear of rejection

• Mood swings after perceived slights

• Difficulty setting boundaries or expressing needs

 

If you find yourself thinking, “They must be upset with me,” or replaying interactions for hours, rejection sensitivity may be impacting your emotional well-being.

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How Does Rejection Sensitivity Develop?​

Rejection sensitivity often develops from:

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• Early emotional neglect or inconsistent caregiving

• Experiences of bullying, criticism, or exclusion

• Trauma or attachment disruptions

• Chronic self-criticism or perfectionism

• ADHD or other neurodivergent experiences (sometimes referred to as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)

 

Therapy provides space to process these experiences and build tools to regulate your emotions and respond more confidently.

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When Should I Seek Therapy For Rejection Sensitivity?​​

You might benefit from therapy if rejection sensitivity is:

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• Making you avoid relationships or social settings

• Causing emotional ups and downs

• Leading to self-criticism or isolation

• Interfering with work, friendships, or intimacy

 

Therapy can help you regulate emotions, strengthen self-worth, and experience relationships with more confidence and ease.

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How Can Reclaim Psychotherapy Help?​​

Our therapists use a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you move from self-doubt and hypervigilance to trust and resilience.

We may draw from:

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• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Builds self-compassion to soothe inner shame and fear of disapproval.

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps you identify and process emotional pain connected to rejection.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Teaches acceptance of discomfort and commitment to valued actions.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Challenges catastrophic or rejection-based thinking.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Supports inner confidence and helps you take steps toward connection despite fear.

 

Therapy can help you feel less reactive, more secure, and more at peace with yourself in relationships.

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