Understanding Misophonia: Living with Sound Sensitivity and Finding Support

For many people, everyday sounds like chewing, breathing, or tapping are just part of life’s background. But for those living with misophonia, these same sounds can trigger intense emotional and physical reactions — from irritation or anxiety to anger or panic.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and your experience is valid.

💭 What Is Misophonia?

The advocacy organisation soQuiet describes misophonia as a complex, multi-sensory disorder that spans audiology, neurobiology, and psychology. People with misophonia experience strong emotional, physiological, and behavioural reactions to specific sounds — or even visual cues linked to those sounds — reactions that most others would not have.
Because of this, misophonia isn’t simply a matter of “just ignoring” the sound; the nervous system is genuinely reacting as though something threatening is happening.

Common triggers can include chewing, sniffing, pen-clicking, repetitive tapping, or certain speech sounds. For some, even seeing these actions can bring up a similar emotional response.

🌧️ The Emotional Impact

Living with misophonia can be exhausting and isolating. You might find yourself avoiding social situations, feeling misunderstood by friends or family, or experiencing guilt and shame about your reactions. It can affect relationships, routines, and your overall sense of wellbeing.

Many people describe feeling constantly “on edge,” waiting for the next trigger. This heightened alertness often stems from the body’s natural fight, flight, or freeze response — the nervous system reaction to perceived threat. Over time, this ongoing stress can lead to anxiety, frustration, and emotional fatigue.

🌱 How Counselling Can Help

Therapy offers a safe, understanding space to explore the emotional and practical impact of misophonia.
When we work together, I’ll listen with care to your experiences and how misophonia affects your life, relationships, and sense of self.

We’ll look at what happens for you when you’re triggered, and gently explore ways to manage those moments — building awareness of your body’s responses and learning how to soothe your nervous system.

Together, we might:

• Develop a personal toolkit of grounding techniques, sensory strategies, and supports.

• Explore healthy boundaries that protect your wellbeing while maintaining connection with others.

• Work on communication skills to express your needs clearly and confidently.

• Understand any underlying emotional responses, such as shame, fear, or frustration, that can intensify the experience.

Sometimes small, thoughtful adjustments — such as using gentle background white noise machines or apps, changing seating arrangements, or creating calm spaces — can make a real difference. Over time, these changes, along with increased self-awareness and self-compassion, can help you feel more at ease in your daily life.

💛 You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Living with misophonia can be deeply challenging, but it’s not a sign of weakness or oversensitivity. It’s a genuine and complex experience that deserves care, understanding, and support.

Counselling can help you better understand your reactions, reduce the sense of isolation, and build a calmer, more confident way of living with misophonia.

If this resonates with you and you’d like to know more about how we could work together, I welcome you to get in touch.