What is giftedness in adults?
Giftedness, also called high intellectual potential, describes people whose intellectual abilities are well above average. It is usually identified through a cognitive assessment carried out by a psychologist, with an IQ score of around 130 or more, but it is more than a number: many gifted adults describe a fast, branching way of thinking, intense curiosity, strong emotional sensitivity and a deep sense of fairness.
Giftedness is not a disorder and does not need treatment in itself. Yet many gifted adults come to therapy because they feel out of step with others, bored or under-stimulated, or worn out by the intensity of their thoughts and emotions. Some only discover their profile as adults, sometimes after one of their children has been assessed. Living abroad can add to this: a new language, a new job and the loss of a familiar circle can bring old feelings of being different back to the surface.
On this page you will find an overview of giftedness in adults, the difficulties that often lead to therapy, the approaches that can help, and therapists from our network who work with gifted clients, in person or online.
Common traits and experiences
- Fast, associative thinking that jumps from one idea to the next
- Intense curiosity and a need for meaning, complexity and challenge
- Strong emotional and sensory sensitivity; feeling things deeply
- A strong sense of fairness and difficulty accepting inconsistency
- Perfectionism, self-criticism and fear of failure
- A feeling of being different, misunderstood or too much; difficulty finding peers
- Boredom at work or in studies, or underachievement despite real abilities
These traits vary a lot from one person to another, and none of them is enough on its own to identify giftedness. Giftedness can also coexist with ADHD, autism or learning differences such as dyslexia: this is sometimes called twice-exceptional (2e).
Difficulties that can lead to therapy
- Anxiety, overthinking and rumination
- Low self-esteem or impostor syndrome despite visible success
- Burnout, often after years of over-adapting to others
- Existential questions and a lack of meaning at work
- Relationship difficulties or a sense of isolation
- Low mood or depression
How therapy can help gifted adults
A therapist familiar with giftedness helps you understand how you function, without turning your profile into a label or a problem. Therapy can help you:
- Make sense of your history and of the feeling of being different
- Calm overthinking and manage emotional intensity
- Soften perfectionism and self-criticism
- Find work and a pace of life that match your need for meaning and stimulation
- Build relationships in which you feel understood
- Decide whether a formal assessment would be useful to you
Therapy approaches that can help
- Psychotherapy and counselling with a therapist who knows giftedness
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety, perfectionism and rumination
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness, to step back from thoughts and act according to your values
- Coaching for career choices and transitions
- Psychological assessment (cognitive testing) by a qualified psychologist, when you want a clear answer
Sessions can take place in person or online, in the language you feel most at ease in.
Practical tips for everyday life
- Feed your curiosity: projects, learning and challenges outside work
- Set limits on overthinking: write ideas down and set aside time to reflect
- Look for like-minded people, clubs or associations for gifted adults
- Plan time to rest: intensity also tires the mind and the body
- Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend
When to seek help
Consider talking to a therapist if you feel lasting anxiety, exhaustion, emptiness or isolation, or if these difficulties affect your work, relationships or sleep. You do not need a formal assessment to start therapy: many people explore the question with their therapist first.
If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified professional.
