Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and apparatus for increased sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor. The method and apparatus may comprise a sensing element with a plurality of multi-operation electrodes configured to operate as one of a transmission electrode and a reception electrode to increase the strength of the sensing field. Each of the multi-operation electrodes may be selectively operated by a detection circuit to couple one multi-operation electrode to an amplifier and each remaining multi-operation electrode to a voltage source.