The Highly Sensitive Person trait
The Highly Sensitive Person trait or Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is genetic, applies equally to both men and women and has more to do with a finely tuned nervous system than difficulty with managing strong emotions.
Dr. Aron has identified FOUR Domains related to the HSP trait which help us to understand that being Highly Sensitive is more than being “too sensitive” or “too emotional.”
- Depth of Processing
- Overstimulation
- Emotional Responsiveness/Empathy
- Sensitive to Subtleties/Sensory Stimuli
Do you reflect deeply on life events? * Do you notice subtleties and connections that others might miss? * Do you enjoy deeply connecting with others? * Do you have a need for downtime or are you sensitive to criticism? * Are you prone to overstimulation? * Does time pressure make you feel stressed? * Do you pick up on others’ feelings easily?
Check out the HSP Self-Test by Dr. Elaine Aron at hsperson.com.
I really love working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP)! I am an HSP myself and I truly believe it takes a Highly Sensitive therapist to effectively work with people who have this trait. Highly Sensitive People’s experience of the world tends to be sooooo very different from non-HSP’s. Not better or worse, just different.
Highly Sensitive people tend to benefit greatly from reframing their life experiences (especially negative ones) when they discover they have the HSP trait. Many Highly Sensitive People feel as if they have never really “fit in.” They have been told repeatedly they are too sensitive and/or too intense. Some have come to believe there is something inherently wrong with them!
Some HSPs have been diagnosed with mental health disorders due to their sensitivity and others’ lack of understanding about this personality trait. High Sensitivity is NOT a disorder, but a very unique trait that has to do with having a finely tuned nervous system, empathy, deep processing and ability to pick up on subtleties in the environment. We actually have an exceptional ability to help ourselves and others while changing the world around us. Let me help you figure out how to make this trait work for you!