The Highly Sensitive Person trait
The Highly Sensitive Person trait or Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is genetic, applies equally to men and women and it 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
- Emotional Responsiveness/Empathy
- Sensitive to Subtleties/Sensory Stimuli
Do you process info deeply? * Feel both positive and negative experiences strongly? * Notice subtleties that others often miss like changes in the environment, social cues, etc.? * Find your senses are overwhelmed at times by bright lights, loud noises, itchy fabrics?
Check out the HSP Self-Test by Dr. Elaine Aron at hsperson.com.
I really, 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 adults greatly benefit (learn, grow and thrive!!!) from reframing their life experiences (especially negative ones) when they discover they have the HSP trait. Many Highly Sensitive People feel as if they don’t fit in and never have. They have been told all their lives they are too sensitive and/or too intense. They have come to believe there is something inherently wrong with them! Many 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 primarily with having a finely tuned nervous system!