Highly Sensitive Persons
What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
In 1991, Dr. Elaine Aron began researching a personality trait that she found to be prevalent in 15-20% of the population. She coined the term “Highly Sensitive Person,” or “HSP” for short. Individuals who have this trait are extremely sensitive to their environment, especially sensory stimuli. They are also deep thinkers, often creative, and experience social situations with high emotional attunement. HSPs tend to get overwhelmed easily, and may become more quickly fatigued by stimuli or social engagements. This trait is a strength, however, can also be a liability if the HSP is neglectful with mindfulness and coping strategies to manage their sensitivity.¹
¹Aron, Elaine. “The Highly Sensitive Person.” hsperson.com.
How do I know if I am a HSP?
Dr. Elaine Aron has an online self-test to determine if you possess some of the traits of a Highly Sensitive Person. Individuals who qualify as Highly Sensitive Persons may experience the following:
sensitivity to your environment and other people
increased social intuition and awareness of others
significant enjoyment from pleasant sensory stimuli (food, music, art)
feeling overwhelmed by unpleasant sensory stimuli (loud noises, strong smells)
being a deep, complex thinker
feeling stressed when you have a lot to do
disgust watching violent media
avoidant or withdrawing behavior
needing to “recharge” after a highly social or energetic day
How can therapy be beneficial to HSPs?
Having the HSP trait can be beneficial, especially to those in creative and social professions. HSPs also benefit from compartmentalization and boundaries. Therapy is a dedicated space for you to lean into your sensitivities, process deep emotions and thoughts, and develop strategies to manage them. You can learn about your strengths and how they can move you towards your goals. A HSP must also remain mindful of how this trait may also affect them negatively. A therapist can help you identify where the HSP trait is not serving you and develop a coping toolbox for managing strong emotions. Many clients also find it helpful to process interpersonal issues in therapy. For the HSP, this can include brainstorming how to improve relationships in your life, how boundaries can be set, and how to balance self-care and social connection.
Resources for HSPs
The following are resources that HSPs may find helpful. Since HSPs tend to do things thoroughly and intentionally, there are many communities of HSPs out there!
Dr. Elaine Aron’s Website: The Highly Sensitive Person