Do you suspect that either you, or someone you know may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

Have you completed the original (highly respected) Online HSP TEST ?

Click on the button below to begin your journey of discovery….

PLEASE NOTE: This is a personality Trait - and in the academic world, the HSP trait can be also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) - It is important to understand that the HSP TRAIT is very different to the disorder called

‘Sensory Processing Disorder’.

Understanding this trait can be truly life-changing!

If you haven’t already please start here by either taking the test yourself or supporting someone you care about to complete it:

Take the HSP Test on Dr Elaine Aron’s website, the global expert on HSPs. Her research reveals that 20% of the population (approximately 1.2 to 1.8 billion people worldwide) are HSPs. (Some of the latest research puts the percentage as high as 30% of our population)

She has authored many books and academic papers, and she is seen as the world leading academic expert on the subject of High Sensitivity after “beginning the study of the innate temperament trait of high sensitivity in 1991, she, along with her husband Dr. Arthur Aron, are two of the leading scientists studying the psychology of love and close relationships”. They have been a part of films, documentaries, and many Utube clips are available for you to watch and learn from.

News flash:

If you are a HSP - There’s nothing wrong with you!

Sensitivity exists on a spectrum - many will exhibit traits to varying degrees. You need to understand what your needs are to prevent the overwhelm (it is that simple !!!)

What It Means to Be a HSP

HSPs experience heightened sensitivity to emotional, sensory, and environmental factors.

On the upside - this can help us to read the subtleties and nuances in people and situations quickly & accurately. We truly enjoy the beauty in things that we can see, smell, touch and sense.

We rarely enjoy ‘surface’ conversations, pleasantries or learning….Preferring instead to dive deeply into things that make our hearts sing, or that stimulate deep and rich conversations that benefit all involved. We tend to do better if we take the time to pause and reflect deeply - This is also referred too as deep processing. This also means that we can feel rattled or discombobulated if we are expected to rush, or attempt to get a lot done in a short amount of time - We can’t stand people putting time pressures on us !

We tend to avoid anything violent, and do better if we don’t watch real life terrible events on TV or Social Media, partly because we can recall and replay them very easily and then often we are affected physically, emotionally and mentally.

We are more easily overwhelmed - This is because we notice (and feel) EVERYTHING and we are affected by it ALL deeply….Particularly if our environments are chaotic, loud, too bright, smelly, overly cluttered or unclean. (Think about how you feel in noisy, overcrowded restaurants with bright lighting, music playing, and then the noise of people talking and the kitchen staff banging around preparing food and drinks!)

30% of all HSP’s are EXTROVERTED. Which in itself is a weird combination, because if you are (like me) then you need quiet and solo time to recover after any type of extroverted peopling !!

(Interesting fact: Introverted HSP’s are often not ‘SHY’ - they have been mislabelled from childhood.) 70% of HSP’S are Introverted.

Scroll DOWN to the bottom of this page for some Blogs you may find helpful on being a HSP in a world that is not built for HSP’s.

Dr Elaine Aron came up with a simple model that helps to explain the trait beautifully it is called the D.O.E.S. MODEL.

The D.O.E.S. model, is often used to understand and describe the high sensitivity personality trait. It stands for Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Responsivity/Empathy, and Sensitive to Subtleties. 

This link will take to you more in-depth research on Dr Aron’s website regarding the DOES Model and her latest responses to questions posed.

Here's a breakdown of each aspect: 

• D: Depth of Processing:

  Highly sensitive individuals tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly, whilst noticing details that others might miss.

• O: Overstimulation:

  They are more easily overwhelmed by sensory input (sounds, sights, smells, touch etc.) and can experience sensory overload.

• E: Emotional Responsivity/Empathy:

  They have a heightened capacity for emotional understanding and empathy, often feeling deeply the emotions of others.

• S: Sensitive to Subtleties:

  They are particularly attuned to subtle cues and nuances in their environment and in social interactions.

This is the model that most therapist (who know about the trait) would use as a guide before asking you to do the online test of Dr E Aron.

Are you a Sensitive Man ?

Well it is estimated that around 50% of all HSP’s are Men. So welcome to the global club !!! There are lots of specific resources to help you on this journey - But I will start with one of the newest website additions. It is a Website by William (Bill) Allen who has also written a few books that you may find helpful. Most men show lower test scores when they do it online test - it has been found that has more to do with the western societal upbringings and the cultural norms of the countries where they have been raised. Once men have learned more about the trait and found ways to take care of their needs, they will naturally test higher after accepting their sensitivity as a strength. The world needs more HSP Men in my opinion !!! There have been documentaries, podcasts, and books written specifically to help raise awareness about how different it is to be a male with this trait - Please do some research and reach out to me if you need a hand.

What It Means to Be an EMPATH

Empaths, often score very highly on the HSP scale - it is important to note that not all HSPs are empaths. (Check out Dr Judith Orloff’s research or my blogs for more on this.)

Empaths and highly sensitive people (HSPs) share a natural tendency to "absorb" or take on the emotions and feelings of others, but empaths also possess more developed intuition and will absorb emotions, and even aches and pains from others and they will (sadly) act like giant porous sponges. 

The following is the best definition I have found to explain the two in simple terms:

“Empaths - Definition:

Empaths are individuals who are highly attuned to the emotions, thoughts, and energies of others, often feeling what others feel at a deep emotional level. 

Key Characteristics:

• Heightened Sensitivity: They possess a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and moods of others, often feeling emotions as their own. 

  1. Intuition: Empaths often have a strong sense of intuition and can sense subtle cues that others might miss. 

  2. Emotional Absorption: They can easily absorb the emotions of those around them, sometimes feeling overwhelmed or drained. 

  3. Compassion and Empathy: They are naturally compassionate and empathetic, often feeling a strong urge to help and alleviate the suffering of others. 

  4. Difficulty with Boundaries: Empaths may struggle to set boundaries, which can lead to emotional overload and burnout. 

     Potential Challenges:

  • Emotional Overload: The constant absorption of emotions can lead to feeling overwhelmed and drained. 

  • Anxiety and Depression: The heightened sensitivity to negative emotions can contribute to anxiety and depression. 

  • Burnout: The constant effort to help others can lead to burnout if boundaries are not set. 

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) - Definition:

HSPs are individuals who have a more reactive nervous system, making them more sensitive to stimuli and experiences. 

• Key Characteristics:

  • Sensory Sensitivity: They are more sensitive to sensory stimuli like lights, sounds, smells, and touch. 

  • Emotional Sensitivity: They are also more sensitive to emotional stimuli, both their own and others'. 

  • Need for Alone Time: HSPs often need time alone to recharge and process their experiences. 

  • Overwhelm: They can easily become overwhelmed by sensory or emotional overload. 

  Overlap with Empaths:

  There's a significant overlap between HSPs and empaths, as both groups share a heightened sensitivity to the world around them. 

  Differences:

  While HSPs are sensitive to all stimuli - EMPATH’s are specifically attuned to the emotions and energies of others.”

  I hope you have found this explanation helpful? Caroline F

A key question: How do you manage overstimulation of your senses?

A: Learning about your needs, or the needs of someone who is either a HSP &/or an EMPATH who is in your life is critical.

Learning new ways to achieve a sense of calm in your nervous system can transform relationships, health, self-care, and daily well-being.

Is Being on the Autism Spectrum the same as Being a Highly Sensitive Person?

Sometimes HIGH SENSITIVITY can OVERLAP some of the NEURODIVERGENT TRAITS. Occasionally HSP’s can be both a HSP and Neurodivergent - As both of these traits are on a scale, it does make it trickier to untangle the parts….But more research is going into these areas every day around the world. It wont be long before we have a huge library of research to devour.

For Now - On this subject, I tend to follow Dr Julie Bjelland as she identifies as both, and is a very experienced American psychotherapist. She has amazing FREE RESOURCES and Julie Bjellend’s HSP Courses are one’s I always highly recommend. Her Podcast is definitely worth a listen to as well. Particularly the PODCAST episodes with ‘Willow McIntosh’ (From the UK) as her co-host. He talks from a male perspective with the trait, but he also identifies as a HIGH SENSATION SEEKING HSP (Listen to this Podcast). I am one of the 50% who identify with the ‘High Sensation Seeking’ aspect too - This aspect is known as the acronym HSS, and this adds another dimension to the trait again !!

HIGH SENSATION SEEKING (HSS) HSP

A small note on being a HSS-HSP:

“HSP’s are less impulsive and don't often act without thinking first. If they want a new, exciting experience, a HSP must first learn about it (in depth). However for a High Sensation Seeking (HSS) HSP it is more about being easily bored and liking variations in one's routine, such as taking a different trip or trying new foods”.

An example is that a HSS - HSP might decide to go sky diving, but they will research the company, location and ensure they have all the proper safety equipment and insurances in place first !!! They need to know the risks and have planned for them in advance.

Here is a great article from the Highly Sensitive Refuge on 8 signs that you are a HS HSS PERSON.

Dr Tracey Cooper is a well known PHD expert on this subject and has written a book which is defiantly worth reading. His latest research has discovered that approximately 50% of all HSP’s are also HSS. He also talks alot about being a Highly Sensitive Man. Very insightful !!! His book is titled: “Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person”.