When I first started my parenting journey 18 years ago, I was not familiar with the work of Dr. Elaine Aron or the highly sensitive trait. All I knew at the time was everything felt like it was just too much. I felt continually overwhelmed and like there was something wrong with me that I couldn’t quite figure things out in the ways that others seemed able to. I had no understanding of the highly sensitive person nervous system, but would eventually discover that regulating my nervous system was essential to thriving as an HSP.... Read More
HSP Journey
HSP Journey is a place for you to share your stories, discuss common traits within those who consider themselves highly sensitive, and be sensitive and be free.
10 Incredible Strengths of Being a Highly Sensitive Person
Many people have heard of the term Highly Sensitive Person but may not fully grasp the incredible strengths associated with this unique trait. Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) isn't only about heightened emotional sensitivity; rather, it encompasses a range of amazing qualities that can contribute to a rich and fulfilling life. In fact, by claiming these ten incredible strengths of being a Highly Sensitive Person, you too can gain confidence and experience freedom in understanding your sensitivity trait.... Read More
Is There a Link Between Chronic Illness and the Highly Sensitive Person?
As someone who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since childhood, I often wondered, is there a link between chronic illness and the Highly Sensitive Person? I have a lot of personal experience with this issue and find that my clients also struggle with more chronic conditions than the average person. ... Read More
Loving Fall and Hating Halloween as an HSP
If you're anything like me as a Highly Sensitive Person, you love fall more than any other season. The transition between summer and fall offers nearly perfect weather (depending on where you live), a perk in the air of change, a shift in energy, and pumpkin-spice everything. While I love fall, I hate Halloween as an HSP because this holiday tends to focus on all things scary. I have memories from my childhood of being frightened (and I scare easily), I don't like scary movies, and I don't like blood, gore, or anything related to the occult. I adore fall, but Halloween not so much.... Read More
3 Distinctions Between HSP and Autism
As you embark on a journey to understand yourself better as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), you may notice some overlap between traits of HSP and autism. In fact, many are unsure if they are a Highly Sensitive Person or if they are autistic, and few resources are available to give a meaningful distinction between the two.... Read More
Do Highly Sensitive People Change as They Age? (6 Ways to Support HSP Aging Process)
As a psychologist, I’m frequently asked if I believe that people can change as adults. Frankly, I don’t think I could have lasted a quarter of a century in this field if my answer weren’t an emphatic YES! Adults can and do change across their lifespans, despite the cliches of the grumpy elder who is stuck in their ways. Let’s look at HSP Aging from the research about adult development and how we can use this information to support ourselves as aging highly sensitive people (HSPs).... Read More