How do you know if you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

If you are a highly sensitive person (HSP), then the way you perceive stimulus in your environment will be heightened, which includes trauma. Known as sensory processing sensitivity, it’s thought that 15 – 20% of the population are HSPs.

The highly sensitive person (HSP) is a term that first arose due to research from Dr Elaine Aron around three decades ago. Since that time, more research has been carried out and there is more clarity to help people who are unsure whether they are an HSP.

HSPs are easily overstimulated and more prone to overwhelm and self-reflection, but they are also very empathetic and aware of other’s feelings. These people are often highly creative and have a heightened attention to detail, which can be very useful traits.

HSPs process information on a deep level and may become easily upset by a disturbing image, violent film or a noisy environment. People with heightened sensitivity need more time to process and recover from overwhelming experiences. When it comes to trauma, the key is to understand how you or your child are processing past or present events. HSPs often need some support to guide them through their anxious feelings or overwhelm.

Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether we have been shaped by our experiences or whether we were highly sensitive beforehand. Although HSP shares similarities with autism, it’s important to recognise there are differences and these neuro-complex conditions can overlap. Adults and children who are HSPs or have autism can respond in similar ways to overwhelming situations and trauma.

Do you believe that you or your child could be a highly sensitive person (HSP)? We can work together on a 121 basis to look at ways to process any destructive behaviours differently. We will go at your pace to open up space, so either you or your child can start feeling better. There are tools and strategies that we can use to start shifting any behaviours that are causing blocks.