Keep learning about the HSP trait: Tip #5 in the How to Thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person Series
Hello! I’m Bronwyn, therapist for Highly Sensitive people and women. As part of an interview with Authority Magazine on How to Thrive as a Highly Sensitive person, I summed up 5 tips for HSPs in this endeavor. The How to Thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person Series gives more detail to the 5 tips. Previously I’ve talked about:
Today I’ll close out the series by expanding on the last tip: continuing to learn about the HSP trait.
Although each of the tips on how to thrive as an HSP might sound easy in theory, they can prove quite tricky in practice. Thriving is not something that will magically change overnight. It will take time, effort, and patience. Part of what can help along that journey is continued learning and exposure to all things HSP.
Learn from HSP resources
Since 1996 when Dr. Elaine Aron published the first edition of The Highly Sensitive Person: How To Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, many more resources are now available. Dr. Aron has published The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook and many other books focusing on things including HSP parents, HSP romantic relationships, and Highly Sensitive children.
Dr. Aron’s work has inspired more research and a plethora of HSP resources. There are youtube channels, websites, books, podcasts, speakers, facebook and meet up groups all created to support Highly Sensitive people. I appreciate April Snow’s work in supporting HSPs through education, consultation, and therapy. Her podcast, Sensitive Stories, highlights HSP experiences in an accessible way.
Each of these resources can be a way to learn more about the HSP trait, which is one way to better understand yourself. It can also be a way to normalize and validate your experience that is likely to have felt misunderstood.
Learn with an HSP therapist or coach
Another way to better understand yourself is to engage in HSP therapy or HSP coaching. Dr. Aron has a list of HSP knowledgeable therapists and HSP knowledgeable coaches. If you’re looking for support with things like depression, anxiety, or healing past wounds, you’ll want to find a therapist. If you’re looking for specific help reaching personal or professional goals, you’ll want to find a coach.
Working 1:1 with an HSP therapist or coach is a great way to integrate your outside learning with knowing yourself better. Highly Sensitive people are wired to do really well in therapy!
Learn the HSP science
Are you more drawn to the science behind High Sensitivity? Bianca Acevedo, PhD has edited The Highly Sensitive Brain: Research, Assessment, and Treatment of Sensory Processing Sensitivity. In it, researchers including Elaine Aron, PhD and Jadzia Jagiellowicz detail topics like the neurobiology and clinical assessment of High Sensitivity.
You don’t have to do it all at once! That would be entirely too overwhelming for your HSP brain. Notice what catches your eye. Which resources pique your interest? What things that HSP experts are saying resonate with you? Trust yourself, experiment and play with this understanding of yourself. Use any resources to become a greater expert on yourself.
About the Author
I’m an HSP therapist who loves supporting women and HSPs to better understand the HSP trait and themselves. I opened Bronwyn Shiffer Psychotherapy to do just that.
I provide online therapy in Massachusetts, including Greater Boston, virtual therapy in Wisconsin, and telehealth therapy in Washington, DC. In addition to therapy for Highly Sensitive people, I also provide depression therapy and counseling for anxiety.
Interested in understanding yourself better?