Are you a 'highly sensitive person' (HSP)?
Effective solutions for those feeling overwhelmed
Have you often been told by people close to you that you are 'too shy' or 'too sensitive?'
Then you may be one of the 5-15% of the population who are born with heightened sensitivity.
Find out more by reading the checklist below.
Checklist for high sensitivity
The items below are adapted from the checklist by Elaine Aron, PhD, who carried out pioneering research into the trait of high sensitivity in the 1990s.
Noticing
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I seem to be aware of subtleties in my environment.
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Other people's moods affect me.
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When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment, I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating)
Appreciating
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I have a rich, complex inner life.
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I am deeply moved by music or the arts.
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I enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, and works of art.
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I am soothed by being in nature, in the forest or near the sea.
Avoiding
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I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations
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I find myself wanting to withdraw on busy days, into bed or a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation
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I make it a point to avoid violent movies, images, or TV shows.
Disliking
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I am made uncomfortable by loud noises.
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I get rattled when I have to do too many things at once.
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I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, or sirens close by.
Is it high sensitivity, giftedness or trauma?
High sensitivity can be a standalone trait, but it can also be an aspect of trauma. If this is the case, some of what you're struggling with can be eased through therapy.
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High sensitivity is also a common trait in giftedness.
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To complicate things further, highly sensitive and gifted people have often suffered early-life trauma.
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I am a trauma-therapist specialising in work with clients who are naturally sensitive, creative and gifted, and I have developed my unique integrative model specifically for you.