Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Resources

Being a Highly Sensitive Person means your nervous system processes the world deeply. You may notice subtleties others miss, feel emotions intensely, and be strongly affected by your environment, relationships, and inner experience.

Sensitivity is not a diagnosis, a disorder, or something to “fix.” It’s a temperament — one that comes with both challenges and profound strengths.

Many HSPs grow up learning to override their needs, push through overwhelm, or doubt themselves. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, exhaustion, emotional shutdown, or feeling misunderstood in relationships.

Learning about sensitivity can be a powerful first step toward self-understanding, self-compassion, and nervous-system care.

The concept of the Highly Sensitive Person was first researched and named by Elaine Aron, PhD. Her work has helped millions of people recognize sensitivity as a natural, biologically based trait rather than a weakness.

Elaine Aron’s website:
https://hsperson.com

Her site includes research on high sensitivity, self-tests and educational articles, and guidance for HSPs in relationships, work, and parenting.

Recommended books by Elaine Aron include The Highly Sensitive Person, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, and The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook. These books offer a compassionate and accessible way to understand sensitivity, relationships, boundaries, and self-care.

Not everyone who is sensitive identifies as an HSP — and not every HSP struggles. If these descriptions resonate, trust your own experience. Take what feels helpful, and leave the rest.

If you’d like support exploring sensitivity in the context of relationships, trauma, or emotional patterns, working with a therapist who understands nervous-system sensitivity can be especially helpful.

Mindful

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The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy.

Reading content on this website, including descriptions of therapy approaches, resources, or tools, does not establish a therapist–client relationship with TwoStory Therapy, Robyn Dye, LPC, or Joshua Dye, LCSW.

Therapy services are only provided within the context of a formal therapeutic relationship, which begins after informed consent, appropriate assessment, and completion of required intake documentation.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or believe you may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, please seek immediate assistance by calling 911, 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or your local emergency room.