The Highly Sensitive Brain

The Highly Sensitive Brain is the first handbook to cover the science, measurement, and clinical discussion of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), a trait associated with enhanced responsivity, awareness, depth-of-processing and attunement to the environment and other individuals. Grounded in theoretical models of high sensitivity, this volume discusses the assessment of SPS in children and adults, as well as its health and social outcomes. This edition also synthesizes up-to-date research on the biological mechanisms associated with high sensitivity, such as its neural and genetic basis. It also discusses clinical issues related to SPS and seemingly-related disorders such as misophonia, a hyper-sensitivity to specific sounds. In addition, to practical assessment of SPS embedded throughout this volume is discussion of the biological basis of SPS, exploring why this trait exists and persists in humans and other species. The Highly Sensitive Brain is a useful handbook and may be of special interest to clinicians, physicians, health-care workers, educators, and researchers. Presents a neurobiological perspective of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) Provides assessment criteria and measurement tools for highly sensitive children and adults Discusses the health and social outcomes of being highly sensitive in children and adults Examines clinical issues related to high sensitivity Offers practical applications and a future vision for integrating high sensitivity in our society

The Highly Sensitive Brain covers the assessment, practice, and science of sensory sensitivity, for both clinicians and applied researchers. Focusing on the major theories of sensory processing sensitivity, it also presents the prevalence in humans and other species, the assessment and diagnosis in children and adults, and addresses overlapping symptoms and disorders. The book first describes the mechanisms underlying sensory processing sensitivity, then goes on to examine the neurobiological and genetic correlates of the trait in humans and in non-human species. The latter chapters overview therapies and interventions that have shown to improve the quality of life for individuals with moderate to high sensory processing sensitivity.

The 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION of the original ground-breaking book on high sensitivity with over 500,000 copies sold. ARE YOU A HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON? Do you have a keen imagination and vivid dreams? Is time alone each day as essential to you as food and water? Are you noted for your empathy? Your conscientiousness? Do noise and confusion quickly overwhelm you? If your answers are yes, you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and Dr. Elaine Aron’s The Highly Sensitive Person is the life-changing guide you’ll want in your toolbox. Over twenty percent of people have this amazing, innate trait. Maybe you are one of them. A similar percentage is found in over 100 species, because high sensitivity is a survival strategy. It is also a way of life for HSPs. In this 25th anniversary edition of the groundbreaking classic, Dr. Elaine Aron, a research and clinical psychologist as well as an HSP herself, helps you grasp the reality of your wonderful trait, understand your past in the light of it, and make the most of it in your future. Drawing on her many years of study and face-to-face time spent with thousands of HSPs, she explains the changes you will need to make in order to lead a fuller, richer life. Along with a new Author’s Note, the latest scientific research, and a fresh discussion of anti-depressants, this edition of The Highly Sensitive Person is more essential than ever for creating the sense of self-worth and empowerment every HSP deserves and our planet needs. “Elaine Aron has not only validated and scientifically corroborated high sensitivity as a trait—she has given a level of empowerment and understanding to a large group of the planet’s population. I thank Dr. Aron every day for her having brought this awareness to the world.” —Alanis Morissette, artist, activist, teacher

There are real differences in the HSP brain and Julie Bjelland, a psychotherapist who specializes in the highly sensitive has developed innovative tools specifically for HSPs in this 8-week training program. Feel true self-acceptance, improve your self-esteem and learn to access your HSP gifts and super strengths. Build skills to reduce overstimulation and overwhelming feelings. Learn how to get out of your intense emotional reactions and how to respond, instead of react, to emotions. Improve your health, strengthen your immune system and increase your energy levels. Discover new neuroscience and research about the real differences in your HSP brain.

The bestselling author and psychologist whose books have topped 240,000 copies in print now addresses the trait of “high sensitivity” in children–and offers a breakthrough parenting guidebook for highly sensitive children and their caregivers. With the publication of The Highly Sensitive Person, Elaine Aron became the first person to identify the inborn trait of “high sensitivity” and to show how it affects the lives of those who possess it. Up to 20 percent of the population is born highly sensitive, and now in The Highly Sensitive Child, Aron shifts her focus to highly sensitive children, who share the same characteristics as highly sensitive adults and thus face unique challenges as they grow up. Rooted in Aron’s years of experience as a psychotherapist and her original research on child temperament, The Highly Sensitive Child shows how HSCs are born deeply reflective, sensitive to the subtle, and easily overwhelmed. These qualities can make for smart, conscientious, creative children, but with the wrong parenting or schooling, they can become unusually shy or timid, or begin acting out. Few parents and teachers understand where this behavior comes from–and as a result, HSCs are often mislabeled as overly inhibited, fearful, or “fussy,”or classified as “problem children” (and in some cases, misdiagnosed with disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder). But raised with proper understanding and care, HSCs are no more prone to these problems than nonsensitive children and can grow up to be happy, healthy, well-adjusted adults. In this pioneering work, parents will find helpful self-tests and case studies to help them understand their HSC, along with thorough advice on: • The challenges of raising an highly sensitive child • The four keys to successfully parenting an HSC • How to soothe highly sensitive infants • Helping sensitive children survive in a not-so-sensitive world • Making school and friendships enjoyable With chapters addressing the needs of specific age groups, from newborns through teens, The Highly Sensitive Child delivers warmhearted, timely information for parents, teachers, and the sensitive children in their lives.

Do you fall in love hard, but fear intimacy? Are you sick of being told that you are “too sensitive”? Do you struggle to respect a less-sensitive partner? Or have you given up on love, afraid of being too sensitive or shy to endure its wounds? Statistics show that 50 percent of what determines divorce is genetic temperament. And, if you are one of the 20 percent of people who are born highly sensitive, the risk of an unhappy relationship is especially high. Your finely tuned nervous system, which picks up on subtleties and reflects deeply, would be a romantic asset if both you and your partner understood you better. But without that understanding, your sensitivity is likely to be making your close relationships painful and complicated. Based on Elaine N. Aron’s groundbreaking research on temperament and intimacy, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love offers practical help for highly sensitive people seeking happier, healthier romantic relationships. From low-stress fighting to sensitive sexuality, the book offers a wealth of practical advice on making the most of all personality combinations. Complete with illuminating self-tests and the results of the first survey ever done on sex and temperament, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love will help you discover a better way of living and loving.

An essential resource for anyone who has ever been called "too sensitive"--gain a deeper understanding of the what, why, and how of your natural intuitive abilities Do you struggle with small talk and prefer deep conversation? Are you extremely sensitive to other people's moods and feel exhausted after being in crowd? Do people describe you as highly perceptive? If you've answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, you may be a Highly Intuitive Person--someone who is sensitive to the energies of others and experiences the world through the deeper senses. Also known as Intuitive-Sensitives and similar to Highly Sensitive People, Highly Intuitive People are said to make up 15-20% of the population. They are often described as being calm, caring, and extremely wise and 'knowing'. Based on Heidi Sawyer's years of experience as an intuitive mentor, Highly Intuitive People provides a roadmap for anyone who wants to understand their natural intuitive abilities--how they got them, what they're for, and how best to use them. Become one of the thousands of people who have benefited from Sawyer's revolutionary techniques and become a happier, more empowered Intuitive-Sensitive.

A psychotherapist and workshop leader presents a comprehensive collection of pre-tested exercises developed to enhance the lives of highly sensitive people and help them embrace their unique trait.

Many Highly Sensitive People find our chaotic, modern world very challenging. You might often feel misunderstood, have high-stress levels and are overwhelmed a lot. You Are Not Alone. Fortunately, there is a way to feel better and in this book, we explore strategies that will empower you to reach your goals, live your best life, and help you access your gifts and strengths. Author Julie Bjelland is a psychotherapist, global HSP consultant, and leader in the field of high sensitivity and has helped thousands of highly sensitive people around the world. As an HSP herself, Julie understands what it is like to live with high sensitivity and strong emotions. Julie teaches an online course for HSPs and is the author of several books. Want to download and read the ebook version instantly? Visit www.empoweredhsp.com.

First, she taught you the value of your highly sensitive nature in her bestselling classic The Highly Sensitive Person. Now, Dr. Elaine Aron is back to teach you how to utilize your sensitivity to tackle a new challenge: Parenthood. Parenting is the most valuable and rewarding job in the world, and also one of the most challenging. This is especially true for highly sensitive people. Highly sensitive parents are unusually attuned to their children. They think deeply about every issue affecting their kids and have strong emotions, both positive and negative, in response. For highly sensitive people, parenting offers unique stresses—but the good news is that sensitivity can also be a parent’s most valuable asset, leading to increased personal joy and a closer, happier relationship with their child. Dr. Elaine Aron, world-renowned author of the classic The Highly Sensitive Person and other bestselling books on the trait of high sensitivity, has written an indispensable guide for these parents. Drawing on extensive research and her own experience, she helps highly sensitive parents identify and address the implications of their heightened sensitivity, offering: • A self-examination test to help parents identify their level of sensitivity • Tools to cope with overstimulation • Advice on dealing with the negative feelings that can surround parenting • Ways to manage the increased social stimulation and interaction that comes with having a child • Techniques to deal with shyness around other parents • Insight into the five big problems that face highly sensitive parents in relationships—and how to work through them Highly sensitive people have the potential to be not just good parents, but great ones. Practical yet warm and positive, this groundbreaking guide will show parents how to build confidence, awareness, and essential coping skills so that they—and their child—can thrive on every stage of the parenting journey. “This book is filled with validating, healing and empowering information about how to navigate one of the most important roles of our lives while being highly sensitive. It changed my life in the most healing and empowering ways.” —Alanis Morissette, artist, activist, teacher

From one of the world's foremost researchers and pioneers of pediatric health--a book that offers hope and a pathway to success for parents, teachers, psychologists, pyschiatrists, and child development experts coping with "difficult" children. A book that fully explores the author's revolutionary discovery about childhood development, parenting, and the key to helping all children find happiness and success. In The Orchid and the Dandelion, Dr. W. Thomas Boyce writes of the "dandelion" child (hardy, resilient, healthy), able to survive and flourish under most circumstances, and the "orchid" child (sensitive, susceptible, fragile), who, given the right support, can thrive as much as, if not more than, other children. For the past four decades Boyce has been working with troubled children. The Orchid and the Dandelion offers help to those who have lost their confidence in the promise of a child gone seriously adrift--into drug abuse, delinquency, depression, or destructive friendships, the dark territory of psychological trouble, school failure, or criminality. Boyce's breakthrough research reveals how genetic makeup and environment shape behavior. Rather than seeing this "risk" gene as a liability, through his daring research, Boyce has recast the way we think of human frailty and shows that while variant genes can create problems (susceptibility to depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and antisocial, sociopathic, or violent behaviors), they can also, in the right setting and with the right nurturing, produce children who not only do better than before but far exceed their peers. He describes what it is to be an "orchid" child, to live a life far more intense, painful, vivid, and variable than that of a dandelion. For orchid children, the world is often a frightening and overwhelming place. He makes clear that orchids are not failed dandelions and shows people how to embrace the unique gifts, abilities, and strengths of orchid children and how to create and environment at home and work that will allow them to flourish. Boyce writes, as well, of dandelions: how vital they are to what George Eliot describes as "the growing good of the world," even in the midst of their own struggles and life challenges. He writes of his own family, particularly of his sister, the inspiration for his work, an orchid child overcome by the family's tragedies and sadnesses to which the author, as a dandelion child, was impervious. And we come to understand that beneath the servicable categories of "orchid" and "dandelion" lies the truer reality of a continuum, a spectrum of sensitivities to the world, along which we all have a place.

Are you often told to stop taking things to heart or to toughen up? Do you have a lot of empathy for others? Overanalyze things and get 'stuck in your own head'? Or become easily overwhelmed and frequently need to withdraw? If the answer is YES, you are probably a Highly Sensitive Person and this Handbook will be your survival guide! One in five people are born with the trait of high sensitivity. Yet, there is a general lack of awareness of the trait in our society, which leaves many people struggling physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually with being highly sensitive in a non-sensitive world. More often than not, HSPs are yearning for acceptance of their trait, not just from other people but also for themselves. When they realize their sensitivity is ‘normal’ and it’s acknowledged in a positive way, a deep sense of relief arises and they can begin to flourish – feeling empowered to bring their unique abilities of empathy, compassion, creativity, healing and much more into the world. Presented in four sections that lead the reader on a journey of true holistic self-understanding, the book starts with a section exploring the main qualities and challenges of the trait, and how it can be a real gift in life; not a flaw. The second section then delves into impacts of living as an HSP, such as the many masks that they tend to wear (people-pleasing and so on), the relationships they attract, and how they can start on the journey to feeling more valued. The third section provides a wide range of practical strategies to manage the trait more effectively, from more self-love, coping with over-arousal, tapping for emotional freedom, energy protection, dealing with loss and bereavement, and tuning into the healing power of animals. And the final section touches on the more spiritual aspect of life that many HSPs are searching for, whether knowingly or not – from past-life themes to the unseen world, such as angels – in their quest to fully accept themselves, and to live the authentic, fulfilling lives they deserve.

In today's fast-paced, increasingly public society, we are expected to be resilient, to have the energy to manage a packed work schedule, social calendar, and a large network of friends, both online and offline, day and night. If you find yourself struggling to live up to, or even enjoy, these non-stop social expectations, then this book is for you. Written for highly sensitive people, the book explains the characteristics of being highly sensitive and how to overcome common difficulties, such as low self-esteem and the exhausting effects of socialising. Ilse Sand also encourages you to explore and appreciate the advantages of high sensitivity, including your aptitude for depth, intensity and presence, and suggests activities to calm and inspire.

Reclaim your power from narcissists, manipulators, and other toxic people. If you’re a highly sensitive person, or identify as an “empath,” you may feel easily overwhelmed by the world around you, suffer from “people-pleasing,” experience extreme anxiety or stress in times of conflict, or even take on the emotions of others. Due to your naturally giving nature, you may also be a target for narcissists and self-centered individuals who seek to exploit others for their own gain. So, how can you protect yourself? In The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide to Dealing with Toxic People, you’ll learn evidence-based skills grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help you recognize and shut down the common manipulation tactics used by toxic people, such as gaslighting, stonewalling, projection, covert put-downs, and love bombing. You’ll also discover targeted tips to protect yourself from the five main types of toxic people: Garden-variety boundary-steppers Crazymakers and attention-seekers Emotional vampires Narcissists Sociopaths and psychopaths Finally, you’ll learn how to heal from toxic or narcissistic abuse, and find strategies for establishing healthy boundaries and a strong sense of self. If you’re an HSP who is ready to take a stand against the toxic people in your life, this book has everything you need to survive and thrive.

Have others ever told you to “stop being so sensitive?” Have you ever looked at other people and wondered how they manage to get through the day without noticing the suffering going on all around them? Do you feel so emotionally delicate in comparison to your peers that you have tried to block out what is going on around you? You may have even resorted to coping mechanisms such as overeating, overworking, or smoking as a means of managing your emotions. Maybe you have tried to “grow a thicker skin,” or attempted to cover up your feelings with humor? Perhaps you have always felt different to others since childhood, but could never quite put your finger on why. If this description resonates with you, congratulations! You may well be an Empath. Unfortunately, an Empath who lacks insight into their own nature is likely to be miserable. Most of us are familiar with the concept of empathy. Aside from sociopaths, who are largely incapable of appreciating what another individual may be feeling, humans are generally able to understand what others are going through in most situations. Empaths, however, constitute the small group of people who not only understand the emotions of others, but literally feel them too. In short, an Empath takes this common human ability of relating to other peoples’ emotions to extremes. If you have no idea why you are so readily affected by the emotions of others and the events around you, you might become psychologically unstable. You will be unsure as to where your true feelings end, and those of other people begin. Hypersensitivity can be a burden if not properly managed, which is why it’s so important that all Empaths learn to harness the special gift they have been given. That’s where this book comes in. Millions of other people around the world share your gifts and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Make no mistake – the world needs us. It’s time to learn how to put your rare gift to use, maximize your human potential, and thrive in life! If you think you (or anyone around you) might be an Empath or the Highly Sensitive Person – this book is written for you. What you will learn from this book: -What it really means to be an Empath and the science behind the “Empath” and “the Highly Sensitive Person” classification. Find out how our brains work and why some people are way more sensitive than others. -What are the upsides of being an Empath – find your strengths and thrive while making the most of your potential and providing value to this world (it NEEDS Empaths!) by making it a better place. -What are the usual problems that sensitive people struggle with – overcome them by lessening the impact that other people’s emotions and actions have on you, while still being truthful to your true nature, and learn how to take care of your mental health. -The great importance of becoming an emotionally intelligent person – learn what EQ is and how you can actively develop it to become much more peaceful, effective, and a happy person. Discover the strategies that will help you stay balanced and be much more immune to the everyday struggles. -The workplace and career choices – realize what you should be aware of and find how to make sure you don’t stumble into the most common problems that sensitive people often fall prey to. -How to effectively handle conflicts, negative people, and toxic relationships – since sensitive people are more much more immune to difficult relations and often become an easy target for those who tend to take advantage of others – it’s time to put this to an end with this book. -How to deal with Empaths and Highly Sensitive People as a non-Empath and what to focus on if you think that your kid might fall under this classification. -How to connect with other Empaths, what is the importance of gender in this context, and how to stay in harmony with your environment – you will learn all of this and more from this book!

If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), you’re in good company. HSP’s make up some 20 percent of the population, individuals like you who both enjoy and wrestle with a finely tuned nervous system. You often sense things that others ignore such as strong smells, bright lights, and the crush of crowds. Even the presence of strangers in your immediate vicinity can cause you considerable distraction. You already know that this condition can be a gift, but, until you learn to master your sensitive nervous system, you might be operating in a constant state of overstimulation. As an HSP, the most important thing you can learn is how to manage your increased sensitivity to both physical and emotional stimulation. This accessible, practical guide contains strategies to help you master this critical skill. Build your coping skills by exploring the books engaging exercises. Then, keep the book by your side, a constant companion as you make your way through your vibrant and highly stimulating world. •Find out what it means to be a highly sensitive person •Take the self-examination quiz and find out whether you are highly sensitive •Learn coping techniques indispensable to IHP’s •Discover how to manage distractions like noise and time pressure at home and at work •Reduce sensory-provoked tension with meditation and deep relaxation techniques •Navigate the challenges of interacting with others in social and intimate relationships

Are you a Sensitive Striver? Learn how to get out of your own way and rediscover your sensitivity as a superpower. ___ Highly sensitive and high performing? ___ Need time to think through decisions before you act? ___ Judge yourself harshly when you make mistakes? ___ Take feedback and criticism personally? ___ Find it difficult to set boundaries? It's time to Trust Yourself. Being highly attuned to your emotions, your environment, and the behavior of others can be the keys to success, but they can also lead to overthinking everything and burnout. Human behavior expert and executive coach Melody Wilding, LMSW has spent the past ten years working with Sensitive Strivers like you. In this groundbreaking book, she draws on decades of research and client work to examine the intersection of sensitivity and achievement in the workplace and offer neuroscience-based strategies you can use to reclaim control of your life and reach your full potential. Trust Yourself offers concrete steps to help you break free from stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt so you can find the confidence to work and lead effectively. You will learn how to: • Achieve confidence and overcome imposter syndrome. • Find your voice to speak and act with assertiveness. • Build resilience and bounce back from setbacks. • Enjoy your success without sacrificing your well-being. If you're an empathetic, driven person trying to navigate your career and learn how to believe in yourself in the process, Trust Yourself offers the mindset and tools to set you on the path to personal and professional fulfillment. The perfect book for: • Those who identify as highly sensitive • Anyone who overthinks or struggles with work stress and burnout •Corporate professionals of all levels • Managers, leaders, and executives • Life, career, and leadership coaches

NAVIGATE THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING INTENSELY. Do people sometimes describe you as emotionally intense or oversensitive? Do you often feel overwhelmed or anxious in the fact of a world which is loud, fast-moving and sometimes uncaring? Understand Emotional Sensitivity will give you in-depth information about emotional intensity and its overlapping traits, as well as practical advice to help with daily struggles. Written in a friendly and compassionate tone, it has much to reveal about who you are, why you feel the way you do, and how you can be more resilient and reach your full potential. Easy to read, accessible and jargon-free, it will answer questions raised by many emotionally intense individuals: Is there something wrong with me? How does this trait explain my life experiences so far? What can I do right now to better my life and to fulfil my potential? Where can I find others like me? You will: - Understand what it means to live with emotional intensity - Debunk the myths and stereotypes about this trait - Reframe the way you see yourself and to let go of self- limiting beliefs - Identify and liberate your unique potential ABOUT THE SERIES People have been learning with Teach Yourself since 1938. With a vast range of practical, how-to guides covering language learning, lifestyle, hobbies, business, psychology and self-help, there's a Teach Yourself book for whatever you want to do. Join more than 60 million people who have reached their goals with Teach Yourself, and never stop learning.

Dr. Elaine Aron’s newest book, Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person, redefines the term “highly sensitive” for the professional researcher and practitioner. She dispels common misconceptions about the relationship between sensitivity and other personality traits, such as introversion and shyness, and further defines the trait for the benefit of both the clinician and patient. Readers will learn to assess for the trait, distinguish it from clinical diagnoses such as panic disorder or avoidant personality disorder, understand how sensitivity may change the presentation of a problem such as depression or shyness, and generally inform, validate, and improve the quality of life for these clients. She pays particular attention to self-esteem issues and helping patients separate effects of their innate temperament from problems due to their personal learning histories. Dr. Aron keeps both patient and practitioner in mind as she suggests ways to adapt treatment for highly sensitive persons and how to deal with the typical issues that arise. Three appendices provide the HSP Scale, a summary of the extensive research on this innate trait, and its relation to DSM diagnoses. Through this helpful guide, therapists will see a marked improvement in their ability to assist highly sensitive clients.

Presents a step-by-step guide for increasing emotional intelligence through four core principles: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationsip management.