Resources for the Highly Sensitive Person
I think it is so important to update this resource by stating that I now identify as late-diagnosed AuDHD (autistic and ADHD; autism has been formally diagnosed) and that I now regard the Highly Sensitive label as something that lead me to my autistic realisation. Julie Bjelland also identifies as autistic and has written about how the HSP framework can be a doorway to late-diagnosed autism. In her words “HSP May Be the Doorway. Autism May Be the Fuller Map” – see article below.
When the HSP Framework Leads us to Autism – Julie Bjelland
The Highly Sensitive Person website (resources including self-test, compiled by Dr Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person)
Julie Bjelland, Empowering the Highly Sensitive Person – education, tools and community to support HSPs
Eggshells Transformations podcast – recommended podcast for intense, gifted and highly sensitive people
Eggshell Therapy coaching and blog
Ximension: Get Going With Extra Intelligence and Intensity – Willem Kuipers
Third Factor – online magazine about uncommon people
Your Rainforest Mind – blog resource for the Excessively Curious, Creative, Smart & Sensitive
National Centre for High Sensitivity (UK)
Growing Unlimited Hamshire Meet-up and Information, UK
16Personalities – Myers-Briggs testing online
Understanding and treating electrosensitivity, listed seperately under Health Resources
Books
The Highly Sensitive Person – Dr Elaine Aron
The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook – Dr Elaine Aron
The Empath’s Survival Guide – Dr Judith Orloff
Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World – Sharon Heller
Enjoying the Gift of Being Uncommon: Extra Intelligent, Intense, and Effective – Willem Kuipers
Book list for intensity and an active mind
The Little Energy Guide: take Care of Your Own Energy – Anni Sennov
The Energy Self-Defense Series (includes “For Women” and “For Sick People”) – Anni Sennov
The INFJ Revolution – Lauren Sapala (the most insightful INFJ book I’ve read so far!)
The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic – an ebook by Susan Storm
The INFJ Handbook: A guide to and for the rarest Myers-Briggs personality type – Marissa Baker
The INFJ Personality Guide: Understand yourself, reach your potential, and live a life of purpose – Bo Miller
INFJ: Understand And Break Free From Your Own Limitations – Matthew Brighthouse
Highly Sensitive in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You – Dr Elaine Aron
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – Susan Cain
Vystopia: the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world – Claire Mann
Book of the Moon: Discovering Astrology’s Lost Dimension– Steven Forrest
The Spiritual Anotomy of Emotion – How Feelings Link the Brain, the Body and the Sixth Sense – Michael Jawer
* Regarding my inclusion of INFJ personality type and other Myers-Briggs traits, see my note below.
Blogs, websites and articles
Psychology Junkie – blog about all the Mysers-Brigss types but with an INFJ specialism by Susan Storm
Introvert, Dear – for Introverts and Highly Sensitive People
INFJ Counsellor – on Oddly Developed Types website
Highly Sensitive Refuge – website
Why your environment is so important if you are an HSP – article
Eggshell Therapy coaching and blog
Ximension: Get Going With Extra Intelligence and Intensity – Willem Kuipers
Third Factor – online magazine about uncommon people
Your Rainforest Mind – blog resource for the Excessively Curious, Creative, Smart & Sensitive
* Regarding the INFJ and other Myers-Briggs traits, see my note below.
Videos
Sensitive: the Untold Story – Elaine Aron and featuring Alanis Morrissette
Sensitive and In Love – feature film by Elaine Aron
YouTube playlist of Highly Sensitive resources
*Although, of course, not all Highly Sensitive people have the same Myers-Brigg classification and certainly not all are introverts, they do frequently cross the same territory and so I have included them together in this list. In my experience, combining good familiarity with your Myers-Brigg personality type with a good grasp of your particular Highly Sensitive traits can be a very powerful combination for deeper self-understanding.
Sensory aids
Loop earplugs designed especially with noise sensitivity, autism, ADHD and misphonia in mind, with various levels of noise reduction to suit different environments and social engagements. I never go anywhere without mine!
Bose Quiet Comfort earphones with ANC (useful with or without sound!)
Woolroom beds and bedding – great for temperature regulation, non-toxic sleep environment, natural comfort and joint support
Boody underwear – unstructured, soft but supportive made out of breathable bamboo
Disclaimer: This blog, it’s content and any material linked to it are presented for autobiographical, general interest and anecdotal purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. Opinions are my own based on personal experience. Please seek medical advice from a professional if you are experiencing any mental or physical symptoms that concern you.
