Living with High Sensitivity (HSP/SPS) and High Empathy

Learn about the strengths and challenges of living with Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and high empathy at this interactive presentation and discussion.  

High Sensitivity, also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), is a neutral neural trait that an estimated 20-30% of people are born with. Research shows that people with high sensitivity and high empathy are more prone to emotional and physical challenges in stressful situations, and they experience higher rates of chronic illnesses that are worsened by stress.  This is partly due to their innate tendencies to more deeply absorb and process sensory information and emotional energy from their surroundings into their nervous systems. 

It is uncommon for people with high sensitivity or high empathy to receive education on how to mitigate the effects of exposure to increased stress or traumatic news on their nervous systems or bodies. Likewise, it is uncommon for people with high sensitivity or high empathy to connect with one another and find community with others who carry similar sensitivity. This talk will briefly examine characteristics of highly sensitive and highly empathetic people, identify their unique strengths, introduce approaches to improving self-care for highly sensitive people (HSP's), and give attendees an opportunity to connect with others from the local area.

About the Presenter

Kate Singleton, MSW, LCSW, has written journal articles and instructional tool kits on health literacy for the adult education, nursing, and social work fields. Her professional background includes clinical social work in hospital and community health settings; health literacy consulting for the adult education, social work, and medical fields; and adult literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages instruction and curriculum development. As a highly sensitive person herself, Kate is committed to educating and empowering others who live with high sensitivity.