Page created 05 AUG 2008    Last modified 11 AUG 2008
The Northeastern States HSP Group
A discussion, support and social group for the highly sensitive person living in Delaware, Maryland, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Washington D.C. area
Welcome!

Welcome to the website of the Northeastern States HSP Group! If you are reading these words, there's a high likelihood you're a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP. We hope you'll have a look around, and consider joining a growing group of HSPs in the region.

Perhaps you are here because you read one of Dr. Elaine Aron's books about being Highly Sensitive, and are looking for more information. Or maybe it was a google search, or you found a link on another web site, or maybe someone referred or invited you here. Whatever the reason, we're happy you've found our little corner of the web!

Many people look for information on the Internet, either because they have been told by family or friends "Oh, you're just too sensitive!" or maybe because a therapist told them they have a "sensitive temperament." One of the best ways to learn about this trait is to simply interact with others-- after all, few people understand "the experience" of being highly sensitive better than a fellow HSP. On this web site, we offer a little of both: There's some basic information about the trait, as well as an invitation to join a group of fellow HSPs.

If you're not certain what exactly "sensitive" is, do visit our "Am I really an HSP?" page to learn more, as well as to take a handy sensitivity self-test.
Attend an HSP Gathering! October 2008 East Coast Gathering, Phoenicia, NY

The first HSP Gathering to be held in the East since since the Pennsylvania event in 2005 will be coming to Phoenicia, NY in October 2008. An "HSP Gathering" is a four day retreat for HSPs, with workshops, fellowship and just general relaxation time in an "HSP Safe" environment. It is a wonderful way to learn, meet fellow HSPs, and relax in a low key environment. To learn more, visit our Gathering information page.

So, what is this web site about?

This web site primarily serves as the information and news web site attached to the Northeastern States HSP online discussion group, which is part of the YahooGroups network. The group has moderated membership, and is private to members only. That is, what we discuss in the group is hidden from the view of the "general public," so members can feel safe to discuss their sensitivity and how it affects their lives in a supportive environment of their peers.

If you're an HSP and live in the Northeast region (which we loosely define as DE, MD, NJ, PA and the vicinity of Washington DC), we hope you'll decide to join our group! To apply for membership, just click on the purple button near the top of the left column. If you already have a Yahoo ID, you'll be able to apply immediately-- if not, you'll be asked to create a Yahoo ID before you can join the group-- it's quite easy and only takes a few minutes. Most membership requests are processed by the group moderator within 24 hours, often much sooner.

The remainder of our web site offers some general information about the HSP trait along with a link to Dr. Elaine Aron's sensitivity self test, some thoughts about the value of HSPs connecting with other HSPs and forming groups, as well as a page with links to various information helpful for HSPs. From time to time, we also post news updates and schedules for meetings of face-to-face HSP groups active in the area.
Why would an HSP want to be part of a group?

Dr. Elaine Aron, author of "The Highly Sensitive Person," advocates the benefits of HSPs knowing each other and sharing experiences and mutual support. After all, many Highly Sensitive People have life histories of feeling marginalized and undervalued by society and the people who surround them. HSP groups work, because nobody "gets" the HSP experience like a fellow HSP-- and HSPs often discover that they have many things in common, besides just "being sensitive."

I have personally attended quite a few of the large scale "HSP Gatherings" and have experienced first-hand the value and validation that comes from connecting with others "like me."

Being part of a "group" may seem like a counterintuitive idea if you're highly sensitive-- after all, many of us have had some very negative experiences with groups. However, an online discussion/support group offers an "HSP safe" starting point from which to explore the trait and get to know other HSPs. Our "Why groups for HSPs?" page goes into more detail about the value of groups for HSPs.