Page created 05 AUG 2008    Last modified 07 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
Why GROUPS for HSPs?

The idea of willingly participating in group activities may seem counterintuitive to most HSPs. Many of us don't like socializing in groups, and may even have had bad experiences while doing so. In fact, the idea can be downright scary and overstimulating.

So why regional or local groups? Why HSP peer relationships? Why such things as "HSP Gatherings?"

The rationale for HSP groups in large part is q result of the very positive feedback from HSPs who have attended the periodic HSP Gatherings around the US, and abroad. The bottom line is that nobody "gets" the HSP experience like a fellow HSP. The insights, validation and positive feelings that arise from spending time in the company of peers are substantial. Elaine Aron, author of "The Highly Sensitive Person," is a strong proponent of HSPs connecting with their peers, either through groups, or "dyad relationships," which can serve as a form of Co-Counseling.

But don't take our word for it. Read others' thoughts about why HSPs benefit from knowing each other-- especially 2001 Gathering attendee Marcia Norris' article "Why HSPs Need to Gather"
Learning and healing through reciprocal support and validation

In several places on this web site, you may have run across the phrase "Nobody gets the HSP experience like another HSP." Therein lies perhaps the key to why groups and "peer relationships" can be so important for HSPs.

Clearly, while going to a 5-day Gathering retreat may be the ideal way to meet other HSPs, it is just not feasible for the majority of people-- from a cost, time, stress, and scheduling perspective. Yes, they are extremely positive, empowering and rewarding experiences, but many HSPs would prefer something closer to home, as well something that takes less time, money and energy, rather than a "full immersion experience" lasting several days.

The most reasonable and realistic alternative is the local HSP peer group. Not a "support group" in the sense of a professional therapist running group therapy sessions, but a support-IVE group of HSP who get together on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or some other schedule to simply BE together, and discuss the daily issues only an HSP can truly relate to. Although not "therapy" in the traditional sense, such groups can-- by nature-- be very healing.

The HSP Internet group-- an "HSP Safe" first step towards connecting

My own experiences-- which seem to be shared by HSP group hosts around the US, and abroad-- is that HSPs like to "think about" things before doing them, and once the decision is made, to "start slowly." The Internet based group format offers a number of advantages, in that respect.

It's a place where people can gradually get to know each other and have discussions from the safety of their living rooms, before making a commitment to meet anyone, face-to-face. A certain comfort level can be built among group members, to a point where going to actually meet the group doesn't feel quite so much like "going to meet a bunch of strangers." Far less daunting, for most, than answering an ad in a newspaper, and just setting out to meet a group of unknown people, in an unknown environment.

I'm an HSP-- and I certainly know which approach to making contact with HSPs I'd prefer. I'd be surprised if you didn't feel the same way!

HSP Gathering Retreats

This site mentions "HSP Gatherings" quite frequently. An HSP Gathering is 4-5 day retreat, with workshops, creative activities, fellowship and quiet time, all offered in an "HSP Safe" environment, typically at a retreat center in proximity to nature. Attendees usually find these events to be extremely healing and validating, if not outright life transforming. HSP Gatherings are typically limited in size (part of maintaining an HSP friendly environment) to about 30-35 attendees, and take place 2-3 times a year around the US, and sometimes overseas. Participants come away not only with a better understanding of their sensitivity, but also with new friendships and connections that help them feel more in touch with the world.

An HSP Gathering is coming to Phoenicia, NY in October 2008. This will be the first such Gathering in the eastern US since 2005, so don't miss this opportunity to connect with other HSPs! Visit the "2008 NY HSP Gathering" page for more information.