highly sensitive person (hsp)

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is someone whose nervous system processes sensory and emotional information more deeply than average. The term was popularized by psychologist Elaine Aron and describes a temperament—not a disorder—found in roughly 15–20% of the population. HSPs tend to notice subtleties others miss, feel emotions intensely, and become overwhelmed by loud, chaotic, or high-pressure environments.

In trauma work, sensitivity can be both a gift and a vulnerability. HSPs raised in dysfunctional families often absorb everyone else's feelings, over-function as caretakers, and develop anxiety or depression from chronic overwhelm. Healing usually involves learning to honor their wiring—protecting quiet time, setting limits, choosing calmer environments—rather than trying to "toughen up" into a shape their nervous system was never meant to hold.