In 1997, Elaine and Arthur Aron introduced their initial research on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). They investigated individual personality differences in both explorative and inhibited responses to the environmental stimuli, especially in the context of adaptive human health. Research suggests HSP individuals may potentially represent 20% of the human population. At the same, the HSP presentation has correlated with higher adult mental health risk—stress, ill health and lower life satisfaction—and is hypothesised to be present in 50% of adult individuals who may struggle with mental health. There are also positive aspects—HSP’s may respond quite well to supportive environments—but these aspects  has not yet been well-researched. 

The session will consider questions along three lines of enquiry:
•    First, the discussion looks at conceptual issues—past and present. What exactly is the current view on the “contents” of the HSP? What are its sub-facets and cohort clusters?  Measures? How does it compare to other personality approaches? 
•    Second, what has the HSP research demonstrated in terms of mental health risks and possible therapeutic implications? What does it mean to say that an HSP is more sensitive to both negative and positive changes in environments? How exactly has therapy with managed? A case example of HSP informed therapy will be provided. 
•    Third, what might be the benefit and challenges of embracing trait or temperament considerations? How might we avoid ‘trait fatalism’, whereby clients’ sense of agency might be enhanced? Why has the field of therapy shied away from trait notions? Can we integrate into our current practices? 

The webinar asks, have we missed something here? The answer is probably less definitive, but the field definitely merits our attention!

Learning Outcomes:

•    Familiarise ourselves with the clinically and socially interesting construct of the Highly Sensitive Person (as expressing concept of differences in Sensory-Processing Sensitivity.)
•    Gain a snapshot of HPS research on clinical implications and possible application of the construct for therapeutic practice
•    Consider current positions, both for and against the value of the Highly Sensitive Person research (and other temperament / trait-based models.)
•    Identify the relationship between HSP and developmental trauma? How does a practitioner disambiguate this in-session with long-term work?

Venue: Live Webinar (Zoom registration required. Please check your booking confirmation email).

Date: Wednesday, 5th February, 2025

Time: 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra Time)

Cost: Free (Live Webinar Only)

$9.99 (Live Webinar &/or Access to Recording for 30 days)

CPD: 1.5 hours. 80% attendance of live webinar required.

About Dr Kevin Keith: Dr Kevin Keith is a counsellor, psychotherapist, supervisor and academic. He has been a therapist for nearly 16 years. He completed his PhD in 2017 at the University of Sydney focusing on theoretical questions around the status of post-infancy preschool developments within Attachment Theory. His academic interests also include emotions research, philosophy of science and the empirical status of longer-term psychotherapy. He also provides professional development to colleagues across several professions. He has been working in the field of mental health since 2005, including 10 years work in the community health sector. Kevin has been teaching counselling In Sydney since 2007.

About eiseEducation: eiseEducation delivers exceptional webinars, short courses, and professional development training to the mental health, social services & community services sector across Australia & New Zealand. Findout more at eiseeducation.com

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