Highly Sensitive People
3rd Annual Spring 2004
East Coast HSP Gathering

April 22- 26, 2004
Descriptions of Break Out Sessions

Dr. Elaine Aron
"From Feeling One Down to Being an Equal: Healing HSPs So They Can Heal the World"

Being a minority in a culture that frowns on sensitivity, most of us have had experiences that have made us feel "one down." Hence we are unable to play the role of balancing those "warrior kings," who have always loved to be "one up," Top Dog. We'll spend some time focused on both sides of the power complex, both in ourselves and others, in order to learn how to maintain our inner sense of self-respect and compassion for those who foolishly under estimate us!

"Understanding Our Body's Messages"

Given the strong emotions and pain that HSPs' bodies can generate, plus the busy nature of our brains, it is easy for HSPs to lose touch with the wisdom of our sensitive bodies. Yet it is a source of crucial knowledge for physical and emotional health. We will spend some time checking in with our bodies for possible messages helpful to our sense of well being.

Note: For those who may not be in the right place for this experiential activity, learning how it might be done and listening to what others discover during this exercise may be helpful.

As we know, Elaine Aron, Ph.D. is a research psychologist and author of The Highly Sensitive Person, The Highly Sensitive Person's Workbook, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, and The Highly Sensitive Child. She holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from York University (Toronto) and a doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She also studied at the Jung Institute in San Francisco. She is a widely published research psychologist, a workshop leader, and has a private psychotherapy practice in San Francisco. She divides her time between San Francisco and New York. You may reach her office voice mail at (415) 765-7617, and visit her web page at www.hsperson.com

An HSP's Guide
to Accessing Nature's Healing Touch

What does feeling better emotionally, physically and spiritually have to do with nature? Why does nature often inspire meditation, creativity, healing and a sense of peace? Investigate these questions and more through your experience in this break out session. This session is for anyone interested in experiencing the simple power of nature's healing effects through guided meditation, natural energy touch, and the Natural Systems Thinking Process. You will learn a simple yet profound method of connecting your inner nature with the web of life and in the process validate your sensitivity and discover personal guidance. No experience is necessary. Bring a blanket/mat if you prefer to lie down for meditation and wear comfortable clothes.

Marlow Shami, M.S. is an Ecopsychologist, teacher, and writer who conducts workshops, energy healing meditation circles, and publishes a quarterly e-mail newsletter, NaturalSense. She presents nature based healing workshops throughout the North East and has a private healing practice in Litchfield, CT. She specializes in the healing connection between humans and the natural world. Reach her at (860) 491-2067, visit her at www.naturalsense.org and/or email : Mshami@aol.com

"What HSPs Can (and Must) Do to Thrive"

After a brief sharing of what the "HSP Good Life" is and what the obstacles to that life are, we will examine through lecture, discussion and experiential exercises, the many things an HSP must do to thrive …. Things we must do to thrive are ideas uncovered by Jacquelyn's years of working with HSPs.

Jacquelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Coach and workshop leader based in Ft. Collins, Colorado. She has been certified to utilize the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory since 1991. She holds a master's degree in counseling from Colorado State University, and has a background in psychology, social work & women's studies. She also has over seventy hours of training in hypnotherapy. Her counseling and coaching practice combines therapeutic principles and coaching tools with a spiritual foundation. She works exclusively with HSPs and families - assisting them toward optimal health and happiness. Visit her web site at www.lifeworkshelp.com or call (970) 484-0840, or email womenoutdoors@yahoo.com.

An Evening of Music and Comedy
with Nancy Tucker

At our last HSP Gathering in the Fall 2003, Nancy Tucker nonchalantly mentioned she was a musician and comedienne. We asked if she would like to perform and she said yes. Little did we know what a treat we had in store! Not only is Nancy an HSP, she writes original music and comedy about us. There was not a dry eye in the house - and that was from laughing, not crying.

From Nancy's website we learn:

"Nancy Tucker blends outrageous squeaky clean comedy, spirited guitar instrumentals and moving songs of human experience in her shows for people of all ages. Her music and comedy center around a passion for life and laughter. She was also the First place winner of the 2002 Connecticut Comedy Festival." Check out her website at: http://www.nancytucker.biz/

(Other breakout session not listed here will be added at a later date)

An important note about the HSP Gatherings:
The Gatherings are not designed for going into deep personal issues or healing. Indeed, it you are in a time of serious crisis, we would ask you not to come to this gathering. There will be others. All of us coming are sensitive, and time is limited -much as we will want to, we just won't be able to provide an adequate container for others' critical deep work while also taking care of ourselves as individuals and as a gathering.

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