It's
possible that some HSPs will fit into more than one category, and some will not
fit into any category. If you have ideas for new categories, I'd love to hear
your thoughts! So
if you can take time to answer the questions following
the subtypes it would add greater depth! I'll let you know if I use any of your
thoughts, and get your permission first. Thanks.
A
brief explanation of these HSP subcultures, the tasks they each face, and the
gifts they have to offer are below:
The
Social Justice/Activist HSP
Deeply moved to action by injustices whether
upon people or the environment. Usually dedicated to many causes to improve human
and earthly conditions...view new paradigms for a new world.
Challenges:
Being overwhelmed with too many causes, not finding like-minded support groups
to work with, feeling isolated, and perhaps feeling judgmental of others.
Tasks:
To find support, choose causes wisely, and realize that small changes do make
a difference. Avoid burn out.
HSP
Physical Reactor
HSPs who are unusually physically reactive to certain
foods, noise, lights, stress. Physical reactions may include allergies, sweaty
palms, nervousness, nausea, migraine headaches.
Challenges: Creating,
seeking, or finding supportive environments which honor your physical sensitivities.
Task: Devoting investigative time to determine what triggers physical reactions
and what alleviates the reactions. Accepting that not all people will understand
these reactions.
Reserved
Intellectual HSP
Usually introverts with keen intellect. May appear arrogant,
but may not necessarily be that way.
Challenges: Finding ways
and motivations to develop intellect and to share oneself and one's gifts with
others and the world.
Tasks: Avoiding isolation, and learning to accept
others of 'different' intellect. Reaching out, becoming involved.
Creative/Artistic
HSP
Those HSPs who need to create and manifest their ideas or visions.
Medium may be music, drama, art, ideas, books, poetry, painting, etc.
Challenges:
Accepting, honoring and understanding the creative process and finding a medium
for this expression.
Tasks: Learning how to manifest creative urges,
finding support, education and time to create. Patience, perseverance.
The
HSP Healer
Medical doctors and alternative healers who are unusually intuitive
using their gifts to offer healing to others. Alternative healing modalities may
be Reiki, massage, medical intuitive, etc.
Challenge: Accepting one's
gifts and finding expression for them.
Task: Finding support and encouragement
from like minded individuals and learning to trust your own gifts and use them
appropriately.
Empowered
Priestly Advisor
Evidenced by energetic, purposeful and spiritual direction
in their lives.
Challenges: Taking on too many causes and expecting
others to think like them. Periods of loss of faith or "dark nights of the soul."
Tasks: Finding support and like-minded individuals to work with. Avoiding
burn-out. Accepting small change as progress.
The
HSP in Transition
The person who has just discovered the trait of high
sensitivity. May feel alone, misunderstood, judged, and may also feel relief at
knowing about the trait.
Challenges: Self-identify, reframing, healing
from past negativity about trait. Must learn to set boundaries and assert new
self.
Tasks: Taking time to investigate the trait, set new boundaries,
practice new coping skills.
The
Core Issue HSP
The HSP from a traumatic, troubled and sometimes abandoned
childhood. May have suffered from some type of abuse.
Challenge: Healing
from past traumas, learning to integrate the HSP trait in a positive way.
Task: Reaching out for help, staying committed to 'recovery,' finding new
kinds of support, friendship and community to be part of.
The
Introverted Intellectual HSP
Somewhat different from the "Reserved
Intellectual HSP" in that this HSP is drawn either to the scientific fields
of inquiry (The Thinker) or to the psycho-spiritual fields of study (The Feeler)
(or both?).
Challenges: Self-identity, reframing, and perhaps readjusting
to a new HSP self.
Tasks: Finding ways for self-expression and to share
gifts with others and the world. Avoiding isolation. Accepting others who are
'different' from them.
The
Wise, Saintly HSP
The Mother Teresas of the world. Supreme devotion to
serve a higher spiritual calling.
Challenge: Finding unique expression
for your calling.
Task: Avoid isolation, burn out. Learn to practice
self-care.
The
Caregivers and Guardians of Childhood, the Elderly, and the Dying
Those
who find caring for children, the elderly and the dying come naturally. They have
a unique ability to serve those with special needs.
Challenges: Finding
support and structure to provide unique kind of care.
Task: Finding
time away from caring and giving to others. Practicing self-care. Learning not
to 'care and give' too much - usually at their own expense.
The Calloused, Unrecognized HSP
The HSP who has either ignored traits of sensitivity, or who were never given the gift of knowledge about the trait. May appear unfeeling, scornful or contemptuous, usually not capable of being in loving, reciprocal relationships. (We might see our parents in this subculture?)
Challenges: Becoming knowledgeable about the trait of high sensitivity is a major break through for the Calloused HSP.
Tasks: Avoiding becoming embittered, sick, dysfunctional, addicted to drugs or alcohol. Must be willing to find appropriate intervention to begin long process of healing.
If
you are so inclined, please feel free to answer the following questions, and give
me permission to use your story if the occasion arises (with or without acknowledging
your true identity.)
