Created 2008/08/04  Modified 2011/01/30
The Boston and New England Highly Sensitive Person Group
A discussion, support and social group for HSPs in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island and Vermont.
Welcome!

You have found the home page of the Boston and New England HSP group. If you are reading these words, chances are that you're a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP.

Maybe you are here because of a google search, perhaps you read one of Dr. Elaine Aron's books, perhaps you found a link on another web site,  or maybe someone referred or invited you here. Whatever the reason, welcome to our little corner of the web!

Maybe you are not completely familiar with the idea of being "Highly Sensitive." Many people look for information on the Internet, either because they have been told by family or friends "Oh, you're just too sensitive!" or maybe because a therapist told them they have a "sensitive temperament." Alternately, they have read a book about sensitivity, and are looking for a better idea of what that "means."

If you're not certain what exactly "sensitive" is, do visit our "Am I really an HSP?" page to learn more, as well as to take a handy sensitivity self-test.

May 2011 East Coast HSP Gathering in North Andover, MA

There will once again be an HSP Gathering here in the Northeast, in May of 2011. The event will take place at the Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, MA (just north of Boston) on May 26-30th. For more information about this special HSP Retreat and to register, please visit Jacquelyn Strickland's web site.
Report: 2008 HSP Gathering in Phoenicia, NY

An "HSP Gathering" is a four day retreat for HSPs, with workshops, fellowship and just general relaxation time in an "HSP Safe" environment. If you're interested in attending an HSP Gathering, but would like to learn more, visit our Gathering Information page. where we offer a short report from the 2008 Gathering, here in the northeast.

Why would an HSP want to be part of a group?

Dr. Elaine Aron, author of "The Highly Sensitive Person" and several other books about high sensitivity, is an advocate of HSPs knowing each other and sharing experiences and mutual support. After all, many Highly Sensitive People have life histories of feeling marginalized and undervalued by society and the people who surround them. HSP groups work, because nobody "gets" the HSP experience like a fellow HSP. I have personally attended many large scale "HSP Gatherings" and have experienced first-hand the value that comes from connecting with others "like me."

Being part of a "group" may seem like a counterintuitive idea if you're highly sensitive-- after all, many of us have had some very negative experiences with groups. However, an online discussion/support group offers an "HSP safe" starting point from which to explore the trait and get to know other HSPs. Our "Why groups for HSPs?" page goes into more detail about the value of groups for HSPs.

What is this web site about?

This web site primarily serves as the information and news web site attached to the Boston and New England HSP online discussion group, which is part of the YahooGroups network. The group has moderated membership, and is private to members only. That is, what we discuss in the group is hidden from the view of the "general public," so members can feel safe to discuss their sensitivity and how it affects their lives in a supportive environment of their peers.

If you're an HSP and live in Boston or somewhere else around the New England states, I hope you'll decide to join our group! To apply for membership, just click on the purple button to the left. If you already have a Yahoo ID, you'll be able to apply immediately-- if not, you'll be asked to create a Yahoo ID before you can join the group-- it's quite easy and only takes a few minutes.

The remainder of the web site offers a little information about the HSP trait, some thoughts about the value of HSPs connecting with other HSPs and forming groups, as well as a page with links to various information and resources helpful for HSPs. From time to time, we also post news updates and schedules for meetings of face-to-face HSP groups active in the area. There is also a group blog, where periodic updates are posted.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope you find our site useful!