Customer Reviews

The Highly Sensitive Person's Workbook

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you have read Elaine Aron's original book "The Highly Sensitive Person" and have determined that you are *definitely* an HSP, then the next logical step in personal development might be to buy this workbook-- especially if you find yourself struggling somewhat in your dealings with the world.

"The Highly Sensitive Person's Workbook" *can* stand alone, but I would HIGHLY recommend reading Dr. Aron's original book on High Sensitivity before attacking the Workbook.

This is definitely an excellent tool to teach the HSP how to become more of an "expert" on themselves, and their sensitivity. HOWEVER, I must also caution that the book might be a bit daunting, or overwhelming, for the individual to work their way through on their own. As such, I would characterize the book as "superb" in an HSP support group setting, but perhaps only "good" to "very good" for an individual. That was certainly my personal experience after I bought the Workbook. I made a number of "false start" attempts at working through the exercises in the book by myself, but it wasn't until I got involved in an online "HSP study group" (not so diffuclt to find, by the way) that I managed to get all the way through. Having completed the workbook, I will say that it was a thoroughly worthwhile effort!

Here's what you get:

This Workbook is essentially a journey of Self-Exploration for HSPs. The early chapters address how to identify and become familiar with your sensitivity; subsequently Dr. Aron takes you through sensitivity in childhood, in social intereactions, and eventually in the context of the workplace and adult (intimate) relationships. Finally, there are sections "deeper wounds" and psychotherapy; medical and health issues, and finally Spirituality. There is also a discussion on setting up, and working within, an HSP group setting.

The focus of the chapters is generally on self-examination, "re-framing" past negatives related to your sensitivity, and practical suggestions for ways to go forward. Each chapter has many exercises which are mostly designed to be done in writing, as they require considerable reflection before formulating an answer. This is definitely where a "group discussion" setting becomes most helpful.

To get the maximum benefit from the workbook, you DO have to be "emotionally honest." As such, some of the exercises may be quite difficult to some readers-- since they ask you to look at parts of your life history that may be very painful, as well as areas in which you may feel that your sensitivity is (or has been) a "character flaw."

Final thoughts: Highly Recommended (9 out of a possible 10 bookmarks), especially if you have a support group-- or maybe just a couple of HSP friends-- with whom to share feedback on the exercises.

This follow up to the book on the same subject is excellent. By now, you know pretty much who you are. If you are interested in this workbook you know that you are an HSP.

But, the workbook really drills down. You will find that there are several types of HSPs with different levels of sensitivity depending on the life domain. Some are more vulnerable in certain situations than the others.

Your self-awareness on the HSP scale is going to get much more in depth, much more refined, more 'sensitive' so to speak. And, that is a very good think. Life revolves around knowing thyself.

An excellent, well presented, and thorough Workbook that contains self-tests to determine whether you're a Highly Sensitive Person, and if so, which kind: introverted, creative, sociable, worried, and/or "other plausible categories." I agree that this Workbook can stand alone, but also that it is better to use it with one of Dr. Aron's HSP books or related books such as The Introvert Advantage, or The Positive Power of Negative Thinking, or Undoing Depression, etc. -- depending on what kind of intovert you are and what you are trying to work on right now. I recommend the Workbook format because it is an active approach to self-understanding and improvement.

If you are serious about understanding being a highly sensitive person and want to, ". . . Thrive When the World Overwhelms You," this book can be very helpful. It caused me to think hard about what I'd read in The Highly Sensitive Person; consider what I must do to overcome any obstacles and make positive changes in my life.

Sometimes - even when I know what I must do - I procrastinate, then let things that can be helpful to me go by the wayside. This workbook made me plow ahead and do what had to be done. I appreciate that.

The two volumes, The Highly Sensitive Person and the woorkbook are certaily well worth the time, effort and few dollars invested in them.

I bought The Highly Sensitive Person a few years ago and felt that someone understood me for the first time. When a workbook to accompany the original was released I couldn't wait to buy it. I was not disappointed. It can be used as a stand alone text but I have been rereading the original and doing the exercises in the workbook at the same time. Elaine Aron is sensitive to us HSPs. Her workbook is not at all overwhelming and can be done at your own pace and as in depth as you want to go. I thank Elaine for standing up for those of us that while at times may be in the shadows are certainly not invisible. We are capable, strong, caring individuals and Elaine Aron, being one herself, is very in tune with the world as it affects us.
I recommend purchasing both the original text and the workbook.

Can't offer enough positive commentary about this book. It's been around awhile but wish I had found it sooner. Being one of those remarkable 20% of the population who are born with very sensitive nervous systems, I had no idea this was a genetic trait. Equally importantly, it is a highly valuable commodity both personally and publicly, for society. That is - if this type of person understands the trait and how to work WITH IT, rather than fight against it or merely hide from life because he or she is so embarrassed about it. This book and the accompanying series are self esteem boosting for sensitive/shy/environmentally overstimulated people and while every description will not fit every individual to a T, there is enough meat in here for sensitive souls to survive upon for perhaps the rest of your lives. Why hate yourself or allow others to shun you for being VALUABLE, UNIQUE and GIFTED? That is the primary lesson of this book.

I have always realised that HSP's have the highest creativity, highest regard for humanity and nature. I have always enjoyed being a HSP even though it has been a slight handicap i.e. I have no tolerance for fakeness and show and social life slightly hindered. But if you are a HSP it's really a gift to live this rich, fertile emotional and spiritual life.

I haven't made it through the workbook in its entirety, but what I have done has been amazing in giving me insight into my life and how certain things have affected me throughout. helping me overcome the negative thoughts concerning this aspect of my personality. I was blessed to have a co-worker see this in me, guiding me to this book. She is an HSP as well, and she was truly someone who helped me understand this part of myself I always thought was something to be ashamed of. Beth (my co-worker) is actually the woman I dedicated this workbook to.

I'm a highly sensitive person, and in today's world, it can be a handicap -- whether at the workplace or in relationships. This book, and it's companion, the Highly Sensitive Person -- validates what you're feeling or what you go through in life as a "HSP" (or, let's be honest - BPD sufferer) -- but it doesn't give you any real, helpful tools to try to overcome your sensitivity.

I would be apt to recommend any type of DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) book, or even books like Byron Katie's "Loving What Is" or "I Need Your Love -- Is That True?" over this.

I had high hopes for this book but it did not help me. I already know I'm highly sensitive, and so is my daughter (5 years old). Not sensitive in a cry baby way*, but sensitive as in aware of everything, aware of emotions in the room, aware of the lady bug across the yard, aware of things most people walk on by. I was hoping this book would help me (and my daughter) with building some boundaries, help to quit taking other people's "bad stuff" as our own, quit thinking the worst when bad emotions do happen. As an HSP, I do hurt more, deeply. I also love more deeply too. Also, I didn't like the point in the book about HSPs not being risk takers. I have always been a major risk taker, as an HSP, I hurt more deeply, therefore, I remember not to do the thing that hurt me again, and I am also way more adept at coming up with new ways to do things that keep me from getting hurt, frustrated, tired, etc., again next time I do certain things. It seems like a lot of the population are not very good at lessons-learned. I wish I was more blissful unaware of better ways of doing things, of pain of others, sometimes it really drains my energy. I have always been a risk taker, even in small things like fashion, I'm always ahead of the game, but maybe I'm just more aware of the trends or start a new trend because I am different than others. I will still be looking for a book that discusses what I addressed above.

*some people may see it that way though