Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) hoping to find a support group online to connect with other HSPs?
This post explores the importance of HSP support groups, shares examples, and guides you on how to find the right HSP community for your needs.
Because you see:
Living with the challenges and benefits of being an HSP is both a gift and a challenge. And possessing a heightened sensitivity to external and internal stimuli means you will also experience overwhelming emotions and may require additional support.
This is where HSP support groups come in. They provide a safe space for sensitive individuals to connect, share experiences, and learn coping strategies.
So let’s learn a little more about these Highly Sensitive Person Support Groups.
Table of Contents
Who is a Highly Sensitive Person?
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an individual who possesses a personality trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) or High Sensitivity.
This trait was first introduced by psychologist Dr. Elaine N. Aron in the 1990s. And HSPs make up 20-30% of the population.
As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), you are often more sensitive to external stimuli, emotions, and subtleties in your environment than the average person.
What is a Support Group?
A support group brings individuals together to share their experiences, feelings, and challenges related to a common issue or concern.
These groups provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for people to express themselves, offer and receive support, and learn from others who are going through similar situations.
And the primary purpose of a support group is to create a sense of community and understanding among its members.
Support groups can be in-person, online, or a combination of both.
What are Highly Sensitive Person Support Groups?
Highly Sensitive Person support groups are gatherings of individuals who share the trait of High Sensitivity and come together to provide mutual support, understanding, and encouragement.
These groups offer a non-threatening environment for HSPs to discuss their experiences, challenges, and strategies for coping with their High Sensitivity trait.
And while the accessibility of HSP support groups may vary depending on your location and the information available, this page shares examples of HSP support groups you can find online. So you can join from anywhere in the world.
But first, let’s discuss the benefits of Highly Sensitive Person support groups. Or why you should highly consider being part of a support group for HSPs.
The Benefits of HSP Support Groups
1. Understanding and Validation
If there’s something many HSPs struggle with, it’s being misunderstood. And if you can’t find understanding in your family, among your friends, or with co-workers at your job, the next place is a community of like-minded individuals.
Enter HSP support groups.
Being part of a group with fellow HSPs can offer a sense of belonging by connecting you with others sharing similar experiences and challenges. And it can provide the understanding and validation you may have lacked all your life, helping you feel safe and loved.
2. Emotional Support
Dealing with intense emotions can be overwhelming for HSPs.
Support groups provide a nurturing environment where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment.
And this means members can offer each other emotional support and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
3. Coping Strategies
HSP support groups often host workshops or guest speakers who provide valuable insights into managing sensory overload, setting boundaries, and self-care techniques.
These practical strategies can significantly improve the quality of life for HSPs.
And now that we know the advantages of joining a support group for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), let’s explore what to look for when choosing an HSP community.
How to Find & Choose the Right HSP Support Group
Now that you have a list of HSP support groups to join and learn more about your HSP trait, how do you decide which support group is right for you?
This section highlights eight tips or steps to help you find and choose an HSP support group that works for you.
1. Conduct Online Research
The first step towards finding the right support group is to conduct thorough online research to identify HSP support groups near you or ones you can join from anywhere in the world.
We’ve started the search for you with the examples above. But if you still feel our list is missing the kind of HSP community you need, dive deep into research.
Look for reputable websites, forums, and social media pages dedicated to HSPs. Many will usually share information on upcoming events, workshops or retreats. And attending such events or messaging the hosts may lead you to a regular group you didn’t know existed.
And don’t limit your search to support groups near you. Sometimes, the best communities are across the world, hosted by people you’ve never met or heard of.
2. Consult Local Resources
If your online search isn’t giving you the results you seek, another option is to contact local therapists, counsellors, coaches, or psychologists working with HSPs.
They may be aware of HSP support groups online or in your area and could recommend relevant resources to help you explore further. And because they specialize in treating and helping Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), they may be your best long-term resource.
But if there are none in your location, you can still contact the ones you find online.
3. Ask Your Network
Personal recommendations can be valuable, as they come from trusted sources who may have first-hand experience. So don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or acquaintances if they know of any HSP support groups.
And, of course, this option is best for HSPs whose network understands what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person.
So if you’ve heard someone in your circle talk about Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), they may know where you can find the best HSP support groups.
4. Evaluate Group Dynamics
Once you have an idea of support groups you’d like to consider, it’s time to attend a few meetings or sessions. This sampling will give you practical experience and help you decide which HSP support group to join.
And because being a Highly Sensitive Person makes you highly intuitive and perceptive, one meeting is enough to help you decide.
Ensure the atmosphere is supportive, non-judgmental, and inclusive. And look for a group that fosters open communication and encourages active participation. You never want to be part of an HSP community that doesn’t align with your values.
5. Consider the Facilitator’s Expertise or Values
If you gauge the group dynamics and find that you like the feel of the group, consider assessing the facilitator’s expertise and qualifications. This is necessary if you’re joining a group that offers insight into health issues such as Anxiety and Depression.
Ideally, they should have a background in psychology or counselling, as this ensures they can provide reliable guidance and maintain a safe environment for all participants.
And, as we said, this isn’t always necessary. Some HSP support groups exist solely to provide a safe space for people to interact, vent, and express themselves. Such groups do not require the facilitator to be an expert; they only need someone who shares your values.
6. Think about the Group Size
Because HSPs find discomfort in a crowd, a large community may sound like the worst idea. But Highly Sensitive People have other traits that make them different. So you don’t have to stick to a smaller and more intimate group if that’s not your style.
Consider your preferences when it comes to group size. Do you prefer a smaller HSP support group or a larger HSP community? Both options have their advantages.
Smaller groups may offer a more personal experience, while larger communities provide a broader range of perspectives and support.
7. Check the Group’s Schedule
HSP support groups have independent schedules. They may meet weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly or annually. It all depends on the availability and preferences of group facilitators and members.
And because you can’t join a group and propose a different schedule to what’s already there, look for a community that meets your preference.
Many groups will share their meeting times before joining. Look at these times and decide which schedule works for you. And then, consider whether you prefer in-person meetings, online video sessions, or a combination of both.
16 HSP Support Groups You Can Join Today
1. The Sensitive Empowerment Community
This HSP support group is created and run by Julie Bjellend – a Psychotherapist specializing in High Sensitivity.
It’s a membership-based HSP community bringing together fellow HSPs to discuss life’s issues and support anyone who needs it.
And inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community, you will find smaller HSP support groups to help you deal with Depression and Business issues.
Read More: All About The Sensitive Empowerment Community by Julie Bjelland
2. The Alane Freund Membership Community
Alane Freund is an International Consultant for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
She helps Highly Sensitive youths, teens, adults, and the LGBTQ community use their High Sensitivity traits to thrive in this world. And she also runs a monthly membership community for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
Signing up for the community will give you access to Alane Freund’s sensitivity circles, workshops, and events. Learn More Here.
3. The Haven
The Haven is a virtual home where Highly Sensitive People can find space and support to rest, re-frame, and rebuild from the inside out.
Andy Mort, a sound artist, songwriter and slow coach, is the creator of this membership community for sensitive souls and gentle rebels.
Get your pass today and explore the library, café, theatre, and more spaces tailor-made for you.
4. HSP Men’s Group
The HSP Men’s Online Meeting is a group of highly sensitive men that gathers via video conferencing twice a month. Discussions are related to HSP topics, particularly those that affect HSP males.
The group is very informal and informative, and there is no cost or time commitment. Occasionally, the group invites HSP thought leaders to talk and share advice.
It’s co-hosted by William Allen and Randy Grasser.
5. The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe
Hosted by Cheri Gregory, a coach, speaker and author, The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe is a membership-based meetup for HSP Christian Women.
It allows members to connect with other HSPs, attend weekly Zoom calls, access recorded workshops, and explore more resources at their pace.
And the group’s main purpose is to help HSP Christian women reduce overwhelm.
6. HSPs Psychology & Support Community Meetup
Cindy Gale is passionate about creating a true community for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) as defined by the research of Dr. Elaine N. Aron.
She started this group for anyone interested in learning more about what it means to be an HSP and for HSPs to support one another. And her next online meeting is on July 22nd.
7. HSP Support Circle
Imagine a community of people who have all been called too sensitive that come together to share and learn while genuinely affirming one another.
That’s what the HSP Support Group Circle by Melissa Noel is all about. It offers a supportive space where Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) may learn to thrive and have meaningful connections.
The HSP Support Circle meets every 2nd Saturday of the month for 90 minutes on Zoom. Learn More Here.
8. HSP Support Groups on Facebook
The first six Highly Sensitive Person support groups are not on social media platforms. All you need is an online connection and login credentials.
And they are for people who prefer to find support away from the pressures and noise of most online platforms.
But if you’re active on Social Media and are looking for HSP support groups to join, we have a list of Facebook groups for the Highly Sensitive Person.
Here are some online support groups for HSPs on Facebook:
1. Elaine Aron and High Sensitivity
With over 7.8K members, this is a private Facebook group about being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). It shares content from Dr. Elaine Aron and other related research and content about the trait.
To join this group, you need to answer three questions to help the moderators get to know you more. The group is by members of the International Consultants on High Sensitivity (ICHS) – a professional group of HSPs from different countries who are well-versed in the scientific research of SPS.
2. Highly Sensitive People
With over 50K members (as of the time of writing this), this group for HSPs started in 2008 and is active today. The Facebook group approaches discussions about Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Elaine Aron.
And before you join, the group recommends reading her book: The Highly Sensitive Person.
3. Highly Sensitive Refuge
Based on the HSP blog of the same name, this Facebook group is an extension of the online community by Jenn Granneman and Andre Solo.
The private group has over 15K members (as of writing this) and daily interactions. And its mission is to prove that people with High sensitivity can be strong and that the world could use more of what HSPs have.
4. Highly Sensitive People Support Group
Which over 6K members (as of writing this), the Highly Sensitive People Support Group is like the name suggests – a support group for HSPs.
Members are free to talk about personal topics related to being an HSP; as long as they follow content guidelines.
5. Highly Sensitive Parents
As the name suggests, this is a Facebook group for sensitive parents looking for more balance, flow and purpose in life. The group shares information, inspiration, and support to help Highly Sensitive Parents feel less alone.
And with over 7K members, this group is by Karin Monster-Peters – an energy management and life purpose coach.
6. Services for Highly Sensitive People
Want to promote your products or services to an HSP audience? This Facebook support group is for you. Services for Highly Sensitive People is a public group providing a space for people to offer services tailored to Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs).
And as for an interesting fact, the group is a child of the second group in this list – Highly Sensitive People. It has over 4K members.
7. Natural Health for the Highly Sensitive Person
This is one of the most specific Facebook groups for HSPs in this list. It’s a support group for high-sensing people who want to learn how natural health can unlock the power of their sensitivity.
8. Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs
As the name suggests, this is an online support group for sensitive entrepreneurs. It has over 2K members and is a product of Business Miracles – the platform for Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs (HSEs) and Leaders by Heather Dominick.
The group’s mission is to help you learn how to do things differently without sacrificing your own needs so you can make more of an impact and income in the world.
9. Supporting the Highly Sensitive Child
If the name of this Facebook group sounds familiar, there is a series of books by James Williams aimed at Supporting the Highly Sensitive Child.
With over 11K members, this online support group provides a safe place for parents and caregivers of Highly Sensitive Children. And it offers a place to connect and support each other by sharing personal experiences and relevant resources.
Final Word on HSP Support Groups
Participating in HSP support groups can be a transformative experience for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs).
They can provide understanding, validation, and practical strategies to help you navigate the unique qualities of being an HSP with confidence and resilience.
So take the first step today by researching and finding an HSP support group that suits your needs. This guide shows you where to go, shares examples of groups to join, and helps you know what to look for when choosing. Now it’s your turn to decide.
And most importantly, let these HSP support groups remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.
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P.S.: Know of an HSP support group that should be part of this list? Let us know in the comments.
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