The best place to start is by taking the self-assessment questionnaire (see the link further up this page). While no questionnaire can provide a definitive answer, it can give you a good indication of whether you have the trait of high sensitivity.

High sensitivity is not a medical diagnosis or a disorder, so there is no clinical test or official diagnosis. Instead, it's a temperament trait. Many people recognise themselves through the questionnaire and by identifying with the four core characteristics of high sensitivity described above: deeper processing, a tendency towards overstimulation, strong emotional responsiveness and empathy, and noticing subtleties.

Research using functional MRI (fMRI) suggests that high sensitivity has a biological basis. However, you don't need brain scans or any other medical tests to know whether you're highly sensitive. For most HSPs, learning about the trait and reflecting on their own experiences provides the clarity they need.

Yes. Research within neuroscience using functional MRI (fMRI) suggests that highly sensitive people show different patterns of brain activity when processing sensory, emotional, and social information. These findings support the idea that high sensitivity has a biological basis, although every highly sensitive person is of course unique.

At the same time, you certainly don't need brain scans or any other medical tests to identify with the trait. For most HSPs, learning about high sensitivity and taking the self-assessment questionnaire provides enough clarity, as they recognise themselves in the core characteristics of the trait.

No. While highly sensitive people share the same underlying temperament trait, no two HSPs are exactly alike. It's also important to remember that high sensitivity is just one aspect of a person's personality and does not define who they are. Every HSP is unique, with their own personality, strengths, experiences, and preferences.

The four core characteristics of high sensitivity – deeper processing, a tendency towards overstimulation, strong emotional responsiveness and empathy, and noticing subtleties – are all part of the trait. However, they show up differently from person to person and to varying degrees. For one HSP, noticing subtleties may be especially prominent, while for another, emotional responsiveness or sensory overstimulation may be more noticeable.

Research also suggests that high sensitivity is shaped by both nature and nurture. While genetics play an important role, life experiences and the environment also influence how the trait develops and is expressed. Current evidence indicates that both contribute substantially, rather than one being solely responsible.

Highly sensitive children don’t necessarily need completely different parenting, but they definitely benefit from a more attuned and understanding approach. This can include for example validating their sensitivity and not making them feel bad for being sensitive, recognising their sensory needs, supporting emotional regulation, and helping them feel safe while gradually building resilience.

Every child is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all way of parenting a highly sensitive child. If you’d like support in understanding your child’s sensitivity and finding ways that work for your family, I also offer coaching for parents of highly sensitive children.

HSP coaching is about helping highly sensitive people better understand their sensitivity and learn practical ways and tools to navigate everyday life with greater balance, confidence, and resilience. My coaching combines practical, personalised support with evidence-based approaches, including for example strategies for emotion regulation, stress management, and working with perfectionist patterns. Rather than trying to "fix" your sensitivity, we focus on understanding it, working with it, and using it as a strength. And there are many strengths being an HSP. ☺️

My coaching is open to both sensitive and highly sensitive people. Many of the topics we explore together are similar, whether you identify as highly sensitive or simply recognise yourself as a sensitive person. What's most important is not the label, but whether the topics and approach resonate with your experiences and goals. 😊