Growing Unlimited

SUPPORT FOR HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE

Are you easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input? Do other people’s moods affect you? Are you very sensitive to pain? Do you sometimes get so frazzled that you have to go off somewhere by yourself? Are you moved by art, music? Are you conscientious? Do you startle easily? When you are with a large group of people, do you tend to go off into your own thoughts, or need to go somewhere quiet instead? Do others' feelings affect you quickly or deeply?

Do you need more sleep than others? Do you sometimes react differently to medication or the amount, than others? Do you find the labels in your clothes too rough on your skin? Do you get rattled when people try to get you to do too many things at once? Do you have a rich, complex inner life? Have people called you ‘too fussy about heat/cold/food/noise/pain’ or ‘too sensitive for your own good'?

If your answer to these questions is 'yes', then you may be one of 15%-20% of the NORMAL population who have a more finely tuned nervous system and who experiences the world a little differently to others. However, you may have grown up with this being reflected negatively to you by those who do not understand.

'Sensory Processing Sensivity' has been researched over many years by Elaine Aron, author of 'The Highly Sensitive Person' (click here to buy this book). Take the self-test at hsperson to see if you are experiencing life as an HSP; Elaine also has a very informative collection of articles on her website that you might find helpful.

Barbara has been working with HSPs in a therapeutic setting for over 10 years and has developed knowledge and techniques for helping HSPs to transform their way of experiencing themselves from surviving to thriving.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR HSPs

One meeting a month, alternating Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings - £3 on the day - obtain regular reminders of meetings at the Growing Unlimited HSP Winchester Meetup HERE.

Following our successful pilot meeting in September 2008, we have continued welcoming anyone who knows or suspects that they may have a highly sensitive nervous system. This is a relaxed, friendly information meeting, but not a 'therapy group'. If you would like to join the meeting, telephone Barbara on 01962 863066 for a quick chat.

NATIONAL CENTRE AND NATIONAL WORKSHOPS

Following enquiries and requests from HSPs over the last two years from all over the UK and Europe, we are delighted to announce the launch in August 2010 of the 'National Centre for High Sensitivity'. The aim of this centre will be to provide links, information, education and services for HSPs and those who come into contact with them as professionals, employers, service providers and so on. This is an ongoing development which will grow organically through funding of services by HSPs themselves and in the future, donated funding for such a vital resource.

As part of this work, we are offering 1-day Introductory Workshops throughout the UK. If it is in your nature to be highly sensitive and feel that you are affected both physically and emotionally by everything that goes on around you, these workshops, available UK-wide from Edinburgh to Exeter, are for you! See here for more information on HSP 1-Day Workshops and to book a place, or call Barbara on 01962 863066.

The fee for the workshop includes venue costs plus services and expenses of Growing Unlimited staff and volunteers. Food and beverages are provided free of charge. We will be able to offer one subsidised (assessed) place per workshop for an HSP on a low income. For this you will need to pay for the workshop and we will reimburse you following attendance at the workshop.

HSP UK GATHERING RETREAT, JUNE 2011 TBC

Barbara is delighted to announce that she will be assisting Jacquelyn Strickland as co-host of the UK 2011 HSP Gathering Retreat. Venue to be decided. More information to follow!

COMPLETE PERSONAL ASSESSMENT FOR HSPs - £120

If you are new to the concept of High Sensitivity, consider spending some time with us here at the National Centre for High Sensitivity for a complete 1-1 personal assessment. We will help you to make an assessment of: Your physical health, sleep, nutrition and fitness; Your lifestyle, career choices and interests; Your emotional health, relationships and wellbeing. You will come away with some advice, tips and inspiration, plus a better idea of how HSP fits with a better future for yourself and the important people in your life. Assessments are carried out by Barbara and Georgina, both of whom have extensive experience in working with Highly Sensitive People. Please call 01962 863066 to book an assessment: the assessment takes a minimum of two hours and is usually scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays. Since this is a thorough assessment please take into consideration that most HSPs function best in daylight hours, so a daytime appointment is advised where possible.

SENSITIVE BOYS

Dr. Ted Zeff, has just written a new book entitled “The Strong, Sensitive Boy” which contains important information based on new research for people working with boys and parents who want to help their son become strong and sensitive in a world that does not appreciate sensitivity in males. The book is also helpful for sensitive men to heal their childhood wounds and for sensitive women to better understand how society treats sensitivity. Buy Ted Zeff's Book