The Highly Sensitive Person's Workbook

Rating:
Summary: Excellent workbook for all kinds of Introverts
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat Daunting BUT Extremely Useful Self-Exploration!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent workbook for all kinds of Introverts
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Learned helplessness repackaged as coping skills
Review: The highly sensitive person, a creature undefined in this text and rooted nowhere in the realms of psychology or sociology, deserves much better than being pandered to and infantilized. Rather than teach coping mechanisms and skills for interpreting interpersonal communication, Aron's advice encourages narcissistic behavior and serves to convince the reader that they are fundamentally different from others in an undefined way, incapable of functioning on a basic social level, and rudderless without her help.

The section on relationships, which advocates arguing by dodging valid questions, should be particularly ignored.

I never leave negative reviews on this site, but I feel I should warn prospective buyers. Avoid this book.

Rating:
Summary: Ok, by now you know you are an HSP, but what type?
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Ok, by now you know you are an HSP, but what type?
Review: 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.