Growing Forward for High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive People with dr tracy cooper!!

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

Ready to Grow Forward? 🌱

Join us Nov. 1st, 2025 for Growing Forward: Resilience as a Pathway to Growth and Flourishing!

Do you crave adventure, yet experience life with exceptional depth and sensitivity? If so, this online workshop is crafted just for you!

Join us for a dynamic day of self-discovery, connection, and personal growth, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Tracy Cooper—author of Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person. This year, Dr. Cooper is joined by co-hosts Annet van Duinen and Randy Grasser of The Living Adventurers, whose core values include:

Growth through adventure

Lifelong learning

Empowering sensitivity

Resilience through adversity

Authenticity

What Awaits You

Expert Guidance: Benefit from research-based insights and extensive experience—Dr. Cooper and Annet are both international consultants on high sensitivity.

Interactive Breakouts: Participate in small group sessions designed for meaningful discussion and connection.

Safe Community: Share your experiences and interact with fellow HSS/HSPs in a supportive, understanding environment.

Open Q&A: Ask your hosts anything about high sensation seeking and high sensitivity.

Lasting Connections: Meet like-minded individuals who truly “get” you.

Why Attend?

Learn how to embrace your unique blend of high sensation seeking and high sensitivity—and thrive in a world that doesn’t always understand you. This year, our focus is on resilience: not just as a trait, but as a skill you can cultivate to navigate adversity and unlock your full potential.

Discover how your adventurous spirit can be a source of strength and growth.

Explore questions like:

What do our adventures teach us about ourselves?

Is it just about the thrill, or do we gain deeper self-understanding by pushing our limits?

Where does your next zone of growth lie?

Bring Your Curiosity and Passion

Come with your curiosity, your adventurous spirit, and your passion for life. Together, let’s explore what it truly means to “grow forward” as high sensation seeking, highly sensitive people!

Mark your calendars and join us for a transformative experience. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Click here to register!

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#hsshsp#sensitiveandstrong#sensitivesensationseeker#sensitiverefuge#HighlySensitivePerson#highsensationseeker

the 2025 HSS/HSP Workshop: Growing Forward

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

🌟 Are you a High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person? 🌟
Do you crave adventure AND feel life deeply? You’re not alone—and this workshop is for YOU!

✨ Join us for the 2025 HSS/HSP Workshop: Growing Forward! ✨
Theme: Resilience as a Pathway to Growth and Flourishing
🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 10am–1pm PDT
🌐 Location: Online (Zoom)
🎟️ Reserve your spot now!

What to Expect:

  • Breakthrough insights from Dr. Tracy Cooper, author of Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person
  • Special co-hosts: Annet van Duinen & Randy Grasser of The Living Adventurers
  • Interactive small group sessions & live Q&A
  • A safe, supportive community of fellow HSS/HSPs
  • Tools to help you thrive and build resilience in a world that doesn’t always understand you

Why Attend?
Discover how your adventurous spirit and deep sensitivity are your superpowers! Learn to harness resilience, embrace your unique gifts, and connect with others who truly get you. This is your chance to grow, heal, and flourish—together.

🧭 Bring your curiosity, your wild heart, and your passion for life!
Let’s explore what it means to “grow forward” as high sensation seeking, highly sensitive people.

👇 Spaces are limited—register today! 👇
🔗 HSSHSP2025.eventbrite.com

#HSSHSP #HighlySensitivePerson #HighSensationSeeker #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #DrTracyCooper #TheLivingAdventurers #GrowForward #OnlineWorkshop #SensitiveAndStrong

The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity in the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Student Mental Health

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

Another interesting study examining Sensory Processing Sensitivity (known in popular culture as the highly sensitive person or HSP)! This one was a bachelor’s level thesis from rijkuniversiteit groningen in the Netherlands specifically looking at SPS and student mental health and how self concept clarity may be a mediating factor in this relationship. A total of 317 Dutch university students took an online survey utilizing validated measures of SPS, SCCC, and Student Mental Health.

Results seem to show that the less self concept clarity students have, combined with sensory processing sensitivity, the greater the propensity for mental health concerns among HSP students. The author suggested that interventions in the form of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or self compassion training may help self concept clarity among HSP students.

Self Concept Clarity basically states that those with high SCC know their strengths and weaknesses, understand the nature of their personalities, and where they stand on important values and attitudes. In short, they know themselves well and feel a healthy sense of self-esteem and are self-efficacious. We know that many HSPs tend to know themselves well only around midlife, which can be highly problematic for HSPs and, say, career choice (see my book Thrive: The Highly Sensitive Person and Career for much more), but also in “adulting” or facing the real world of work and relationships that almost demands of them self concept clarity.

The good news is that HSPs tend to respond more readily to interventions than less sensitive people and will do far better in positive and supportive environments (college being an overall positive and supportive environment). The college experience can also be one of coming to know ourselves through exposure to new and varied people then we may have encountered before. New ideas and concepts may also transform our worldviews and perspectives in support of developing a more clear self concept. Lastly, the growth trajectory typical of many college students can be quite steep with dramatic changes to growth and development that will serve them well throughout life.

You can help encourage the young people in your life (adults too) towards greater self concept clarity through positive associations and interactions with them, supporting their efforts – especially when they entail a stretch into challenging territory, and mentoring those in our orbits of influence if we have been fortunate enough to have developed a health sense of self concept clarity ourselves.

This is a productive study from this student in the Netherlands and it is encouraging to see scholarly work advancing highly sensitive people!

Click here to view abstract of the study.

An evening with dr tracy cooper in greenville, sc!

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

Big thanks to Walt’s Waltz and Susan Crooks for inviting me to speak in Greenville, SC this past Thursday and Friday!! Our discussions around highly sensitive men, HSS/HSPs, and HSPs were made all the more poignant and real by the simple fact of being face to face with other people. This may seem trivial but in our modern world of screens, monitors, and calls it’s sadly becoming increasingly rare to be in the presence of other warm, breathing people alive with curiosity! I thank you for that!

A few reflections in hindsight. One, people are curious and interested in learning more about what it means to be highly sensitive in a literal sense (what is the trait itself and the so-what factor). Both of the wonderful groups I met with, BOLD Leadership Network and our public event at the University Center of Greenville, proved to be receptive and interested audiences whom I felt instantly comfortable sharing everything I have learned about HS men, HSS/HSPs, HSPs, and numerous topical areas of interest to various members of each group.

I realized as well that people are very interested if they happen to have a highly sensitive son and would like to not only know more about high sensitivity but how they might help their hs sons navigate areas like school, athletics, interpersonal dynamics, and self-care. This is an area we need much more on in the way of resources and also outreach! It’s not enough to create books, articles, podcasts, and films/videos. Parents want to speak with other live humans who they can connect with and feel like their concerns are valid and that they aren’t alone in attempting to understand how to best support their highly sensitive sons.

Education and outreach is another prominent topic of great interest, especially for BOLD Leadership Network as they work to provide program offerings supporting academic achievement for African-American students in the Greenville, SC area. They’ve had some encouraging success and props to Edward Anderson and Damon Qualls for creating and carrying out this BOLD initiative to develop leaders and build their community!! It was amazing to meet, connect, and share what I know about highly sensitive men, HSS/HSM, and talk a bit about human motivation, educational persistence to graduation, and see the eyes light up in realization that being highly sensitive is actually empowering in very pragmatic ways!! I look forward to how we might partner again in the future to support highly sensitive students and leaders as the real influence of Sensitive Men Rising begins to to build momentum and impact in the world.

Lastly, I am left with an appreciation of the sheer level of human effort that we HSPs put into bettering our communities, easing suffering, building and nourishing connections, and doing so with warmth (real human warmth), charm, tenacity, creativity, and S.T.Y.L.E. (Men with STYLE Podcast)! In the darkness of our times it’s easy to forget the many people who sustain the light and continue to do our part to bring vision, strength, and shared humanity to the world!

The efforts to have our voices heard, our wisdom listened to, or our visions realized is an ever-ongoing one that is not tied to any movement, not susceptible to the whims of culture, and not based in the profit motive. The leadership and guidance we provide is an ethical and moral one with greater good in mind for all, fuller realizations of our possibilities as human beings, and to go there together shoulder to shoulder and hearts leading the way! ☺🙏

How to be a resilient, adaptable leader

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

It’s no surprise to me that becoming a resilient, adaptable leader who can effectively embody “psychological flexibility” is part and parcel of what describes highly sensitive people!! That’s on a surface level. On a deeper dive it’s not likely that all highly sensitive people possess the level of evolved skill sets to bring these qualities to bear on a regular or consistent basis.

Allow me to explain. It’s one thing to have an innate toolkit containing deeper processing, keen sensitivity to subtleties, empathy, and emotional responsiveness, but quite another to have developed those aspects of ourselves as active parts of how we function in our everyday lives, especially for leaders.

Developing psychological flexibility entails a high level of self-awareness, cognitive and creative adaptability (one might say a curiosity about the problem and possible solutions), and a willingness to externally reflect rationality in the face of chaos. Many HSPs may still be on the journey to developing those qualities or skill sets. Many more have no desire to lead in a traditional sense, preferring instead to quietly tend their own inner gardens of reflection, contemplation, and calm.

High sensation seeking highly sensitive people (HSS/HSPs) may defy the above in that HSS/HSPs are geared toward seeking out new and novel stimuli, bringing our capacities for creativity to bear, and using the multiple inputs of problem-solving as grist for reflection and processing. HSS/HSPs differ markedly from HSPs lower in sensation seeking through a ready willingness to engage in the new and novel, perhaps even to take on the challenging and difficult. It’s through the repeated exposures to challenging circumstances and situations that HSS/HSPs may potentially enjoy personality growth and development fostering greater self-actualization over a lifetime.

As we now know, HSS/HSPs are up to half of the total HSP population and more discussions need to take place on crucial topics like psychological flexibility and resilience. Luckily for anyone who is interested we have an upcoming HSS/HSP workshop focusing on developing just these capacities!! Join us Nov. 1st!

on being a highly sensitive man online course!

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

For all those who wish to understand themselves better as highly sensitive men, or who know HS men in their lives, this online, self-paced 16 week course may be for you! Brought to you by Bill Allen, author of two insightful books on highly sensitive men and a tireless advocate for expanding awareness of the presence of highly sensitive men in the world, this course is timely, accurate, and chock full of relevant topics you can dig into. There are also bonus extras such as interviews with experts in the field and access to a community of highly sensitive men.

If you want to THRIVE as a highly sensitive man, or support one so he can THRIVE, I encourage you to check out Bill’s course and open the door to understanding this practical and generative trait!

Topical areas you can expect to learn more about:

The Foundation of Sensitivity: Understand the biological and psychological roots of high sensitivity, dispel myths, and embrace the unique gifts this trait offers.

Emotional Mastery: Develop tools for emotional regulation, navigate overwhelm, and channel your depth of feeling into creative and constructive outlets.

Redefining Masculinity: Explore how sensitivity aligns with modern masculinity and how HSMs can lead the way in creating a balanced, inclusive vision of manhood.

Practical Life Skills: From setting boundaries to expanding your comfort zone, the course provides actionable strategies to thrive in relationships, careers, and personal pursuits.

Mindset and Resilience: Cultivate a mindset of growth, purpose, and self-belief to build confidence and align with your values

Please share!!

Register here

The 2025 High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person’s Workshop!!

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

The 2025 High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person’s Workshop!! Join me Saturday November 1st from Noon-3pm CST via Zoom for what is shaping up to be a timely, informative (maybe transformative), and connecting experience!!

I’m so excited to announce I will be joined this by the amazing power duo of Randy Grasser and Annet van Duinen of The Living Adventurers!! Annet (a fellow international consultant on high sensitivity and certified ICF life coach) and Randy (a lifelong thrill seeker with a deep heart and passionate commitment to sharing what he’s learned as an adventurer) team up with me to tackle the topic of RESILIENCE and how we might cultivate it, apply it to varying life situations, and, ultimately, come to think of this capacity to weather adversity as a growth mechanism for personality development and enhancement.

Sensitive Sensation Seekers, as I like to shorten the HSS/HSP label, intentionally place ourselves in high growth circumstances lead by our genetic trait known as Sensation Seeking. Couple that copious ‘fodder’ with the well-known deep processing of our highly sensitive sides and you have a powerful combination for both experiencing life in a deeper and richer way, as well as providing expansion for our sensitive sides, which thrive on reflecting and contextualizing our lived experiences!!

I know I am truly looking forward to creating a workshop that tantalizes the sensation seeker, while offering connection and communion with likeminded sensitives!!

Join us Saturday November 1st, 2025 and help us expand the world of Sensitive Sensation Seekers knowing that we are up to 50% of the highly sensitive population!! We need to be talking about Sensitive Sensation Seekers so much more and RESILIENCE is bedrock for enabling us to face adversity with the skills and confidence to transcend our perceived ‘limitations!!’

Registration link: https://HSSHSP2025.eventbrite.com

PLEASE SHARE!!

On Being a Sensitive Man-online course

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

featured speakers

I’m excited to support the upcoming online course hosted by William R Allen titled On Being A Sensitive Man! With content areas focusing on foundational aspects of understanding sensitivity, emotional mastery, redefining masculinity, practical life skills, and growth mindset and resilience you’re sure to find plenty to like!

Especially noteworthy is the multifaceted approach utilizing expert interviews, interactive exercises, and 16 in-depth modules introducing and applying practical skills to the lives of highly sensitive men, while building and participating in an online community of likeminded individuals!

Want to connect with other hs men or learn more about them? On Being A Sensitive Man is the course for you and what a great way to spring into 2025!

Register here: https://academy.highlysensitivehumans.com/courses/on-being-a-sensitive-man?ref=48e57c

Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person by dr. tracy cooper

| Tracy Cooper Ph.D.

Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person is one of my favorite books in my entire body of work! I specifically wrote Thrill for the half of us who are HSPs AND are also high in sensation seeking. Comprising up to 50% of the overall HSP population, HSS/HSPs needed a voice and a guide to help contextualize how we experience life, how we might adapt our lives to meet our needs, and as a place where other HSS/HSPs could see themselves reflected in the stories of other HSS/HSPs.

Thrill is that book.