Course curriculum

This course is FREE for Marin CAMFT members! Log on to your member profile at marincamft.org to find the sign-up code.

    1. Working with Sensitivity: Part 1 (free preview!)

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Working with Sensitivity: Part 2

    2. Working with Sensitivity: Part 3

    1. Working with Sensitivity: Post-Test

    1. Working with Sensitivity: Course Eval

About this course

  • $30.00
  • 5 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content

Workshop Description

This course outlines core characteristics, scientific research, and case examples of the trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in order to distinguish it from possible differential diagnoses. Clinicians will learn to recognize the trait in often under-represented (in the research) or marginalized populations. Participants will compile effective strategies for highly sensitive clients managing over-arousal or overstimulation and assess for unique symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Possibly as many as half of therapy clients may be highly sensitive people having Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), which is how this trait is referenced in the research. At 20-30%, highly sensitive people are too numerous for the trait to be a disorder— about one in four people. Sensory processing sensitivity is a valuable trait: Many great artists and thinkers are highly sensitive people, generally highly conscientious and intuitive. There are also drawbacks: a highly sensitive person is easily overstimulated and more affected by a troubled past and by present stressors, and thus they benefit greatly from therapy with well-informed clinicians.


Educational Goals

Participants will understand the science and evolution of Sensory Processing Sensitivity, including the impact of past trauma. Participants will gain skills and strategies to support clients with this trait, who are known as highly sensitive people. The course will cover differential diagnosis as applied to the trait in the context of neurodiversity. Participants will learn techniques for identifying high sensitivity in marginalized and diverse populations. Participants will understand how to support highly sensitive people through the tool of reframing childhood, and learn how clients can embrace the trait, including working with perfectionism, overarousal, and self care.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

  • List and describe the four identifying characteristics of High Sensitivity (otherwise known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity or SPS).

  • Summarize the presented research on the trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

  • Utilize the research-based assessment for SPS and identify limitations of the measure for diverse populations.

  • Demonstrate alternative strategies for identifying SPS in diverse ethnic and cultural groups.

  • Assess the impact of differential susceptibility and vantage sensitivity on mental health in clients with Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

  • Name symptoms and possible causes of depression and anxiety (including genetic vulnerability) that may be unique to highly sensitive people.

  • Demonstrate appropriate interventions for prevention of over-arousal in clients with sensory processing sensitivity.

Presenter

Alane Freund, LMFT Alane Freund, LMFT is a consultant, speaker, and therapist for highly sensitive people. An International Consultant on High Sensitivity (ICHS), Ms. Freund has developed and implemented programs for highly sensitive people and youth as well as the clinicians who serve them. She holds Masters’ degrees in both clinical psychology and school counseling and is the parent of a highly sensitive young adult. Ms. Freund’s widely acclaimed Talk at Google, Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person, has become a worldwide resource with over one million views. She hosts the Are You Highly Sensitive community with an extensive online course library and live coaching sessions.
Alane offers team building, educational workshops, and retreats online and across the globe, including her trademarked program, HSPs & Horses. She can be reached for consultation or speaking through her website, AlaneFreund.com.