This list of the International Consultants on High Sensitivity (ICHS)is provided as a service to those wishing to interview someone or invite someone to speak (besides Elaine Aron, who is often unavailable) on the subject of high sensitivity. (Its scientific name is sensory processing sensitivity; it is not related to Sensory Processing Disorder).
Languages and Specialties: Those below all speak English, but after their name and credentials there may be listed other languages they speak (italicized), meaning they can also discuss sensitivity as it manifests in that culture. Each has their own specialties (a selection of these are highlighted in italics) and some have written books on those specialties (also in italics).
Background: While this is only a selection of those who might speak on the subject of high sensitivity, most of this group has taken a workshop in 2018 with Elaine Aron on the latest research and other relevant topics (e.g., best definition of the trait, its evolutionary history in humans and other animals, its relation to various disorders and to introversion, shyness). A few others listed are active researchers. Because those listed below will be kept current by Elaine, they are your best resource.
Note: HS = highly sensitive and HSP = highly sensitive person.
Bianca P. Acevedo, PhD. (B.A. New York University; Ph.D., Stony Brook University), Spanish. Bianca is a Researcher at the Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI) within the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Director of the Foundation for Healthy Relationships and Lives. She is a social neuroscientist specializing in human attachment processes for 15+ years. She conducts research on the science of love, empathy, highly sensitive people, and mind-body practices. She has worked on differentiating sensitivity from clinical issues such as Autism and Schizophrenia. Bianca also provides consulting to various organizations, including non-for profits, clinics, and other person-oriented practices. Fluent in Spanish and English. Extensive media experience, including NPR, NBC, and the Science Channel. www.biancaacevedo.org
Barbara Allen-Williams. Advanced Certificate of Education (UK) in counselling supervision, theory and practice – Southampton University, 1999. Founder of Growing Unlimited Therapeutic Consultancy 2002. Speaker, author and 1-1 mentor for individuals and clinicians on topics around supporting and making the most of high sensitivity, the role of HSPs in families, workplaces and communities. Barbara has a special interest in the bigger picture of high sensitivity and its role in the protection of the human tribe. Her book ‘The Little Book of HSP Wisdom’, published in 2025, is a quick reference guide for approaching life’s challenges and finding a way of being and philosophy that works for an HSP. She can be found at her website www.growingunlimited.
Lise August, Clinical psychologist. Danish, German, Italian. Counselling and psychotherapy for HSPs. Co-founder of “Sensitive Balance,” with a hundred volunteers in Denmark and a newsletter to 20,000 subscribers. They organize weekly seminars and courses for HSPs (parents, couples and professionals) on many topics, based on the latest research. Co-authored two books, published in Denmark and Norway, one on advantages of the trait and one on HSCs for professionals. lise@sensitiv.
Martin August, Clinical psychotherapist. Danish, Swedish. Counselling and therapy for individuals, children/teens and groups. Specializes in compassion-focused approaches to emotion regulation in HS adults and children. With Lise August, co-founder of “Sensitiv Balance” and co-author of books above. Leads weekly courses on topics such as: parenting HSC and HS teens, balancing HSP and HSS, HSP males, managing stress, anger, self-criticism, worries or trauma and embracing the gifts of sensitivity. martin@sensitiv.dk | www.
Else Marie Bruhner. Adult Educator. Swedish, French. Gives courses and conferences on the HS trait in general and related research, explaining the trait’s functioning and how it affects our private and professional life. Special interest: HS and giftedness. Hypersensible… Et alors? (in Swedish, Högkänslig … än sen då?) www.hsperson.se.
Tracy Cooper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor – Leadership in Higher Education, Ed.D. program, Baker University. Thrive: The HS Person and Career (e.g., choosing a career, career crisis and transition, challenges and opportunities, the self-employment option). Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person (e.g., how the traits interact, career issues, creativity, Flow state, self-care). Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul (e.g., redefining masculinity as more inclusive, interacting with less sensitive men, parenting, violence and conflict). Co-Producer for Sensitive Men Rising – The Documentary , the first documentary film for Highly Sensitive Men, with Will Harper, director of Sensitive -The Untold Story (premiers June 18th, 2023). He does seminars for HSPs, HSS/HSPs, HS Men, and does interviews, podcasts, etc. https://drtracycooper.org
Candy Crawford, MSW, LCSW. Psychotherapist working exclusively with HSPs. Also leads workshops nationally. Especially works with HSPs on development of self, intimacy, relationships, parenting, and HS children and teens. Prior to her clinical practice she spent over a decade as a social worker championing the rights of diverse children and families. candycrawfordlcsw.com
Ilse Van den Daele, Founder (2004) and Managing Director of the ‘HSP Vlaanderen’ in Belgium and the Netherlands. Dutch, French & English. With a hundred volunteers in Belgium they organize lectures, workshops, HSP talk-cafés, and children’s holiday-camps throughout Flandres. Website www.hspvlaanderen.be includes a list of selected, HS specialized therapists, psychologists and certified coaches. Organizes scientific conferences on HS (2009, 2013, 2019). Van den Daele is also chief-editor of a magazine for HSPs, ‘De Cocon’, with 1,200 subscribers. Has written two books, one on HS children, Mijn kind is hoogsensitief’ (20,000 sold as of summer, 2018), which appears in French, spring 2019. Also Hoogsensitiviteit@work, about HSPs in work environments. Post-graduate training program ‘HSP for professionals’ at VUB. ilse@hspvlaanderen.be | www.hspvlaanderen.be
Annet van Duinen, Certified Professional Coach, ICF PCC – English – Dutch. Annet van Duinen is a Certified Professional Coach (ICF PCC) who specializes in supporting Highly Sensitive High Sensation Seekers. She is the co-founder of The Wild Sensitive®, an international educational platform and online community dedicated to helping HSP-HSSs (Wild Sensitives) better understand themselves, build resilience, and thrive while embracing both depth and adventure.
Annet is a co-author of several books and educational resources exploring the intersection of sensitivity, sensation seeking, personal growth, relationships, and emotional well-being. Her work combines the scientific research of Dr. Elaine Aron with practical tools and real-life experience to help highly sensitive persons navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with this unique temperament.
In addition to working with individual clients, Annet is an experienced speaker, workshop facilitator, retreat leader, mentor, podcast host, and interview guest. She regularly presents on topics including sensation seeking, emotional intelligence, relationships, self-discovery, personal development, and the emerging understanding of the Highly Sensitive High Sensation Seeker (HSP-HSS). info@wildsensitive.com Website: wildsensitive.com
Tom Falkenstein, MA. German. Tom is the author of The Highly Sensitive Man, which can be found in German, Swedish, and Dutch as well as English. He is an experienced cognitive behavioral psychotherapist who provides information, consultation, and psychotherapy for HSPs (age 18 and up) in both English and German within Germany. He does workshops and talks around Europe—information is on his website, www.hsp-eu.com, and on Instagram, tom.falkenstein. He also has a monthly blog on Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/experts/tom-falkenstein-ma
Alane Freund, MS, MA, English. Alane is an International Consultant on High Sensitivity (ICHS) and family therapist who helps highly sensitive adults and youth focus on solutions through therapy, consultation, and speaking. Ms. Freund has developed and implemented programs for highly sensitive people, youth, families, and 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 Talk at Google, Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person, is a widely recognized resource. In addition to her YouTube channel, Alane Freund LMFT, she hosts the twice monthly Are You Highly Sensitive LIVE membership workshops. Her innovative programs include HSPs & Horses™ and the online Sensitivity Circle topics: Parenting Sensitivity, Sensitive Youth, Wise Women & Wonder, HSProfessionals, HSPs in Relationships, and HSMen. Alane offers team building, educational workshops, and retreats at Heart and Mind Equine in California and across the globe, She can be reached for consultation or speaking through her website, alanefreund.com
Corina Greven, Ph. D. German, Dutch. Professor in Environmental Sensitivity, Radboud University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. Ph. D. From King’s College, London. An experienced speaker at international conferences for scientists and healthcare professionals and author of over 60 scientific articles and several book chapters. She has received numerous awards and grants. Her emphasis has been on Sensory Processing Sensitivity along with general personality and child mental health (especially Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Jadzia Jagiellowicz, Ph.D. English & French. Psychology (Stony Brook University; supervisor Elaine Aron). Academic Researcher. HSP Coach. Completed her PhD on high sensitivity and has conducted research in the field since 2005. Studies of brain, attention and emotion, genetics of HSP, medical/biological aspects, interaction between sensitivity and parenting, and intellectual giftedness and HSP. Experienced international speaker located Quebec, Canada. (e.g. World Congress on Positive Psychology, Society for Neuroscience, the American Psychological Association). Extensive media experience (Oprah Magazine, Today’s Parent, the documentary Sensitive: The Untold Story, and The Globe and Mail: Canada’s National Newspaper). drjadzia@mail.com, www.highlysensitivesociety.com
Lian Kirksæther, Coach (certified, ICF, DNC), lecturer, and author specializing in HSPs. Norwegian. Heads the organization Høysensitiv Norge; has authored numerous articles on HS; co-authored the book Sensitiv og Sterk , which is a best seller in Norway; and created the online course of the same name. She has also helped organize conferences about HSPs and work, based in part on her experience, collaboration with Norwegian Unemployment Agency (NAV Arbeid) and as a teacher and leader. www.liank.no / lian@liank.no
Francesca Lionetti, Ph.D. Psychologist and psychotherapist. Italian. Experienced in academic research on SPS (sensory processing sensitivity, the academic term for HS). Works with Michael Pluess, Elaine Aron, and Arthur Aron on the identification and validation of measures for the assessment of sensitivity. Studies HS in children, in interaction with parenting, and in the school context. francescalionetti.mail@gmail.com | f.lionetti@qmul.ac.uk
Elena Lupo, Ph.D. Neuro-Psychosomatic Consultant. Italian. Body Oriented approach (Biosistemica). HS men, women, children. Coping strategies. Psychosomatic issues. Parenting or teaching HS children. Il Tesoro dei bambini sensibili, 2017. Leads workshops about having boundaries using body oriented approach. www.personealtamentesensibili.it Email for the Italian HSP project: altamente.sensibili@gmail.com
Alice E. Shannon, LMFT. Psychotherapist. Extensive experience in the nuances of HSP/HS children, plus all other aspects of temperament. Specializes in helping parents and school staff respond effectively to temperament-based behavior problems and concerns. Does distance temperament consults with parents globally. Worked in SF Bay Area Kaiser Hospitals and with Preventive Ounce, offering temperament-related services (significantly reducing medical costs for those seen). Trainings on temperament for agencies (e.g., Head Start). Articles widely published. AliceShannon.com. Alice can be reach via email at: Listeningtotemperament@gmail.
Jacquelyn Strickland, licensed professional counselor (1993). Exclusively with HSPs (2002). Also background in social work, women’s studies and cultural diversity. Co-founded international HSP Gathering Retreats™ with Elaine Aron (2001—35 Gatherings thus far). Speaking, consulting, mentoring, coaching, retreats, focused on the empowerment for the HSP. Certified administrator Myers Briggs. Extraverted HSPs. HSPs and Empowerment (book in progress). www.lifeworkshelp.com
Aki Takahashi, Ph.D. (ABD), M.A. Japanese, Licensed Clinical Psychologist / Certified Public Psychologist Specialties: Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), Highly Sensitive Children (HSCs), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Adolescents and Young Adults. She is a leading researcher and clinician in the field of HSPs in Japan. She completed all doctoral coursework in the Graduate School of Psychology at Chukyo University and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology. She currently serves as a Project Assistant Professor at Nanzan University and is the founder of Kiribayashi Counseling Office. She has been researching HSP since 2003 and developed the Japanese version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (Takahashi, 2016) which is widely used in Japan. She is the supervising translator of “Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person” by Dr. Elaine Aron (Japanese edition, 2024). She is the only member in Asia and Oceania of the International Consultants on High Sensitivity (ICHS), an international network of HSP-informed professionals.
Contact: Counseling inquiries: kiribayashico@gmail.com (Please note that availability is limited. Contact by email for details.) Seminars and writing requests: takahashiakihsp@gmail.com
Japanese
髙橋亜希
臨床心理士・公認心理師
南山大学 保健センター 特任助教、桐林カウンセリングオフィス代表
専門分野：
・HSP / HSC
・自閉スペクトラム症（ASD)、注意欠如・多動症（ADHD)
・思春期・青年期の臨床、およびその家族
・日本語および英語でのカウンセリング
日本におけるHSP研究と臨床の第一人者です。中京大学大学院心理学研究科で博士課程の全課程を修了し、心理学修士号を取得しています。2003年よりHSPの研究を初め、2016年には感情心理学研究に『Highly Sensitive Person Scale日本版（HSPS-J19）の作成』（高橋，2016）を発表し、この尺度は日本全国で広く使用されています。また、エレイン・アーロン博士の著書『Psychotherapy and the Highly Sensitive Person（邦題：HSPと心理臨床）』の日本語版（2024年刊行）の監訳も担当しています。
さらに、HSPに精通した専門家による国際ネットワーク「International Consultants on High Sensitivity（ICHS）」において、アジア・オセアニア地域で唯一のメンバーとして活動しています。（参照：For Interviews, Speakersセクション）
連絡先: 心理相談・カウンセリング kiribayashico@gmail.com
（※新規のご予約には限りがあります。詳細はメールにてお問い合わせください）
セミナー・執筆依頼: takahashiakihsp@gmail.com
Teresa Tillmann, M.Sc. German. Psychologist, researcher and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist for children and adolescents, in training. Working on PhD, topic is HS teachers and in a clinical context with a focus on specific characteristics of HSPs that promote wellbeing. Visiting researcher with Elaine and Arthur Aron, working on various research projects. Translated and validated a shortened German version of the HSP-scale for adolescents. Gives talks and workshops , scientific and non-scientific. Spokesperson for the scientific research for German HS association. Aims to make research findings more accessible through this webpage: https://www.sensitivitaet.info/).
Karina Zegers de Beijl, Coach, member ICF. Spanish, Dutch. Pioneered HS in Spain (2006). Founder Asociación Personas Altamente Sensibles de Espana, APASE (2012). Experienced speaker (interviews, conferences, etc.) about HS in general and in children. Autor longsellers. Ik ben hooggevoelig, en jij? La alta sensibilidad – vivir desde el corazón, La Alta Sensibilidad, Niños Altamente Sensibles, Tu Historia de Vida www.KarinaZegersdeBeijl.