OVERVIEW

Do you think deeply about almost everything?Do you replay conversations afterwards, wondering what you said, what they meant, and whether you missed something?Do you think through every possible outcome before making a decision, sometimes to the point where you are exhausted before you have even started?Do you notice subtleties, patterns and small changes that other people seem to miss?Do you need time to process experiences properly, rather than simply moving on to the next thing?And does all that processing, noticing and feeling sometimes leave you overwhelmed?

You may be highly sensitive.A central feature of high sensitivity is depth of processing. HSPs tend to process information and experiences more deeply. That can bring insight, intuition, creativity and a rich inner life. It can also mean overthinking, difficulty switching off, becoming overstimulated and needing more time to recover.For many people, discovering that there is research behind this trait brings a huge sense of recognition. Things they have puzzled over for years begin to make sense.I’ve worked with highly sensitive people for more than 15 years and I see this again and again. Understanding the trait can change the way you understand yourself. Learning how to live well with it can change a great deal more.That is what this day is about.

AGENDA

10.30am

Arrival, welcome and settling in

A relaxed start to the day, with time to arrive, have a drink, meet a few people and get oriented. We’ll begin together, then move fairly quickly into pairs or small groups so people can start connecting with others in the room.

11.00am

Understanding high sensitivity with Dr Andrew May

Andrew will explore the research behind Sensory Processing Sensitivity in an engaging and accessible way.
We’ll look at what the research tells us about depth of processing, overstimulation, responsiveness to our environment and some of the strengths associated with high sensitivity.
This will include experiential exercises, discussion and time for questions, rather than a long academic presentation.

12.15PM

What does high sensitivity look like in my life?

A chance to bring the research back to your own experience.
In small groups we’ll explore how sensitivity can show up in areas such as relationships, work, decision making, creativity, emotional depth, conflict, overstimulation and the need for recovery.
This is also a chance to discover how much we may have in common with other people in the room.

1.00 pm

Lunch

Explore all the eatieries Soho has to offer. Please advise of any food requirements so we can find a place for you, or bring your own packed lunch and sit on the grounds with others

2.00pm

Living well as a Highly Sensitive Person with Cindy Gale

We’ll explore how high sensitivity shapes the way we experience ourselves, other people and the world around us.
This will include the strengths and richness that can come with sensitivity, such as depth of
processing, creativity, intuition, emotional responsiveness, noticing subtleties and a strong
connection with beauty, meaning and the natural world, as well as the times when sensitivity can
become overwhelming.
There will be space to reflect on what helps each of us thrive, what we have learned about our own
needs, and how we can make more room in our lives for the things that support us.
Much of this part of the day will happen in pairs and small groups, giving people a chance to
compare experiences and learn from one another.

3.00pm

HSPreset with Priyal Shah

Priyal will lead an experiential session using his HSPreset Toolbox.
You’ll try practical ways of working with a sensitive nervous system through breathwork, body
awareness, meditation and movement, with an emphasis on simple practices you can use in
everyday life when you feel overstimulated, depleted or overloaded.

4.15pm

Strengths, connection and what helps us flourish

A more spacious final part of the day, exploring the strengths and possibilities that can come with
high sensitivity, as well as what helps us feel more grounded, connected and able to live well.
There will be time in small groups to reflect on what you have recognised in yourself, what you want
to take away from the day, and what kind of support or connection might be useful going forward.

5.15 - 5.30 p.m

Coming back together

A short closing session to gather the threads of the day and hear what people are taking with them.

FINISH

THE FACILITATORS

What you will get from the day

what hsp'S SAY

Charlotte Del Signore, Career Coach
“The HSP retreat was a beautiful mix of connection, reflection, and nourishment. From heartfelt sharing circles to yoga nidra under the trees, I left feeling more grounded, seen, and held by the care and thoughtfulness that Cindy and Priyal bring to every detail.”

James Drewett, Specialist Teacher in FE College
“One of the most special days of my life — a peaceful refuge in nature where I felt completely understood and accepted. Every element, from the poetry to the forest walk and nourishing Ayurvedic lunch, helped me feel restored, validated, and inspired about being an HSP.”

Kate Carling
“The yoga nidra session in a quiet wildlife garden was unlike any rest I’ve known. With Priyal’s gentle guidance, I could fully let go — my body softened, my mind quietened, and I felt completely safe. Two weeks later, I’m still feeling calmer and more grounded.”

Sarah-Jane McArdle, Carer & mum of 3
“One of the most restorative experiences I’ve ever had. The calm, nurturing space Cindy and Priyal created allowed me to truly slow down and reconnect with myself. I left feeling lighter, grounded, and reminded that as HSPs, we don’t have to do this alone.”

Annabelle Roblin-Sserwanja, Climate Policy & Sustainability Professional
"The retreat is a true haven for HSPs. It felt like a bubble where I could truly be myself without fear of judgement and have authentic, open-hearted conversations with others in an atmosphere of genuine care and respect, supported by thoughtful and gentle facilitation by Cindy and Priyal. The activities nourished my body, mind and spirit. I left feeling restored, energised and affirmed, with newfound confidence in my own path."

Get in touch

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Thank you

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