If you’ve been trying to make career decisions or navigate life as a highly sensitive person (HSP) or introvert, it can kick up thoughts like “I just don’t fit anywhere.” That’s why finding an HSP support group or introvert support group — especially one with a steady leader who gets it firsthand — can be such a relief and smooth the way for your progress.
I know because that’s how it has worked for me, and for the people in the groups I lead. Even while I have wonderful people in my life, being around my sensitive soul sisters, it fills a particular need in my core. It’s been a critical piece of why I’m as fulfilled and at ease as a sensitive soul.
I’ll show you:
- An Introvert/HSP Group Success Story
- 8 Ways an Introvert/HSP Group Is Different
- Some Introvert and HSP Support Groups
- HSP and Introvert Support Groups for Solopreneurs
- A Small Suggested Next Step
An Introvert / HSP Group Success Story
I heard this from a woman who knew about her introversion and high sensitivity and yet she hadn’t tapped all the possibilities yet, until she was in a sensitive soul career transition group:
The importance of having a sense of community with other sensitive souls is a new realization for me. I thought I just wasn’t tough enough, but that’s not what it’s about.”
On the one hand, her comment made me sad. Because even though she previously understood about her introversion and sensitivity, she still thought that she had to toughen up, instead of honoring how wonderful she already is. She finally learned it was about finding what fits her, instead of fitting herself to others.
Also, her realization made me so happy, because I can hear how she is finding relief just by being around her kindred spirits.
Genuine belonging really is magical.
An aligned support group of your kindred spirits is a place where you don’t have to explain your depth, your empathy, your energy needs, or your pace. Everyone there will be nodding along with how much they truly get it. When you feel deeply understood, it clears the cobwebs of the inner critic and boosts your confidence. You can think more clearly and move forward more easily.
8 Ways an HSP or Introvert Support Group Is Different
These are things I incorporate when I create introvert and HSP support groups — and things I look for when I join groups myself:
- Smaller group size
Groups that are too big can be overwhelming, especially if there isn’t an easy way to connect in smaller groups or 1-to-1. - Calming group format
I work breathing room into all of my HSP and introvert support groups. Our conversations have space for thinking or writing notes before speaking, as well as true listening and thoughtful reflection. - Like-minded community
Connecting with kindred spirits can be deeply nourishing. (Oh, it’s not just me!) Once you experience a place where you DO fit, you can more easily see past others’ biases about you. You don’t need to fix yourself. Instead, you learn ways to reduce the challenges. - Introvert / HSP friendly strategies
In a career or business support group built for your needs, you get ideas that work for you as an introvert or HSP instead of being pushed to do things that feel inauthentic or go-go-go. We have different needs and we need different strategies. For instance, in a group for sensitive solopreneurs, you can talk through ways to do marketing that fit your sensibilities instead of things that feel icky to you. - A coach/guide/facilitator who gets it personally.
There are a lot of misunderstandings about introverts and HSPs. While HSPs and introverts may be technically welcome in any group, a coach who doesn’t fully understand might focus on suggesting methods that don’t fit for you. You might end up feeling misunderstood or like the odd one out. When the leader truly gets it, you can feel so affirmed even with a warm smile or nod as you’re sharing. You feel known and supported more deeply. - Centering work-life harmony.
In HSP and introvert support groups, you’ll take your energy needs into account. You’re looking at the full picture, not just work goals for instance, because work-life harmony really matters to you and your livelihood. - Group energy that actually feels good.
Do you ever walk into a room and get exhausted just from the energy of other people? You don’t want that in your support group. In my experience with business support groups that weren’t geared for my temperament, I spent money, got drained, and then stopped going and it felt like such a waste. (Pet peeve: wasting time and money.) - Space for your big heart.
A lot of us introverts and HSPs bring our big hearts and a desire to have a positive impact on the world to all we do. An HSP group or an introvert support group is more likely to make space for your big heart.
So how do you go about finding an introvert support group or an HSP group? Let’s talk about that next.
HSP Online Support Groups and Introvert Groups
Here are some examples of support groups that are geared for and led by HSPs and Introverts.
- Sensitive on Purpose
Small support group for HSPs and introverts who want to work in more alignment with their purpose. Get support through the process of clarity, confidence, and taking action. We keep the inner critic at bay so that self-doubt won’t win out. - SOULpreneurs Circle
Small group circle for introverts and HSPs in solopreneur businesses who want more ease, connection, and impact. - HSP Activists Support Group
Online support group for HSPs committed to creating a kinder, more just world. - Sensitive Empowerment Community
For more of a light community with a moderated online discussion forum and occasional drop-in events like Zoom meetups, art events, speakers, book discussions, event replays, and affinity groups such as HSPs of Color.
Group Coaching for Introvert and HSP Solo Entrepreneurs
Have you ever considered a business support group or solo entrepreneur group coaching but decided that business groups are an extrovert space? Maybe you even tried a group, but the energy and advice was exhausting. Yep, same.
An introvert support group or HSP support group for solopreneurs can make an important difference.
As an introvert and HSP myself, I didn’t even consider entrepreneurship for a long time. I told myself it was extrovert territory.
Turns out self-employment can be a great fit for introverts and HSPs, but we tend to do things differently. Hint: You don’t have to hustle. We can do marketing in ways that fit our natural talents.
One important thing to remember, being a solo entrepreneur (or solopreneur) doesn’t mean you need to (or should) do it all alone. Solopreneur group coaching provides guidance and genuine community, so you can have each others’ back.
A Small Suggested Next Step
Think about what you might enjoy for a sense of belonging and community. Let yourself dream, and want what you want. I believe from that place, you’ll start to believe it’s possible and you’ll be more able to find something that feels so good.
Then when you see something intriguing, you could take a small step to explore your options, like asking questions.
In the meantime, you’ve got kindred spirits all around you: pets, rivers, mountains, and trees are also our kindred spirits. They appreciate sensitivity and quiet. And when you want some people connection, that’s available too if you’re willing to give that a try.
