7-week online professional course

The Sensation-Seeking Highly Sensitive Person: Thriving in the Chaos

A 7-week online professional course designed to increase awareness of the 50% of HSPs who are also high in sensation seeking.

By Dr Tracy Cooper

7 weeksOnline, self-paced
materials

1 Sept2026, next
course starts

50%Of HSPs are also
sensation seeking

PD hoursThrough the
Association for Coaching

Enrol today See the 7 weeks

Did you know 50% Of highly sensitive people
are also high sensation seeking

Next course starts 1st September 2026

Designed with professionals in mind, but equally valuable for the general public, this science-backed course offers an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of the 50% of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) who are also high in Sensation Seeking (HSS). You'll gain powerful insights and practical tools to navigate the unique tension between these two traits and learn how to live with intentionality, balance, and deeper self-awareness.

The Sensation-Seeking Highly Sensitive Person: Thriving in the Chaos is the only course exclusively led by Dr. Tracy Cooper that focuses specifically on High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Persons (HSS/HSPs). As the leading course in this area for both professional development and personal growth, it offers a distinctive blend of psychological and sociological insights not found elsewhere.

Dr. Cooper brings extensive experience in facilitating online courses that foster genuine learning communities. He creates a safe and accepting environment where participants can form authentic connections with each other and with him. This course is grounded in Dr. Cooper's book, Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person, and draws on the pioneering work of Dr. Elaine Aron, who first identified the highly sensitive trait.

Why join this course

This course supports HSPs with the following struggles

Confusion about identity. Struggling to understand and integrate these two strong genetic traits can lead to uncertainty about one's true self.
Understimulation. Experiencing boredom, anxiety, or depression when life lacks enough stimulation.
Overstimulation. Feeling burned out or overwhelmed when exposed to too much stimulation.
Career challenges. Difficulty in choosing a suitable career path and maintaining long-term job satisfaction.

Relationship struggles. Finding it hard to select the right partner and maintain healthy, lasting relationships.
Cultural mismatch. Facing challenges fitting into a culture that may not support or align with these traits.
Self-care difficulties. Struggling to prioritise and maintain effective self-care routines.

What's included

How the course is delivered

Self-paced materials & webinars

Get access to pre-recorded webinars led by Dr Tracy Cooper, designed to reinforce key concepts, facilitate group discussions, and foster connections among participants.

Hands-on work with the Cooper HSS/HSP Conflict Matrix©

Guided exercises using this specialised tool to increase self-awareness, identify current challenges, and understand the real-world impact of being both HSS and HSP.

Custom multimedia learning materials

Access to exclusive content created by Dr. Tracy Cooper, including a variety of multimedia resources tailored to suit different learning styles and preferences.

Asynchronous online discussion forums

Participation in moderated forums, led by Dr. Cooper, where participants can share insights, ask questions, and receive ongoing feedback throughout the course.

The curriculum

What's included in the course

Seven weeks, each combining core science, a pre-recorded webinar, a Matrix activity and a professional focus.

Week 1

Embracing the Paradox: Foundations of the HSS-HSP

Core science. Overview of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (Aron) and High Sensation Seeking (Cooper & Zuckerman); description, prevalence, assessment, and neurobiology.
Pre-recorded webinar. Ferrari Brain, Melted Crayon: Mapping the HSS-HSP Experience.
Matrix activity. Introduce the Cooper HSS-HSP Conflict Matrix© graph; participants map their own or client scenarios.

Week 2

The Restless Brain: Neuroscience of Conflict

Core science. Brain regions in conflict: cingulate, premotor cortex, dopamine and reward systems, and HSP hyper-processing.
Pre-recorded webinar. Brain Wars: When Your Amygdala Parties Like It's 1999.
Matrix activity. Use the Cooper HSS-HSP Conflict Matrix© to analyse real-world dilemmas, such as overstimulation versus boredom.
Professional focus. Applying neuroscience to psycho-education and client self-awareness.

Week 3

Controlled Burn: Managing Overstimulation

Core science. Threshold theory, arousal regulation, and evidence-based interventions.
Pre-recorded webinar. How to Flirt with Chaos Without Marrying.
Matrix activity. Boundary Experiments: testing limits in Cooper HSS-HSP Conflict Matrix© quadrants.
Professional focus. Coaching and therapy tools for boundary-setting and self-regulation.

Week 4

Boredom as Brilliance: Harnessing Novelty

Core science. Evolutionary perspectives on novelty-seeking, HSP burnout, and resilience.
Pre-recorded webinar. Netflix Binges & Psychological BDSM: The Science of Boredom.
Matrix activity. Edge Play Planner: designing safe novelty and risk-taking using the Cooper HSS-HSP Conflict Matrix©.
Professional focus. Goal setting for healthy stimulation and preventing client stagnation.

Week 5

Emotional Hangovers: Empathy & Impulsivity

Core science. Mirror neuron systems, emotional depth, and sensation-seeking disinhibition.
Pre-recorded webinar. Why You Cry at Dog Commercials but Crave Skydiving.
Matrix activity. Empathy Lab: role-play scenarios to avoid emotional burnout.
Professional focus. Supporting clients with emotional regulation and empathy overload.

Week 6

Relationships on the Edge: Navigating Intimacy

Core science. Social overstimulation, attachment, and dopamine in social risk-taking.
Pre-recorded webinar. How to Date When You're 50% Monk, 50% Rockstar.
Matrix activity. Conflict Navigator: using the Cooper HSS-HSP Conflict Matrix© for relationship and communication coaching.
Professional focus. Relationship guidance, boundary negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Week 7

Rebel Integration & Mastery: Building Anti-Fragile Lives

Core science. Flow states, creativity, and long-term thriving for HSS-HSPs.
Pre-recorded webinar. Why Your Midlife Crisis Will Be a Masterpiece.
Matrix activity. Life Design Blueprint: participants create a personal or client-facing Matrix-based action plan.
Professional focus. Sustainable self-care, relapse prevention, and ongoing professional application.

Bonus materials

As part of the course you will also receive

Workbooks and reflection journals

Downloadable workbooks and guided reflection journals to help you process course material, track your growth, and apply insights to your daily life.

Printable checklists and quick-start guides

Checklists and quick-start guides summarising key strategies for thriving as an HSS/HSP, making it easy for you to implement what you learn.

Expert interview series

A series of recorded interviews with other experts in high sensitivity and sensation seeking, providing diverse perspectives and practical advice.

Resource library

A digital library of additional readings, research articles, podcasts, and recommended tools related to HSS/HSP topics.

Workshop access

Discounted access to the annual High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person's Workshop. Exclusively for participants of this course, enjoy a 50% discounted workshop fee.

Self-assessment tools

Self-assessment tools that have been validated by peer review are included to help you better understand your unique blend of sensitivity and sensation seeking.

Professional development

Ongoing professional development hours through the Association for Coaching.

Certificate of completion

A certificate of completion and a badge showing you have undergone professional development.

Author · Professor · Mentor · ICHS

Dr. Tracy Cooper

Dr. Tracy Cooper is a leading voice for high sensation seeking highly sensitive people (HSS-HSPs), highly sensitive people (HSPs), and highly sensitive men, with a mission to educate, mentor, and facilitate transformations in the lives of those seeking a conscious path to self-actualization and a creative realization of what it means to be human and alive at this moment. Dr. Cooper is the co-producer of the documentary film Sensitive Men Rising, the first film for highly sensitive men that seeks to open doorways to understanding and acceptance of this beautiful temperament trait in 30% of the world's population.

Dr. Cooper advocates for self-authorship, a conscious and creative leadership forging transformational reVisioning of self where we become creators of culture rather than mere consumers, curators of diverse narratives from across the globe, and mentors for those so desperately in need of guidance, encouragement, and healing. His work has been published in the journal Current Research in the Behavioral Sciences, The New York Times, Psychology Today, and numerous podcasts and articles.

As a Professor in the Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education at Baker University Graduate School of Education, he leads and mentors numerous doctoral candidates down the pathway of changing lives through higher education leadership. He serves as an ambassador for Greenville, SC non-profit Walt's Waltz, and for 1340.org, and holds annual online workshops for HSS-HSPs as well as periodic workshops for highly sensitive men and HSPs.

PhD Transformative Learning & Change MLS Social Science & Leadership Advanced SPS training with Dr Elaine Aron Certificate in Community Development

Author of Thrive: The Highly Sensitive Person and Career, Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person, and Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul.

Reader voices

What people say about Dr Cooper's work

“
Living as a High Sensation HSP can be challenging, finding the balance between the two traits is not easy. Tracy Cooper gives a lot of background and helpful information on how to do this and what it means in practical life. A must read if you are a High Sensation Seeking HSP.
A. van Duinen

“
This is essential for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the conflicting elements of our HSP/HSS personalities. At times we may feel at odds with the prevailing culture but in fact we possess incredibly useful skills and sensitivities for our rapidly changing world, and I for one hope to see many more HSP/HSS personalities in leadership roles in the future.
Debs O'D

“
Dr Cooper has invited us in to examine the complexities and contributions of highly sensitive people. This book offers a conceptual and practical understanding into the inner life and world of an HSP. Dr Cooper does a wonderful job sharing his own personal insight and has strong recommendations for thriving in life and your career. A highly insightful book and a must read.
Michele Lee

Scholarships

Support with the cost

There are limited spaces available for the scholarship, which covers 20% of the course fees, so please fill out the form to apply.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and there are many reasons someone might need financial support to take a course. You're welcome to apply for a scholarship if any of the following apply to you:

Facing financial challenges From an underrepresented background Changing careers or learning new skills A parent or caregiver Experienced unexpected hardship Limited access to learning where you live Dealing with student debt Currently unemployed Rebuilding your life as a refugee Living with a disability Strong potential, limited resources

If any of this sounds like you, or if you have another reason, we encourage you to apply. We want to make learning accessible for everyone.

Apply for the scholarship

Online professional course · September 2026 enrolment

The Sensation-Seeking Highly Sensitive Person: Thriving in the Chaos

Three ways to pay, all giving full access to the whole course.

Payment plan $83

per month for 12 months

The lowest monthly commitment
Full access from day one
Everything in the course included

Questions people usually ask

What is the format of the course material?

The content is a combination of pre-recorded webinars and a library of resources, including written lessons and downloadable materials.

Who is the instructor?

The course is led by Dr. Tracy Cooper, a recognized expert on high sensation seeking and high sensitivity, and the author of Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person.

Who should take this course?

This course is ideal for anyone who identifies as an HSP, HSS, or both, and wants to better understand themselves, manage their unique needs, and connect with others who share similar experiences. It is also valuable for professionals seeking to support HSS/HSP clients or colleagues.

Is this course based on research?

Yes. The course content is grounded in scientific research and Dr. Cooper's book, which draws from interviews and studies of HSS/HSPs, as well as the foundational work of Dr. Elaine Aron and Dr. Marvin Zuckerman.

Will I have the opportunity to connect with others?

Yes. The course is structured to create a supportive learning community, allowing for meaningful connections with fellow participants and Dr. Cooper.

How can I find out if I am an HSP, HSS, or both?

The course references self-assessment tools and research to help you determine where you fall on the sensitivity and sensation-seeking spectrums.

What outcomes can I expect?

You can expect greater self-understanding, practical tools for managing your unique traits, and a sense of community with others who share your experience.

What is the refund policy?

You can get a refund within 7 days of making the purchase. Refunds will not be offered after 7 days of purchase. If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this refund policy, we encourage you to contact us.

Next course starts 1st September 2026

Join us today

Seven weeks with Dr Tracy Cooper, exploring the tension between two strong traits and how to live with intentionality, balance and deeper self-awareness.

Enrol today