Arolyn Burns LMFT, LPCC

    The AROLYN Sensitivity Profile™

    Are you deeply aware of the world around you? Discover your sensitivity map.

    Discover Your Sensitivity. Understand Your Nervous System. Embrace Your Strengths.

    Sensitivity can feel enriching in one setting and exhausting in another. This free, 25-question reflection created by Arolyn Burns, LMFT, LPCC shows your personal pattern across five dimensions with practical ideas for your next step.

    Consider your usual experience over the past six months, rather than only your most stressful week.

    Scale: 0 Never · 1 Rarely · 2 Sometimes · 3 Often · 4 Almost always

    01 · SENSE

    Sensory awareness

    1. I notice small shifts in lighting, temperature, sound, or texture before others mention them.
    2. Certain combinations of sound, movement, or visual activity make it harder for me to concentrate.
    3. I can identify specific sensory conditions that help me feel comfortable and focused.
    4. After spending time in a busy environment, I often need a quieter setting to reset.
    5. Subtle changes in scent, taste, or physical surroundings catch my attention.

    02 · PROCESS

    Depth and reflection

    6. I prefer time to consider the implications of an important decision.
    7. I often notice connections or patterns that are easy to overlook.
    8. A meaningful conversation can stay on my mind long afterward.
    9. I tend to explore several possible outcomes before choosing a course of action.
    10. I learn more comfortably when I have space to reflect rather than respond immediately.

    03 · CONNECT

    Emotional resonance

    11. I can sense shifts in another person’s emotional tone even when little is said.
    12. Art, music, nature, or acts of kindness can move me deeply.
    13. When someone is distressed, I notice an emotional response in myself.
    14. I recognize subtle differences between my own feelings and the feelings of people around me.
    15. I find emotional nuance meaningful in relationships.

    04 · RESTORE

    Stimulation and recovery

    16. After a socially or sensorily demanding day, I need intentional recovery time.
    17. Multiple simultaneous demands can leave me feeling overloaded.
    18. I function better when I can take breaks before reaching my limit.
    19. When my surroundings become intense, I notice changes in my energy or concentration.
    20. I have developed routines that help me recover from high-stimulation situations.

    05 · EXPRESS

    Sensitivity strengths

    21. I appreciate details that make an experience beautiful, meaningful, or enjoyable.
    22. My attention to nuance helps me respond thoughtfully to other people.
    23. I use awareness of my surroundings to make helpful adjustments.
    24. My sensitivity contributes to creativity, insight, or problem-solving.
    25. I can describe at least one way my sensitivity benefits my life.

    0 of 25 answered

    This original, exploratory self-report tool has not been psychometrically validated. It does not diagnose a Highly Sensitive Person, sensory processing sensitivity, PTSD, anxiety, or any other condition. Results are descriptive, not standardized. Consult a qualified professional about distressing or impairing symptoms.

    Responses are calculated in your browser and are not sent anywhere. Avoid completing it on a shared device if privacy is a concern.

    © 2026 Arolyn Burns. Original assessment. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Elaine Aron.