The Highly Sensitive Man: Finding Strength in Sensitivity
"The Highly Sensitive Man is a major contribution to the expansion of mental, physical, emotional and soulful intelligence. Tom Falkenstein has written a book that cracks open the conversation about how men can blend their strength, sensitivity and unique gifts into a more modern and whole definition of what it is to be a man. It's a breath of fresh air in the midst of a cultural determination to reduce toxic masculinity. This book is a balm, a movement, and a revelation ".
- Alanis Morissette
“Tom Falkenstein’s outstanding book contains a thorough review of all the relevant scientific studies and literature, many innovative and new techniques for the highly sensitive man to cope with overstimulation, fascinating stories by sensitive men and practical tips to increase their self-worth and self-acceptance. This book is a masterpiece that every sensitive man should read”.
- Ted Zeff, Ph.D., author of The Strong Sensitive Boy, The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide and The Power of Sensitivity
"Tom Falkenstein has gifted us with a book that all highly sensitive people should read! Regardless of whether you are new to understanding what it means to be highly sensitive or an old hand, Tom has carefully and meticulously crafted a book that is rooted in the rigorous science of sensory processing sensitivity, that offers practical exercises we can utilize to come to an acceptance of ourselves as highly sensitive men, and he does so from a standpoint of developing a warm compassion for ourselves and our trait. Tom brings his expertise and experiences as a practicing psychotherapist to bear in this book as he provides numerous ways we can learn to manage overstimulation, develop a greater sense of mindfulness, and grow into our own skins as people who experience the world slightly differently. This book should be a powerful and ennobling addition to every highly sensitive person’s library!"
- Tracy Cooper, Ph.D., author of Thrive - The Highly Sensitive Person and Career and Thrill - The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person
About the Book Research on high sensitivity began in the early 1990s, when Psychologist Dr Elaine Aron (author of “The Highly Sensitive Person”) first explored the idea that some humans are born with a more sensitive central nervous system that registers environmental influences more easily and more deeply. This innate temperamental trait is marked by depth of processing, overstimulation, emotional reactivity (including empathy) and sensitivity to subtle stimuli. Most highly sensitive people are also introverted and they are often shy as well. Being highly sensitive can be challenging, particularly for highly sensitive men, who have to face gender stereotypes that suggest that they are “too soft”, “too emotional” or “not manly enough”. In this groundbreaking book, the cognitive behavioural psychotherapist Tom Falkenstein argues that in the current world we need sensitive men more than ever, who offer a necessary antidote to “toxic masculinity”. He offers practical advice and strategies on how men can become better at accepting their high sensitivity and using it to their advantage. Many books about high sensitivity have been published over the years, but this is the first psychological guide that specifically addresses highly sensitive men and the unique challenges they face. It begins by summarizing the most current research on high sensitivity, then looks at male identity and the difference between high sensitivity and psychological disorders. The second part of the book is a practical guide to dealing with high sensitivity as a man, offering numerous strategies and techniques to overcome challenges such as overstimulation, emotional intensity and problems with self-worth. The book also features interviews with men who have learned to live well with their sensitivity as well as a conversation with Dr Elaine Aron. Reviews “Finally! A professionally grounded and thoroughly researched book specifically for highly sensitive men. The book engages deeply with masculinity and sensitivity and will help to strengthen the self-worth of highly sensitive men who feel insecure. The book powerfully motivates men to accept and use their sensitivity well. It’s an important addition to the empowerment of highly sensitive men.” Ulrike Hensel, author of “Understanding and Appreciating High Sensitivity” “This book not only shows why highly sensitive men are particularly suffering in the current masculinity crisis, but also why they have exactly the right qualities to turn this crisis into an opportunity. It’s an important book that relieves the pressure of being a highly sensitive man and offers practical tools to the reader. Thank you Tom Falkenstein”. Georg Parlow, author of “Highly Sensitive" “High sensitivity is a fascinating and increasingly popular topic. Tom Falkenstein’s book about highly sensitive men is an important addition to this relatively new field. The scientific foundation and the countless practical tips and techniques that this book offers will help men and women to understand their high sensitivity better and to live well with it” Dr Michael Pluess, Queen Mary University of London “Tom Falkenstein’s book is characterised by a clear, precise and practical style. It’s a unique and encouraging book for all of those men who want to understand and use their sensitive temperament better”. Brigitte Schorr, author of “Highly Sensitive in Relationships” “Tom Falkenstein's book stands out among the numerous current publications on high sensitivity. He presents a well-founded and substantiated introduction to the academic literature on the topic, complemented by vivid case studies. In the second part of the book, he makes many useful suggestions on how highly sensitive people can use strategies based on mindfulness, visualization, and self-compassion to increase their well-being. A truly inspiring book – for anyone who identifies as highly sensitive.” Prof. Dr. Margrit Schreier, Jacobs University Bremen You can order the book here. For enquiries in regards to translation rights, please contact Katharina Arnold at Junfermann Publishing House: Arnold@junfermann.de Since the book was published in Germany in 2017, a Dutch translation, a Swedish translation and an English translation have become available |