32: Embracing Depth and Connection as a Highly Sensitive Person

Sensitive Stories

Are you leaning into the positive experiences of being highly sensitive? In this episode, I talk with Tom Falkenstein about the beauty of connecting deeply as an HSP and:
• The correlation between sensitivity and mental health
• Unique struggles and opportunities of being a highly sensitive man
• Understanding that sensitivity is not a burden or a deficit, but a neutral trait that you’re born with
• How highly sensitive people benefit more from therapy and other positive supports due to differential susceptibility
Tom is a psychologist (M.A.), cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and author of the book "The Highly Sensitive Man" (Kensington Books, 2019), which has been translated into several languages. He has been working as a psychotherapist since 2006, both in Germany and the UK, and developed an interest in sensitivity during his psychotherapeutic work in London in the early 2010s. He was trained and supervised by Dr Elaine Aron for several years. His work has been featured in numerous podcasts, on television and in international publications, including The Telegraph, Psychology Today and Men's Health. He has also appeared in the documentary "Sensitive Men Rising" (2024) by Will Harper. Singer-songwriter-activist Alanis Morissette described Tom's book "The Highly Sensitive Man" as "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." Tom runs a private practice in London and is completing a PhD on sensitivity and mental health at Queen Mary University of London with Prof Michael Pluess.
Keep in touch with Tom:
• Website: http://www.tomfalkenstein.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom.falkenstein
Resources Mentioned:
• The Highly Sensitive Man by Tom Falkenstein: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780806539331

Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.com
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This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.
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Bab

1. Exploring Sensitivity and Mental Health (00:00:00)

2. Embracing Diversity in HSP Experiences (00:11:58)

3. Reframing Masculinity for HSP Men (00:22:56)

4. Supporting Highly Sensitive Men (00:28:44)