10 Books to Read If You’re a Highly Sensitive Man

“Confessions of a Sensitive Man” is for every man or boy that has ever been told they are too emotional. Because masculinity isn’t defined by how much you feel, sense or experience emotionally.

20% of the male population is highly sensitive, and this book is a starting point for highly sensitive men to become self-validated.

In this book, psychologist Ted Zeff explores the unique challenges of sensitive boys, showing parents, educators, and mentors how to help sensitive boys grow into strong, happy, and confident men.

Dr. Zeff offers practical advice on how to help your son increase his self-esteem and thrive in the family, at school, with friends, and in sports.

But this book isn’t just for young boys. It’s also important for highly sensitive men to read to help them heal their childhood wounds, learn how to navigate through our aggressive, overstimulating world, and accept themselves as sensitive men.

This book is the follow-up companion to “Confessions of a Sensitive Man”. It encourages Highly Sensitive Males to stand up for their sensitivity and the gifts associated with the trait.

By developing a healthy mindset, HSP (highly sensitive person) men can exert influence in a world that is often insensitive to the needs of others.

And according to William Allen, this book aims to provide strategies and tools for highly sensitive men to help them navigate their lives. 

It discusses the correct mindset, how to expand the comfort zone, dealing with change and strong emotions, the right livelihood, how to calm the mind, and moving towards self-acceptance.

In this book, Dr. Ted Zeff shares 44 success stories by highly sensitive people (HSPs) thriving in a non-sensitive world. 

These HSPs are from 10 different countries and they share how they manage living fully with their trait of high sensitivity.

And after each uplifting story, Dr. Zeff shares additional advice on each vignette’s theme, which frequently includes specific information on how to integrate that story’s success into your life.

In this book, Esther Bergsma presents the latest scientific insights into the functioning of the ‘highly sensitive brain’, which has proven to function differently in many areas when compared to the non-highly sensitive brain.

Based on these scientific insights, she shares a model that offers tools to professionals in healthcare, and education, and to therapists and coaches who want to learn more about high sensitivity. 

With a goal that everyone – and especially the highly sensitive person – will have a better understanding and appreciation for this quality.

Because High sensitivity offers unprecedented talents that only become apparent when we no longer ask the fish to climb, but recognize its qualities as a swimmer.

If you’re a highly sensitive person, or identify as an “empath,” you may feel easily overwhelmed by the world around you.

In this book, Shahida Arabi shares evidence-based skills grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to help you recognize and shut down the common manipulation tactics used by toxic people.

Such tactics include gaslighting, stonewalling, projection, covert put-downs, and love bombing.

And you’ll also discover targeted tips to protect yourself from the five main types of toxic people:

• Garden-variety boundary-steppers
• Crazymakers and attention-seekers
• Emotional vampires
• Narcissists
• Sociopaths and psychopaths

In this book by Dr. Tracy Cooper, the author of “Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person”, you will learn how to use your personality trait in ways that empower yourself and others.

Dr. Cooper draws on his original research and others and years of working with highly sensitive men as a consultant on many crucial areas of life. 

And he explores the topic of highly sensitive men from a viewpoint that is broad, by addressing topics such as anger in men, perceptions, and Misophonia.

P.S.: Misophonia is a condition where certain sounds trigger a strong emotional and physiological response that’s sometimes considered unreasonable.

Julie Bjelland is a Psychotherapist specializing in the trait of high sensitivity. In this thoughtful and well-researched book, Julie shares an 8-week program to help HSPs trait their brain to reduce anxiety and overwhelming emotions.

That’s right. This book isn’t technically a book, it’s a guide to help highly sensitive people (HSPs) around the world learn the techniques needed to thrive as highly sensitive individuals.

And as the late Dr. Ted Zeff says about this book, “Even if the student implements only a portion of the many practical and innovative methods that are presented in the book for calming the sensitive nervous system, the HSP will live a happier, more tranquil and productive life.”

A list of recommended books for the highly sensitive man isn’t complete without this original classic by HSP pioneer Dr. Elaine N. Aron.

In the book, Dr. Aron, a highly sensitive person herself, shows you how to identify the high sensitivity trait in yourself and make the most of it in everyday situations.

And here’s exactly what’s included in the book:

• Self-assessment tests to help you identify your particular sensitivities
• Ways to reframe your past experiences in a positive light and gain greater self-esteem in the process
• Insight into how high sensitivity affects both work and personal relationships
• Tips on how to deal with over-arousal
• Information on medications and when to seek help
• Techniques to enrich the soul and spirit