A volume in the series Disseminations: Psychoanalysis in Contexts We are all sensitive beings, both physically and emotionally. What do we do with our sensitivity? How much of our sensitivity can we take? How do we become partners with our sensitivity in ways that make life worthwhile? In The Sensitive Self, renowned psychologist Michael Eigen explores the varied nuances of sensitivity as it threads its way through all facets of our lives. Individual case studies, often achingly honest, are woven together by Eigen’s deeply felt meditations, bringing us into the heart of psychotherapy. We see how our sensitivity to self and others plays a crucial role in sustaining our sense of aliveness. Ultimately, Eigen argues, sensitivity is the basis for a humane ethics. Powerful and illuminating, The Sensitive Self follows up on the themes of Eigen’s previous book, Rage and Ecstasy, with which Eigen has established himself as one of today’s most creative thinkers in psychology.
National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis's (NAAC) Gradiva Award for Interpretation and Psychoanalysis (2005) Reviews: Michael Eigen teaches by example. In this remarkable work he lets us feel our aliveness by showing us his own. He is a creative force in psychoanalysis: vulgar, frightening, fearless and inspiring.
-- Mark Epstein, M.D., author of Thoughts Without a Thinker In this work of integrative scholarship, poetic intuition, and raw emotional honesty, Michael Eigen takes familiar themes - faith, breakdown/renewal, affective nuance, damaged primary process, the ineffable - into new territory. With lucid expositions of complex psychoanalytic theories, evocative case vignettes, and personal interviews, Eigen examines from innumerable angles the problem of how we tolerate being human. Nobody does it better.
-- Nancy McWilliams, author of Psychoanalytic Diagnosis Contents: A Basic Rhythm
• Mysticism and Psychoanalysis
• Half and Half
• A Little Psyche-Music
• Alone with God
• I Could Do It
• Totalities
• Dancing
• Not Enough
• Sensitivity and Vulgarity
• Is There Room for Heaven in Psychoanalyis About the Author: Michael Eigen is a psychologist and psychoanalyst. The author of numerous books, he is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology in the Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis at New York University and a Senior Member of the National Psychological Association for Psycho-analysis.
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