Therapy for Men
Interestingly and statistically speaking, men do not seek Therapy in high numbers. Many men try to avoid Therapy because they’re under the impression that it’s a female-centric practice. When men make “the call,” it is often related to anger, stress, anxiety, depression, or a recent medical diagnosis. Sometimes an unhappy partner or spouse issues a “mandate or else” and seeking treatment is from relationship pressure.
Some men minimize or avoid discussing emotional issues, leading to bottling up in ineffective or unhealthy ways. In contrast, other men externalize their emotional pain by showing anger, stonewalling, or engaging in other acting out type behaviors. This is a big issue. Men need to deal with their emotions in healthy ways.
Many Men Are Stressed-Out
Men who believe they are stuck may benefit from talking with a therapist. A great deal of stigma surrounds mental health treatment, but it is essential to remember that no one is immune to emotional pain. When left untreated, acute overwhelm can be paralyzing and lead to a myriad of adverse side effects. These include depression, substance abuse, ineffective anger, relationship issues, lack of confidence and self-esteem, frozen social skills, and rising perfectionism.
Anger is often the reason men seek therapy, but anger is not always unhelpful. It can provide you with motivation and the energy to make changes, to take assertive action, or to stand up for your rights or the rights of others. But when anger becomes excessive, it can cause distress and difficulty in functioning effectively in social settings or carrying out daily responsibilities at work and home.
Treating Men
There IS an effective therapy style for men! Therapy for men is an excellent way to work through anger and manage the stress and pressures of modern life. Dan Siegel, psychiatrist, and author of “Mindsight,” effectively describes therapy for men in the following way:
[Therapy is] “a kind of focused attention that allows us to see the internal workings of our own minds. It helps us to be aware of our mental processes without being swept away by them, enables us to get ourselves off the autopilot of ingrained behaviors and habitual responses, and moves us beyond the reactive emotional loops we all have a tendency to get trapped in.”
This quote is the best description of the kind of therapy I provide. Self-reflection, self-awareness, personal development, and interpersonal growth take courage and often lead to a stronger sense of self. As your therapist, I have a way of making you comfortable, even when talking about what’s bothering you the most. This is because therapy is not meant to fix anything but rather to help you find your answers.
I’d love to be the therapist you want to see to discuss what matters and issues that may be difficult to talk about with anyone else. Non-judgmental support is beneficial as you try to sort out life challenges, adjust to difficult transitions, or grow from a recent crisis. (After all, what’s the purpose of therapy if it’s not to help you find more meaning and purpose in your life!)
