Talk therapy for male mental health

 A QUALIFIED MEMBER OF (BACP) THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF COUNSELLORS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY.

VERIFIED BY PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

As a dedicated male therapist with specialised training in male psychology and mental health, I am deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by men (all sexualities & identities ) in this area. It is alarming to note the significant lack of funding for male mental health services. Through my additional training with the Mankind Initiative, I discovered that many vital male mental health charities operate without government support. 

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Although research on masculinity remains limited, it is gradually improving, and evidence suggests that a heterosexual man's perception of his own masculinity is linked to better mental health. Help-seeking behavior evidence does show that men continue to seek talk therapy less often than women. It is crucial we find effective therapeutic approaches to connect and meet men where they are, acknowledging the positive aspects of their masculinity while addressing their needs in the counselling setting. 

 From my experience, a significant number of male clients have not had vulnerability modeled for them, often due to family dynamics and societal expectations. As a result, they receive mixed messages. A 2021 Pew Research study found that 45% of men under the age of 35 feel uncertain about society’s expectations of them, with many identifying conflicting messages about masculinity as a major source of stress.

 Alongside other comparable reasons, men are also disclosing fears surrounding, shame, masculinity, professional responses and attitudes, fear, threats of violence and coercion especially regarding access and custody of any children as reasons for not reporting their experience of domestic abuse (Mankind, 2019).

 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a strengths-based approach, is especially appealing to many men because it emphasises their successes and how they can build upon their strengths. Many men appreciate the structured, solution-oriented style of SFBT, as it helps them focus on progress rather than feeling overly judged or analysed..

Very often men are looking primarily to resolve the difficulties they are wrestling with and move on, which is why to some men, talking therapies and traditional counselling can be off putting. 

The male preference for ‘shoulder to shoulder’ rather than ‘face to face’ communication can be more greatly utilised in encouraging more genuine therapeutic connections with men and boys  (The British Phsycology Society, 2024)

 Of course, this doesn't apply to all men, and it's essential to avoid stereotypes. For instance, approximately 1 in 500 men are diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome, a condition where they have an XXY chromosome, often resulting in less body hair, weaker bones and lower energy levels. 

Testosterone levels should also be taken into account, as lower levels of testosterone has been linked to depression.

As a male therapist, I am pleased to offer integrative therapy, which incorporates multiple counseling approaches. In some cases, exploring the past and subconscious can be highly beneficial, particularly when addressing trauma.

 It is crucial to ensure that the appropriate therapy modality is chosen for a specific psychological issue; otherwise, it may do more harm than good. For instance, if someone arrived at a hospital with a broken leg and was only given painkillers, the medication might provide temporary relief but would not address the underlying problem. 

Similarly, if a person with a deeply traumatic childhood were to receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—which primarily focuses on surface-level issues—it might offer short-term benefits, much like painkillers, but would not effectively address the root cause, which is the trauma itself (the broken leg)

Please be  assured, I will customise the therapy approach to suit your specific needs..