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Women more likely who seek therapy, typically making up almost two-thirds of therapy patients. However, multiple studies have shown that men may benefit even more from the therapy process. If we can just get them to start. Many men don’t like the idea of opening up to a stranger and sharing their feelings. They might […]
Women more likely who seek therapy, typically making up almost two-thirds of therapy patients. However, multiple studies have shown that men may benefit even more from the therapy process. If we can just get them to start.
Many men don’t like the idea of opening up to a stranger and sharing their feelings. They might feel therapy is too touchy-feely and not masculine process. I want to encourage men to push past their discomfort and seek therapy anyway because it can really help in so many areas of their life.
Here are some of the reasons why more men should see a therapist:
Many men today struggle with what it means to be a man. Decades ago, the definition was more clearly defined, but nowadays a man can get completely lost. Should they be masculine or is masculinity somehow toxic? Should they show their emotions or will it make them look weak? Should they protect women or is that somehow belittling women?
Clear role models can be hard to find these days. Many men don’t want to be like their fathers, but where else can they look. Some men look to media and advertising to find clues about who they should be, and this can be just as confusing and damaging as it is for women.
Therapy can be a space where men can learn to define themselves on their own terms.
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus? It sure can feel that way! In their day-to-day interactions, men tend to act more from their thoughts and women more from their emotions. Neither is right or wrong, it is simply how we are wired and socialized.
Since many men tend to struggle to express their feelings and communicate in a way the women in their lives can relate to, these relationships can suffer as a result.
Therapy can help men safely explore their own feelings and learn how to relate in a language women understand.
Seeing a therapist doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with you. Often therapy can be a way to explore who you are, what you want, and how to reach your goals. In other words, therapy can be a means by which you become the best version of yourself. If you hit the gym x times per week to get into the best physical shape of your life, why not hit the therapist’s office each week to get into the best mental and emotional shape of your life and be a total package?
Studies have shown that men are far more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the stress and depression in their life. Therapy can show you how to cope without the need for these substances.
There has been a disturbing rise in instances of suicide among older American men. This is most likely a result of men not believing they have the right to seek help. When you’ve got to be the strong one all the time and fix other people’s problems, seeking outside help simply is not an option.
But it IS an option. Men need to get help with their issues so they don’t turn to suicide.
As I mentioned earlier, many men grew up without proper role models. Then they find themselves as a father, unable to cope with the challenges and responsibilities. Therapy allows men to discover who they want to be for their children and come up with a game plan to develop this side of themselves.
If you are a man struggling with these issues or any others and would like to explore treatment options, please contact me to discuss starting therapy. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
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