Men’s Counseling
Have you felt that life has hard expectations for men? Do you struggle with all the pressures put on men at home, at work, and socially? As women’s role have evolved in society, do you question your role in the world and how to deal with women these days? Are you having trouble with relationships (family, children, friends, co-workers, romantic partners, etc.)? Do you have anger issues? Is it harder for you to manage your emotions and empathy at times? Have you been called “selfish” or “narcissist”? Do you or your partner suffer from depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, addictions or other conditions? Do you want to learn how to better deal with these issues?
If you are going through these or other men’s issues, you are not alone. Most men face stress and sometimes challenges in life. Individual and group counseling for men are useful resources to address common issues, such as anxieties, depression, relationship issues, anger and irritability, emotional difficulties, self-centeredness, among others. Learn more about the typical issues commonly faced by men.
Most men face challenges at some points in life.
What makes an issue a “men’s issue” depends on how it was developed. Men’s issues are developed within a context (such as family raised in, time period, culture, or geographical area). Such contexts have the potential to define behavior as something a man would or would not do. These definitions can be limiting and unhelpful. They can restrict the problem solving ability of men in situations that require more flexible and adaptive responses.
How counseling can help
The good news is that, with the help of an experienced and compassionate men’s therapist, you can brainstorm and overcome your current challenges. Our therapist Marshall Abbe can help you! He offers individual counseling for men in a private, confidential space where men can openly connect to what matters to them. While it does not have to focus explicitly on “men’s issues,” Marshall can assist you with self-awareness, awareness of taken for granted, learned ways of expressing psychological pain, and assist with more effective ways of being.
The Importance of Men’s Counseling
Statistically, men seek counseling less often than women. Research shows that:
- While over 72% of women with diagnosable depression obtain professional care, only 60% of men with depression seek treatment.
- The suicide rate for men is four times higher than it is for women, despite most research showing lower rates of depression in men than in women.
- Gay and bisexual men are at an increased risk for mental health issues compared to heterosexual men.
- African American men are more likely to experience a violent crime than white men, which may increase their likelihood of developing posttraumatic stress (PTSD).
- Men over 50 years of age are more likely to seek help for mental health issues than men between the ages of 18 and 25.
Certain social and cultural norms as well as rigid beliefs about masculinity may prevent men from seeking help. Men may also have a more difficult time trusting or opening up to a therapist, a process which is necessary in order to discuss personal issues.
Stigma surrounding men asking for help may also make men more reluctant to seek mental health treatment. Men may not come forward when they are victims of intimate partner violence or sexual assault because they are afraid of not being believed, having their experience downplayed, or being shamed for what happened to them.
Mental health issues may also manifest differently in men than in women, resulting in mental health issues going ignored and untreated. Men may minimize or not recognize their own emotional pain, causing it to bottle up in ways that may lead to physical health issues. Men are often more likely to externalize emotional pain or a mental health issue by showing anger or aggression or engaging in high-risk behaviors (e.g., drinking). This can lead to men being accused of merely “acting out” rather than being offered mental health treatment and support.
Other Resources
- Man Therapy at https://mantherapy.org
- Good Men Project at https://goodmenproject.com/
- Men’s Group at https://mensgroup.com/mens-therapy-group/
