I just want to say thank you to all the brave men who choose to participate in therapy. In the not-so-distant past, therapy was thought, by the typical male, as a sign of weakness. As I have continued my practice, I have witnessed more and more men participate in therapy. I applaud the courageous new men who are willing to look more deeply into themselves and make efforts to change.
Therapy for men can look different than it does for women. Most men want actionable ideas for change. Studies have shown the male brain processes less verbally than women’s brains, so I adapt my practice to the different needs of men. Although every person is different, men benefit not only from the discussion but more tangible examples, as well as actionable ideas for processing change. Therefore, my work looks different for men than for women. Setting goals and giving concrete examples for men to assist them in understanding how they can change and what that change may look like. Examples of this are teaching communication skills and how to access their own emotions, understanding how thoughts affect emotions. Keeping a thought record is one example of a tangible action item that assists in understanding their emotions. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see the new generation of men that do not fear emotions or their own vulnerability. Any man who participates in therapy is helping society rid itself of masculine toxicity and helping other men understand, the roles that have been forced by society, are no longer acceptable. This brave new generation is helping to teach society that becoming authentic to the self is much more important than the outdated roles of men and women. As men free themselves from traditional roles they are assisting women as well. The freedom that comes from becoming true to the self, offers the freedom to others who are witnessing the change.