What Do Men Talk About in Therapy
What do guys talk about in therapy? Let’s get into it.
Societally men are taught to suppress their emotions and anger is the only acceptable emotion. While this is still true, many people, both men and women, are working to fight this notion. Space to Reflect specializes in working with men and we wanted to give our readers a taste of what male clients bring to therapy.
Relationships: Just like everyone else, men care deeply about their connections. Topics like improving communication, dealing with conflict, and the challenges of intimacy are often brought up.
Work and Career: The pressures and expectations around being a "provider" are still very real. Men talk about job stress, career dissatisfaction, work-life balance, and the impact of professional life on their well-being.
Anxiety and Stress: Men experience anxiety related to finances, performance, health, and the future. We can help by explore coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress.
Depression and Low Mood: It's a myth that men don't experience depression. Men absolutely do, though it might show up differently than in women. Depression in men might show up as loss of motivation, withdrawing, and/or ruminating.
Identity and Purpose: Who am I? What's my role? What do I want out of life? These big questions come up frequently as men navigate different life stages and societal expectations.
Past Experiences and Trauma: Difficult or traumatic events leave lasting impacts. Therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences.
Parenting: The joys and challenges of being a dad are a common topic. We discuss co-parenting, setting boundaries, and the kind of father they want to be.
The bottom line is, men talk about what matters to them. It might take a different route sometimes, focusing on problem-solving or action-oriented steps, but the underlying desire for connection, well-being, and a fulfilling life is the same. So, if you're a guy considering therapy, know that you won't be sitting in silence. You'll be engaging in meaningful conversations about the things that shape your life.