Making therapy accessible for men

Accessing therapy can remain a challenge for many men (Liddon et al., 2017; Bilsker et al., 2018). Despite increasing societal awareness of mental health, men often face specific barriers that make seeking help difficult. 

Research consistently shows that men tend to turn to counselling only when problems become severe, with many never seeking support at all (Russ et al., 2015). To truly support men, therapy must not only be available but also approachable, relevant, and sensitive to their unique experiences. Male-friendly therapy aims to reduce these barriers and encourage men to take proactive steps toward improving their mental health.

Why male-friendly therapy is essential

Men’s experiences of mental health and therapy often differ from women’s. One significant barrier is the lack of therapy options that feel relatable and comfortable. Conventional therapy spaces may appear unwelcoming or irrelevant, which can discourage men from attending (Prins et al., 2008).

Evidence indicates that men are more likely to engage in therapy when it is tailored to their needs and when therapists acknowledge the specific challenges men face in navigating mental health support (Del Rem et al., 2012; Kiselica & Englar-Carlson, 2010).

Therapists who adapt their approach to account for men’s perspectives and coping styles are more likely to achieve meaningful outcomes (Liddon et al., 2017; Bilsker et al., 2018). This does not mean enforcing stereotypes or assuming all men respond in the same way; rather, it involves recognising patterns in male help-seeking behaviour and adjusting interventions to promote engagement, trust, and safety.

Principles of male-friendly therapy

Although therapy is always individualised, research highlights approaches that strengthen the connection with male clients (Liddon et al., 2019). Key principles include:

Genuine empathy

Empathy is the cornerstone of therapy, but it must feel authentic to the client. For men, empathy that respects their individuality and lived experiences helps build trust. Emotional validation without assumptions about gender roles encourages engagement and openness. A therapist’s ability to demonstrate understanding without judgment allows men to explore emotions that may have been suppressed due to societal expectations.

Individual-focused work

Men should never be treated as a homogeneous group. Every client brings a unique story, and not all men fit traditional stereotypes of trauma or emotional expression. A client-focused approach ensures therapy is tailored to each person’s perspective, validating their experiences while adapting techniques accordingly. This flexibility enhances relevance and supports the development of personalised strategies for managing stress, relationships, and emotional challenges.

Respecting masculine norms

Many men are socialised to manage emotions privately or prioritise problem-solving. These traits should be reframed as strengths rather than seen as obstacles. For instance, managing emotions can be presented as “taking control of feelings” rather than “bottling them up.” Recognising and reframing masculine norms allows men to develop effective coping strategies while honouring their values, making therapy feel less threatening or foreign.

Integrating interests and experiences

Incorporating clients’ hobbies, interests, and life experiences can make therapy more engaging. For example, using sports metaphors for a sports enthusiast or work-related analogies for a professional can help men relate more directly to therapeutic concepts, fostering a stronger connection and relevance. This approach not only validates the client’s identity but also encourages active participation in therapy.

Considering background and identity

Factors such as age, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability shape how clients experience the world. Therapy that acknowledges these influences allows for more personalised and effective support, ensuring interventions resonate with the client’s reality. Understanding these layers of identity is particularly important for men who may feel marginalised or misunderstood within traditional therapy settings.

Therapist gender preferences

Some men may prefer male therapists, particularly when shared experiences of masculinity enhance understanding. Male-male therapy can provide a unique space for exploring challenges specific to men, such as societal pressure, identity conflicts, or relational issues. Recognising and respecting therapist gender preferences supports comfort, trust, and therapeutic alliance.

Solution-focused and group approaches

Many men respond well to practical, solution-oriented strategies, especially at the start of therapy. Beginning with actionable steps can build engagement and gradually create space to explore deeper emotions. Male-only group sessions can also be highly effective, providing a supportive environment for men to share strategies, reduce isolation, and build camaraderie through shared experiences. These groups help normalise emotional expression and challenge the stigma associated with vulnerability.

Language and humour

Traditional therapy terminology can feel abstract or alienating. Using accessible language such as “building resilience” or “developing strategies for life” can help men feel more connected to therapy. Humour is another valuable tool, as many men use it to cope with stress. Incorporating humour appropriately can strengthen rapport and create a comfortable environment for exploring emotions, making therapy more relatable and less intimidating.

Male-friendly therapy is not about stereotyping or limiting treatment based on gender. Instead, it creates a space where men feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes. By adapting techniques, language, and therapeutic style to men’s experiences, therapists can enhance engagement, build authentic connections, and support men in achieving positive outcomes.

Male-friendly approaches acknowledge the real barriers men face in accessing mental health support and provide practical, empathetic, and flexible ways to address them. In doing so, therapy becomes not only a resource for crisis intervention but a proactive space for growth, resilience, and long-term wellbeing. For men, this tailored approach can transform therapy from a daunting prospect into an accessible and empowering journey.

References

Bilsker, D., Fogarty, A. S., & Wakefield, M. A. (2018). Critical issues in men’s mental health. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 63, 590–596.

Del Rem, A. C., Flückiger, C., Horvath, A. O., Symonds, D., & Wampold, B. E. (2012). Therapist effects in the therapeutic alliance–outcome relationship: A restricted-maximum likelihood meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 32, 642–649.

Kiselica, M. S., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2010). Identifying, affirming, and building upon male strengths: The positive psychology/positive masculinity model of psychotherapy with boys and men. Psychotherapy, 47, 276–287.

Liddon, L., Kingerlee, R., & Barry, J. A. (2017). Gender differences in preferences for psychological treatment, coping strategies, and triggers to help-seeking. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54, 42–58.

Liddon, L., Kingerlee, R., Seager, M., & Barry, J. A. (2019). What are the factors that make a male-friendly therapy? In The Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology and Mental Health (pp. 671–694). Springer International Publishing.

Prins, M. A., Verhaak, P. F., Bensing, J. M., & van der Meer, K. (2008). Health beliefs and perceived need for mental health care of anxiety and depression: The patients’ perspective explored. Clinical Psychology Review, 28, 1038–1058.

Russ, S., Ellam-Dyson, V., Seager, M., & Barry, J. (2015). Coaches’ views on differences in treatment style for male and female clients. New Male Studies, 4, 18.