Men in therapy

This is an experiential workshop where practitioners will explore their relationship with maleness.

Men are under-represented as both clients and therapists in the mental health world, yet research consistently shows higher rates of mental suffering: suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, and homelessness especially. At the same time, more common afflictions, such as depression, are more likely to go untreated in men.

Traditional cultural roles of “masculinity” entail independence and being strong in the face of adversity, which could lead to male shame. Men have often relied on women for emotional support, which makes them less prone to look for help when it is needed. Such demarcation between the sexes is unfair on women and less tenable as we move beyond patriarchy.

How can men learn to draw on their own resources to better support their emotional needs? How can we as professionals of mental health better understand the inner world of men? How can therapists meet male clients' needs as they are now and encourage self-reflection and growth whilst being aware of the perceived danger of “feminisation” from these clients?

The therapeutic world moves on a system that has been traditionally seen as ‘feminine’, valuing feelings openness, receptivity, and empathy. Any shape of mental health support can seem alien to some men who struggle to open up in the therapy room and seem closed off and resistant to therapists.

Giovanni and Matthew will look at where this divide originates and how therapists can help bridge it, supporting men in opening up and learning to provide emotional support for themselves. They will draw on their own experience as therapists and men, inviting other practitioners to share their relevant experience.

For more information, please contact us directly or visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/141304861645