What is Male-Friendly Therapy? A Guide
According to the CDC, the suicide rate for men in 2022 was approximately four times higher than the rate of females. Men make up 50% of the U.S. population but nearly 80% of suicides.
Women use mental health services at almost twice the rate of men. These numbers must make us ask, is therapy failing men? What can we do differently to engage men in mental health treatment?
Male-friendly therapy is challenging the myths about mental health support for men. While traditional therapy has helped countless individuals, there’s growing recognition that men and boys often need a different approach to feel comfortable and engaged in their mental health journey.
Male-friendly therapy represents an important evolution in mental health treatment, recognizing that effective therapy must account for gender differences in both the presentation and treatment of mental health issues. By creating approaches that resonate with men’s and boy’s preferences and needs, male-friendly therapy is helping to break down barriers and provide more effective support for men’s mental health
Understanding the Need for Male-Friendly Therapy
Think about the last time you tried to help a friend who was struggling. Did you notice how differently men and women tend to express their emotions and seek support? Traditional therapeutic approaches often emphasize sitting face-to-face and talking directly about feelings – something that many men find challenging or uncomfortable. This disconnect helps explain some troubling patterns we see in men’s mental health:
– Men are less likely to seek therapeutic help compared to women
– Male suicide rates are significantly higher than female rates
– Traditional clinical measures may underestimate depression in men
– Many men express mental health struggles through indirect behaviors rather than verbal communication.
Key Features of Male-Friendly Therapy
Action-Oriented Approaches
Imagine going to a mechanic who just wanted to talk about how your car made you feel, rather than fixing it. That’s how traditional therapy can sometimes feel to men. Male-friendly therapy takes a different approach. It’s like having a skilled mentor who not only understands the problem but works with you to create practical solutions.
Therapy focuses on concrete strategies and measurable progress. “When working with men and boys we frame therapy as taking action to solve the problem” explains Stephen Rodgers, LCSW, therapist at Denver Men’s Therapy. Your therapist might work with you to understand the root of your struggles, set clear goals, and then help you take steps to meet these goals. Together you will track your improvement over time. It’s less about endless talking or exploration and more about taking meaningful action toward better mental health.
Communication Styles
Understanding that many men communicate differently, male-friendly therapy incorporates:
– “Shoulder-to-shoulder” communication instead of traditional face-to-face sessions
– Activity-based sessions that facilitate natural conversation
– Group therapy or men’s sheds
– Less emphasis on direct emotional expression
– Recognition of non-verbal cues and indirect communication methods
– Using humor and metaphors.
Strength-Based Framework
Male-friendly therapy turns traditional assumptions and myths about masculinity on its head. Instead of viewing typical male characteristics as obstacles to overcome in therapy, it recognizes them as potential strengths. Some men’s natural tendency toward problem-solving, protection, or leadership isn’t something to fix – it’s something to harness for better mental health.
Here’s what this might look like in practice: Consider Mike, a man struggling with anxiety who prides himself on being the “fixer” in his family. Rather than suggesting he needs to “let go” of his problem-solving nature, his therapist helps him channel this strength. Together, they create a project management-style approach to treating his anxiety. They break down his concerns into actionable items, set up systematic ways to address each and track progress like he would at work. They also create an “anxiety audit” which identifies the negative life experiences that are at the root of Mike’s anxiety. Together they reprocess these negative life experiences in EMDR therapy. His drive to solve problems becomes an asset in therapy rather than a barrier.
When Mike mentions feeling “weak” for having anxiety, his therapist helps him reframe his help-seeking as taking strategic action – much like how a business leader would bring in a consultant to optimize operations. This approach honors Mike’s identity while giving him practical tools for managing his mental health.
Transparency in Male Friendly Therapy
One of the most crucial aspects of male-friendly therapy is its commitment to transparency. Think of it like having an experienced trail guide for a challenging hike – someone who clearly maps out the route points out potential obstacles ahead, and works with you to set a pace that matches your capabilities. There’s no mystery about where you’re heading or what to expect.
Starting in the first session, a male friendly therapist will have open discussions about practical matters like costs, session frequency, and what the treatment journey might look like. They will provide education on topics like the phases of therapy, discuss the importance of confidentiality, and work with you to create goals. The therapist will also explain their role and your expectations for therapy. It’s like having a project plan for your mental health – you know where you’re heading and how you’ll get there.
A Partnership Approach
Male-friendly therapy isn’t about a therapist telling you what to do – it’s about working together as partners. Your therapist will involve you in decision-making about your treatment, from setting goals to choosing specific approaches that work for you. They understand that you’re the expert on your own life, and their role is to provide expertise and guidance while respecting your autonomy.
Embracing Positive Masculinity in Therapy
Male-friendly therapy challenges the traditional perspective on masculinity in mental health treatment. Rather than viewing masculine traits as obstacles, this approach recognizes them as valuable assets for psychological growth and healing. “For too long there has been a harmful myth that masculinity is to blame for men’s poor mental health. In reality, masculine traits like courage, responsibility, and self-reliance are powerful catalysts for positive change in therapy” says Rodgers.
Innovative Treatment Formats
The therapy room isn’t the only place where healing happens. Male-friendly therapy often extends into the community through programs like “Men’s Sheds” where guys can connect while working on practical projects. Some men find great success with coaching-style approaches, while others prefer the camaraderie of group therapy or the convenience of video therapy options.
Finding Your Path in Male-Friendly Therapy
If you’re considering therapy, it’s worth looking for providers who understand and implement these male-friendly approaches. The right fit might not be the first therapist you meet, and that’s okay. Look for someone who offers an initial consultation to discuss their approach and see if it aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
Male-friendly therapy isn’t about creating a completely separate system of mental health care – it’s about recognizing and responding to the unique ways men might experience and express mental health challenges. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship issues, depression, or just want to improve your mental well-being, there’s a male-friendly approach that can work for you.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as maintaining your physical health. Finding the right therapeutic approach – one that respects your preferences and natural communication style – can make all the difference in your journey toward better mental health.
