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As a man, you may receive mixed messages about what's expected of you as a person and as a man. This can be incredibly confusing and can become a roadblock to ease, clarity, and fulfillment in your life. Pressures on men can also lead to a tendency to withdraw and feel you have to "figure things out" on your own, which can create a deep sense of isolation. It may feel so normal, you don't even notice it. In an individual session, we might cover: +tools to uncover your values +communication skills +heart opening techniques +reframing the dating process +mindfulness practice +self-compassion tools What does a session look like? See my Integrative Psychotherapy page for details. |
In my work as a therapist, coach, and matchmaker, I’ve worked with hundreds of men, and have noticed a certain set of challenges that are unique to men. Men tend to have fewer people in their lives they can turn to support (sometimes they have none at all), and tend to have more judgement and shame about expressing their feelings to others. Also, men tend to have more difficulty reaching out and feel more pressure to figure things out themselves, often isolating in order to do so, which can result in feelings of loneliness and depression. Studies have shown that social support is correlated with functioning, sleep, and well-being, and that lack of social support and connectedness (or “social isolation”) in turn increases the risk of inflammation, mental and physical illness and even death.
Yes, social isolation is a big deal! Generations of men have been shown and taught by society, by their fathers, and by the people closest to them that feelings are not to be expressed if one is to be masculine. Thankfully, this has begun to change. In many ways, our culture now invites more self-expression and sharing as the values of emotion and expressive communication have been given a seat at the table. However, with this shift out of traditional gender roles, many men are left uncertain of what it looks like to be a man in modern society. As a result, there is a lot of confusion for men about how to act, how to connect, and how to show up both strongly and vulnerably as a man in modern culture--this affects men's dating lives, friendships, careers, and mental health. Men have the same abilities as women to connect, communicate, and gather social support, but may have to overcome social and personal stigmas around this kind of sharing. In my work, I help men understand the confines, limits, and barriers they may currently be experiencing, and provide a safe and supportive space for men to connect with their hearts and purpose, and develop deeper relationships and greater connection and community in their lives. The key to fostering greater connection is being true to yourself and to your deepest intention. I help men reconnect with their heart and the truth held there. By teaching effective tools to respond appropriately to situations and to communicate the feelings uncovered in the heart, you can begin to feel yourself in authentic, direct, and empowering ways |
