“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior”
Societal Expectations and Gender Roles
As our culture continues to change and redefine gender roles, men and women still face unique experiences and societal expectations. Men are often expected to suppress their emotions and refrain from showing vulnerability. Phrases like “men don’t cry” and the idea that vulnerability equals weakness only perpetuate stigma surrounding mental health.
Promoting Emotional Well-being and Personal Growth
Learning to embrace a broader range of emotions and responses doesn’t mean abandoning positive aspects of masculinity, such as bravery, honour, strength, decisiveness, self-reliance, and the desire to protect and provide. Instead, it encourages a healthier and more balanced approach to masculinity that prioritises emotional well-being, personal growth, and empathy.
Addressing Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is an essential topic that deserves attention and open discussion. While mental health issues affect people of all genders, men may face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to seeking support and addressing their mental well-being.
Social Norms and Expectations: Traditional gender roles and societal pressures can make it difficult for men to express emotions or seek help, as they may feel the need to appear strong and self-reliant.
Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent men from discussing their experiences openly, leading to feelings of isolation and making it less likely for them to seek professional support.
Different Symptom Presentation: Men may experience and express mental health issues differently than women. For example, men may be more likely to exhibit anger or aggression rather than sadness or anxiety, making it harder to recognise and address underlying emotional struggles.
The Rise in Men Seeking Psychological Services
Over the course of my 20-year career as a psychologist, I have witnessed a steady rise in the number of men seeking psychological services. Currently, approximately half of the individuals I work with are men. Through my experience, I have found that many men are relieved to discover that they can retain their positive masculine traits while simultaneously learning to become more emotionally authentic. This realisation enables them to foster a healthier and more balanced sense of masculinity, promoting emotional growth and overall well-being.
DASS-21 Questionnaire
All new patients are encouraged to complete the DASS-21 psychological test. This quick and easy online questionnaire assesses depression, anxiety, and stress levels, providing valuable insights into your mental health.
Take the online quizTherapy Process
Personalised and effective therapy develops through a dynamic and iterative process.
Your evolving needs will be met by a continuous refinement of such process, fostering successful and unique care.
1. Assessment
We begin by exploring your concerns, history, and goals through a clinical interview and psychometric questionnaires. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is our priority during this phase.
2. Formulation
Together, we develop an understanding of your experiences based on psychological theories, aiming for a shared understanding of contributing factors.
3. Treatment
Tailored therapy approaches, such as CBT or ACT, address your specific needs. We focus on emotional stability, coping strategies, and uncovering underlying patterns for lasting growth.
4. Evaluation
Continuous assessment allows us to monitor progress. I will adjust treatment plans and optimize outcomes based on individualized goals and standardized measures.