Why Men Shouldn’t Be Scared of Therapy

Three Tips for Getting Started

Don’t be afraid, guys. You’ve got this.

There’s a perception that men aren’t well suited to talk-therapies. That they squirm when asked about their feelings, struggle to articulate their thoughts, run out of things to say. That spending an hour with a counselor would just be an awkward waste of beer money.

It’s not true. Men who step up willingly to “see someone” professionally — and it can take some courage the first time — make great clients and most report it to be a helpful experience.

Here’s what one man said:

Him: That (session) was good. I was scared I’d have to lie on some stranger’s couch pouring out my feelings.

Me: Well, you sort of did. Without the lying down part.

Him: That’s so weird. I couldn’t shut myself up.

But Men Don’t Go to the Doctor

Statistically men are about a third less likely as women to their GP so it follows they may be even more reluctant to see a mental health professional — for reasons of stigma, embarrassment and shame, as well as the usual raft of “I’m too busy” and “I’ll just tough it out.”