When men reach out
It might look to others like you're ok
One of the most common reasons men delay seeking support is the belief that their problems are not serious enough. They think they have to hit rock bottom before being in need of help.
You don't need to be in crisis to come to counselling. You don't need to have all the answers. And you don't need to know exactly what is wrong.
Sometimes people simply know that they are not feeling like themselves, that something isn't right, or that they are tired of carrying everything alone.
That is enough.
Many men arrive describing practical problems or frustrations, only to discover there is something deeper underneath
Counselling for men
Men's mental health is an area that feels particularly important to me, and one that I want to make space for within my practice.
My counselling experience so far has included supporting women across a wide range of ages and life experiences. Many clients have valued having a space where they can speak openly, feel understood, and explore things they may not have had the opportunity to talk about before. I want that same sense of openness and acceptance to be available to men who may be considering counselling, but are unsure whether it is right for them.
Some men grow up receiving messages that they should cope alone, keep their emotions to themselves, stay strong, and simply get on with things. While resilience can be a strength, these expectations can sometimes make it difficult to ask for help when life becomes overwhelming.
For some men, reaching out for counselling can feel like admitting they are struggling; which may feel daunting. In reality, asking for support can be a powerful step towards understanding yourself, making sense of what is happening, and finding a way forward.
Many men don't come to counselling because they want to talk about feelings. They come because stress, pressure, relationships, anger, work demands or burnout are affecting their lives.
Why this matters to me
My interest in men's mental health is not only professional. At different points in my own life, I have sat on the other side of the counselling relationship and experienced first-hand what it can be like to have the space to talk openly, make sense of difficult experiences, and better understand myself.
That experience played an important part in my decision to train as a counsellor and continues to shape the way I work today.
Alongside my counselling training, I have spent many years working in education, supporting young people, families and colleagues through difficult times. These experiences have reinforced something I see again and again: people often carry far more than others realise.
Many people, including men, become very good at functioning while struggling
Some reasons men come to counselling
Every person's experience is different, but some issues that affect men include:
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Stress and burnout
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Anxiety and overthinking
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Anger and frustration
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Relationship difficulties
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Grief and loss
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Loneliness and isolation
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Workplace pressures
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Life transitions and change
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Questions around identity, purpose and meaning
Many men arrive describing practical problems or frustrations, only to discover there is something deeper underneath. Others come with a clear understanding of what they want to explore. Both are welcome.
Sometimes knowing that something isn't right is reason enough to start a conversation
Pressure to keep going
Many people, including men, become very good at functioning while struggling. They continue working, supporting others, paying the bills and meeting responsibilities, even when things feel difficult internally. From the outside, everything may appear fine. On the inside, it can feel very different.
Counselling offers a space where you don't have to perform, pretend everything is manageable, or have everything figured out. It is a place where you can speak openly about what is really going on without fear of judgement.
Counselling offers a space where you don't have to perform, pretend everything is manageable, or have everything figured out
Asking for support can be a powerful step towards understanding yourself, making sense of what is happening, and finding a way forward.