Almost everyone can benefit from therapy even if they are not experiencing a crisis. Therapists can help men with a variety of issues unique to them.
Men are a lot less likely than women to seek help for all kinds of issues, including depression, medical problems, and substance abuse. The reason for this is because of the traditional role that men have taken on in our society. Historically, they are seen as unemotional, independent and tough. Although things are changing somewhat, this stereotype of men persists. The problem is that it has adverse effects on men’s health and happiness.1 So, why should men go to therapy? Counseling can benefit men in many ways. Here are just a few of them.
#1 Healthier Intimacy
Many men struggle with expressing their feelings. Men need to learn to talk about what they are feeling. Doing so can enhance intimacy in personal relationships. Intimacy plays a vital role in a person’s ability to bond with their partner. When one partner doesn’t express their feelings, it leaves the other partner in the dark. This can cause the couple to grow apart. A higher degree of emotional intimacy can help you and your partner be closer.
#2 Improved Relationships
Not only is therapy helpful for couples, but it can help improve all kinds of relationships. Does your teenage daughter ever say “you don’t understand me?” Therapy can help you improve your relationship with your kids, family, and friends. It can also help you develop more productive and enjoyable relationships with co-workers and bosses.
#3 More Adaptive Behaviors
A better understanding of your behaviors can help you stop doing things that are not helpful. For example, if you work 60 hours a week until the point of exhaustion, you might keep doing that behavior even though it harms your emotional and physical health — unless you know what is driving you to do it. A therapist can help you understand what is driving your behaviors. They can also help you change those behaviors if they are negatively impacting your daily life.
#4 Improved Wellness
One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to work on your health and wellness. Therapy can help you become as healthy of a person as possible. Things like anxiety and substance abuse disorders often affect your physical health, as well as mental. Therapy can help you deal with these issues so that your health doesn’t suffer.
#5 Better Coping Skills
Men have much higher substance abuse rates than women. Men are more likely than women to use all types of illegal drugs. They are also more likely to die from an overdose than women.2 One reason for this disparity may be that men tend to cope with stress and other issues by drinking or using drugs.
For more information about Counseling for Men you can read more or if you are ready , Schedule an appointment here today. Here at the Relationship Therapy Center, we provide a range of therapeutic services for both men and women.
Rob Evans, LMFT, LPCC
Rob Evans, is a psychotherapist with over 25 years experience helping men, women, families and couples improve their relationships with themselves and those around him in the Fair Oaks, CA area.
References
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use