Addressing Male Mental Health in the UK: How Psychotherapists Can Support Men Effectively
Explore the current state of male mental health in the UK, the challenges men face in seeking help, and how Transactional Analysis can support emotional resilience. Insights from Carl Stephens, men’s psychotherapist in Falmouth and online.
Carl Jung – “We don’t get wounded alone and we don’t get healed alone”
The state of male mental health in the UK has reached a critical point. Men account for 75% of all suicide deaths, yet they are significantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns. For psychotherapists—working in a profession that is largely female-dominated—addressing male mental health requires targeted approaches that resonate with men’s experiences and emotional needs.
At Inner Warrior Therapy, we specialise in men’s psychotherapy, using Transactional Analysis (TA) and relational approaches to help men navigate mental health challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Why Male Mental Health Requires Targeted Attention
1. Cultural Norms and Stigma
Many men are socialised to value stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional control. These cultural messages often prevent men from expressing vulnerability, leading to suppressed emotions and untreated mental health conditions.
2. Reluctance to Seek Help
Research consistently shows men are less likely to seek therapy. Concerns about judgment, appearing weak, or not feeling represented in therapy spaces contribute to this hesitancy.
3. High-Risk Coping Behaviours
Men often cope with stress through risky behaviours, such as substance use, aggression, or avoidance, rather than seeking support, heightening the risk of mental health crises.
4. Limited Preventive Care Engagement
Men are less likely to engage in preventive mental health interventions, delaying support until problems become severe.
The Role of Psychotherapists in Supporting Men
Therapists have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap for men. By understanding male-specific dynamics and incorporating approaches like TA, therapists can create spaces where men feel understood, supported, and empowered.
How Transactional Analysis Supports Male Mental Health
1. Identifying and Rewriting Life Scripts
TA helps men uncover unconscious scripts learned in childhood or reinforced by societal norms. Examples include:
“Big boys don’t cry”
“I must always be strong”
Recognising these scripts allows men to reframe them, fostering healthier self-perceptions and coping strategies.
2. Exploring Ego States
TA identifies three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. Through this model, men can:
Recognise critical internal voices that create guilt or shame.
Strengthen the nurturing Parent ego to develop self-compassion.
Reconnect with the Child ego to rediscover spontaneity, joy, and emotional expression.
3. Enhancing Communication Skills
Transactional models teach men to communicate assertively, reducing reliance on withdrawal or aggression, and improving relationships in personal and professional contexts.
4. Building Emotional Awareness
TA strengthens the Adult ego state, enabling men to approach emotions rationally, manage stress, and respond effectively to challenges like performance pressure, workplace stress, or relationship issues.
Challenges Men Face in Therapy Spaces
The field of psychotherapy is predominantly female, creating barriers for male clients. Gender imbalances can:
Make men feel out of place or misunderstood.
Reinforce stereotypes that therapy is “for women.”
Limit exploration of male-specific mental health challenges.
Practical Steps for Therapists:
Challenge gender biases in therapy practice.
Normalize vulnerability for all clients.
Adapt approaches to meet male-specific needs.
Collaborating to Break the Stigma
1. Promote Male Representation: Encourage more men to become psychotherapists, providing relatable role models for male clients.
2. Educational Outreach: Increase awareness of therapy’s benefits for men through targeted campaigns.
3. Tailored Interventions: Use frameworks like TA to address harmful scripts, emotional suppression, and the unique pressures men face.
Conclusion
The mental health crisis among men in the UK demands focused attention. By recognising the gendered dynamics of therapy and integrating approaches like Transactional Analysis, psychotherapists can:
Reduce barriers for men seeking help
Foster emotional resilience
Support healthier communication and relationships
At Inner Warrior Therapy, we create spaces where men can explore their emotions safely, rewrite restrictive scripts, and develop stronger self-awareness. Together, we can help men navigate challenges, reclaim emotional well-being, and thrive authentically.
About the Author
Carl Stephens – Founder of Inner Warrior Therapy
Carl Stephens is a men’s psychotherapist based in Falmouth, Cornwall, offering online sessions across the UK. Specialising in men’s mental health, Transactional Analysis, and relational approaches, Carl helps men address emotional suppression, performance pressure, relationship challenges, and the impact of societal expectations. His approach integrates practical strategies, empathy, and evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques to empower men to live more authentic, balanced, and resilient lives.
📧 carl@innerwarriortherapy.co.uk
📞 07307 224924
🌍 innerwarriortherapy.co.uk
