Male-Friendly Therapy
In today's world, seeking therapy is still something that many men find difficult. While society's understanding of mental health has improved over the years, men often face additional barriers when it comes to asking for help. Research consistently shows that men tend to seek counselling only as a last resort, and that a significant number may not reach out at all. To truly support men in their mental health journey, we need to ensure that therapy is not just available to them, but also accessible and welcoming. At Inner Warrior Therapy, we pride ourselves on offering male-friendly therapy—a practice designed to break down these barriers and help men feel empowered to take the first step towards positive change.
Why ‘Male-Friendly Therapy’ Matters
Men, on the whole, tend to have different experiences and expectations when it comes to mental health support. One of the key factors that may discourage men from seeking therapy is the lack of male-friendly options. When traditional therapy spaces don't feel comfortable or relevant, men are less likely to engage with them. Evidence shows that men might be more inclined to attend therapy if the options available to them were better suited to their needs, and if therapists made a conscious effort to respect their unique challenges and experiences.
At Inner Warrior Therapy, we make it a priority to understand the specific needs of men, embracing therapeutic techniques and approaches that acknowledge their distinct ways of thinking, coping, and communicating. We believe that a tailored, male-friendly approach can significantly improve the chances of a successful therapeutic outcome.
How Male-Friendly Therapy Can Promote Good Outcomes
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and this holds true for men as well. However, there are certain therapeutic principles and practices that have been shown to foster a stronger therapeutic alliance with male clients. Based on research by Liddon et al. (2019), we know that creating a therapy space that resonates with men is crucial for ensuring they feel heard, understood, and motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. Here are some of the key elements that we incorporate into our practice to create a male-friendly experience:
1. Empathy and Authenticity
The foundation of any successful therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance, and empathy is at its core. However, empathy must feel authentic and be tailored to the client’s unique personality and needs. For men, an empathetic response that feels genuine and respectful can make all the difference. We focus on providing emotional support that validates their experiences without making assumptions about gender roles, and we ensure that the therapist’s empathy is felt in a way that is consistent with the client’s expectations and comfort zone.
2. Client-Centred Approach
At Inner Warrior Therapy, we resist making assumptions about our male clients. Men, like anyone else, come with their own individual stories, and we acknowledge that not all men fit into stereotypical categories of being 'victims' or 'perpetrators' of trauma. Our client-centred approach ensures that therapy is personalised, with no assumptions based on gender or societal expectations. We take time to listen to each client’s perspective, validating their unique struggles, and adapting our therapeutic methods accordingly.
3. Respecting Masculine Norms
Many men are raised to adhere to traditional masculine norms, such as emotional restraint or a desire to 'fix' problems rather than focus on feelings. At Inner Warrior Therapy, we don’t view these traits as obstacles but as strengths to be respected and reframed. For example, we might frame the ability to control emotions not as 'bottling up feelings', but as 'taking control of feelings'. By understanding and reframing masculine norms, we can help clients build healthier coping strategies while honouring their values.
4. Utilising Client Characteristics
We also believe in incorporating each client’s personal interests, hobbies, and life experiences into therapy. For example, if a male client has a passion for sports, we may use metaphors or analogies related to sports to make the therapeutic process more relatable. These small adjustments can help the client feel that the therapy is more relevant to their lived experience, improving engagement and connection.
5. Understanding Demographics
Every individual is shaped by a range of factors, including their age, background, education, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability. We take a nuanced approach to therapy that recognises these influences. By understanding how these factors play into a client’s mental health and worldview, we can provide therapy that is more personalised and effective, addressing issues in a way that resonates with the client’s reality.
6. The Sex of the Therapist
While many men are comfortable with female therapists, some may prefer to work with a male therapist. This can be particularly important in cases where the client feels that a shared gender experience might enhance the connection. At Inner Warrior Therapy, I currently offer male-male therapy, which offers clients a rare opportunity to engage with someone who understands the challenges of masculinity and support you in making the changes you want to make in your life.
7. Therapeutic Approaches: Indirect, Solution-Focused, and Group Therapy
Men often prefer a more solution-focused approach, particularly in the early stages of therapy. They may find it difficult to talk about feelings right away and might be more inclined to want practical strategies to 'fix' the problem at hand. We begin therapy by focusing on tangible, actionable solutions, and gradually explore deeper emotions only when the client feels ready.
In addition, group therapy can be a valuable resource for men. We are looking to begin offer male-only support groups where clients can connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups often encourage the sharing of practical strategies and provide a sense of camaraderie, reducing feelings of isolation.
8. Language and Humour
Men may find traditional therapeutic language off-putting. Terms like ‘feelings’, ‘therapy’, or ‘emotions’ can seem alienating or uncomfortable for some. At Inner Warrior Therapy, we aim to make therapy more accessible by using language that feels more in tune with the client’s reality. We often use terms like 'strategies for living' or 'building resilience' instead of more clinical terms, making the process feel more practical and achievable.
Humour also plays an important role in connecting with male clients. Many men use humour as a coping mechanism for stress, and we embrace this in therapy. By using humour appropriately, we can build rapport, create a relaxed atmosphere, and help clients express deeper emotions in a way that feels more comfortable.
Let’s Begin:
Male-friendly therapy is not about tailoring the therapy to suit a specific gender but rather about creating a space where men feel understood, respected, and empowered to make positive changes. At Inner Warrior Therapy, we are committed to providing therapy that is sensitive to the unique challenges men face, using a range of techniques that encourage engagement, authenticity, and empowerment.
If you’re a man who has been hesitant to seek therapy, or if you’re looking for an approach that respects your needs, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can begin the journey towards greater emotional well-being and a more fulfilling life.
carl@innerwarriortherapy.co.uk
07307224924
Carl Stephens Founder of Inner Warrior Therapy
