Why I Work With Men in Therapy
A psychodynamic and relational approach to men’s emotional lives
Many men come to therapy carrying experiences they have never fully had language for. They may feel pressure to remain composed, self-reliant, or emotionally contained, even when they are struggling internally. Often, these patterns are not simply personal choices, but adaptations shaped by early relationships, cultural expectations of masculinity, and the emotional environments in which they were raised.
From a psychodynamic and relational perspective, men’s emotional lives are deeply influenced by early attachment experiences—relationships with caregivers, models of masculinity, and the ways vulnerability was responded to or discouraged. Over time, these early dynamics can shape how men experience closeness, conflict, desire, shame, and responsibility in adult relationships.
what brings men bring to therapy
In my work with men, I often see struggles such as:
Difficulty identifying or articulating emotional needs
Pressure to be strong, self-contained, or unaffected
Shame around vulnerability, dependency, desire, or perceived failure
Confusion about intimacy, boundaries, and emotional reciprocity
Relational patterns shaped by early family dynamics and gendered expectations
These struggles are not signs of weakness or deficiency. They are often the result of emotional strategies that once made sense, but may now limit connection, satisfaction, or authenticity.
how therapy helps
Therapy offers a space where men can slow down and begin to understand their inner lives more fully—often for the first time. Rather than focusing on performance or problem-solving alone, our work centers on meaning: how emotions are experienced, defended against, or avoided; how relationships are navigated; and how internal conflicts play out over time.
In this work, men can begin to:
Develop greater emotional awareness and tolerance
Understand repeating relational patterns
Work through shame and self-criticism
Clarify desires, values, and limits
Build more honest and satisfying relationships
A non-judgmental, depth-oriented space
My approach to men’s mental health is neither pathologizing nor idealizing. I do not view men as problems to be fixed or stereotypes to be dismantled, but as complex individuals shaped by their histories, relationships, and social context. Therapy becomes a place where curiosity replaces judgment, and where emotional life can be explored without pressure to conform to rigid ideas of strength or success.
is this a good fit?
This work may be a good fit if you’re curious about understanding yourself more deeply, struggling with intimacy, sexuality, or emotional connection, and open to reflective, depth-oriented therapy rather than quick fixes. When men are supported in developing insight, emotional range, and relational capacity, the effects often extend beyond the individual—relationships with partners, families, colleagues, and with oneself tend to become more flexible, honest, and resilient.
Specializing in men’s mental health means taking men’s inner lives seriously and offering a space where growth, accountability, and meaningful change are possible. If this resonates, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. We can talk about what’s bringing you in and whether working together feels like the right next step.
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