Men’s Issues

MEN’S ISSUES:

Though we live in a world that has long been male-dominated culturally, politically, and economically, and women continue to face unfair adversities in all arenas, men often face hardships unique to them and yet are less likely than women to seek out therapy. Biologically and emotionally, however, men are not that different from women. Though in many cultures, boys and men are taught that the only tough emotion that is appropriate for them to express is anger. Our success as a man is measured in our ability to dominate others. “Be a man,” is a common expression. Think of just how much is implied in a three word comment on gender. “Boys don’t cry,” is another common expression. I have had so many clients tell me they could count on one hand (if at all) the number of times they had seen their father cry.

And yet, men experience the same depth of difficult emotions as women, whether it is grief, depression, anxiety, fear, feelings of isolation, and so on. Men are primed culturally to feel inadequate about their looks, strength, income, self-sufficiency, and sexual prowess. And still men struggle with all of the above just to be discouraged from talking about it and instead internalize all those fears and pains. For many who feel unable to communicate their experience, this deepens the very symptoms they experience.

Therapy tailored for men can provide a safe place to better connect their identity as a male and to better label and express emotions. I also provide a supportive space to discuss sexual issues specific to each client. One of the things I have enjoyed as therapist has been working with both cisgendered and transgendered men explore how to connect with others emotionally and finding what “being a man” really means to them.

828.490.4137 | ericjdavis.therapy@gmail.com


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