men and counselling

My work with males in the worlds of education and counselling suggests that boys grow up believing certain things about what 'being a man' is. Put simply, we get the message from childhood that 'big boys don't cry'. As life moves on, we internalise the idea that 'being a man' means sorting out your problems without discussing them or involving outsiders.

Too often, males prefer not to talk through their problems with others. In an attempt to mask feelings of inadequacy, boys and men often turn to denial, anger or even substance misuse. An alternative to this might be to find a space in which you can talk, listen and express yourself, without being judged. For more information read Depression and suicide in men at www.netdoctor.co.uk

What the statistics say

Statistics from the counselling and psychotherapy profession report that men make up only about one-third of those seeking help through therapy, and yet it appears that men suffer distress as often and in similar ways to women. In fact, where suicide is concerned, there is a worldwide phenomenon of higher suicide rates among men of all age groups. Thankfully, in the UK male suicide rates have been falling since 1998. However, they are still significantly above the rates for females (www.statistics.gov.uk). Young men also appear to be rapidly catching up with young women where other self-harming actions are concerned (Samaritans 2005).

My practice offers a safe and comfortable place where men can talk confidentially about the issues troubling them.