Therapy For Men: Live The Life You Want

• Are you struggling to manage the demands of life? 
• Do you struggle with guilt and shame? 
• Are you struggling with major life transitions?
• Does anxiety or depression leave you frozen and unable to enjoy the things you once did? 
• Are your relationships suffering because of mental illness? 

Online Therapy For Men

According to Mental Health America, four times as many men as women die from suicide in the United States. Men suffer from mental health issues like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse but are often reluctant to seek counseling.

It’s not just male suicide rates that concern the mental health community. Untreated mental health issues can lead to

• lower productivity at work
• reduced earning capacity
• relationship issues, including divorce and domestic violence
• abuso de sustancias
• unnecessary disability
• lower quality of life
• incarceration

Men need appropriate mental health care, and at SMpsychotherapy and Counseling Services, we’re sensitive to the issues affecting men in our society.

Why Might Men Avoid therapy?

Men are less likely than women to seek mental health care but have higher suicide rates, misuse alcohol at greater rates, and are more likely to use illegal drugs. Men often avoid mental health care because traditional ideas about masculinity make mental health issues seem like a character deficit or a sign of weakness.

Rigid Gender Norms and Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity involves both suppressing emotions and encouraging aggression. This set of rigid masculine expectations reinforces the power of men over women and men who don’t have traditionally male characteristics.

Men experience toxic masculinity differently. Culture, marginalization, and life experience can affect how men view gender roles and respond to the pressure to conform to traditional or unhealthy masculine traits. Men who don’t adhere to rigid gender norms can experience hateful comments and even outright discrimination.

Men learn masculinity requires them to avoid crying, not show fear, behave aggressively, maintain a muscular physique, and be self-reliant. Toxic masculinity is reinforced from childhood when boys are encouraged to play rough and ignore rules or boundaries. Suppressed emotions and a propensity for aggressive behavior can cause mental health problems, making men less likely to seek help.

They Don’t Recognize Symptoms of Mental Illness

Many men don’t learn to identify and process emotions correctly, so they may not even notice the symptoms of mental illness. Men with depression often experience symptoms differently than their female counterparts since they don’t have practice recognizing emotion. Men with depression commonly experience the following:

• Anger, irritability, and aggression
• Chronic pain and digestive problems without a clear cause
• Trouble focusing
• Engaging in risky behaviors

• Misuse or abuse of alcohol and/or drugs
• Sadness
• Difficulty Sleeping

Therapy is Too Expensive

Men are conditioned to be providers and to be self-reliant. They may worry that therapy is too expensive. Most health insurances cover the cost of mental health care. But even if you choose to do private pay therapy, the benefits of addressing mental health issues far outweigh the cost.

Therapy Takes Too Much Time

Many men hesitate to seek therapy because they don’t have enough time in their schedules. However, you may reconsider if you consider all the time wasted battling the fatigue of depression, the lack of focus from anxiety, and the stress of relationship issues. Therapy can help you develop strategies for managing everyday stressors more easily so you can spend time enjoying the life you’ve created.

Why Do Men Seek Therapy?

Men seek therapy for many of the same reasons women and nonbinary people do. When dealing with mental illness, it can be challenging to get out of bed, let alone take care of yourself and your loved ones, work effectively at your job, or work toward larger goals. Untreated mental health concerns can impact every area of your life. Men seek therapy to improve their well-being and build the life they want. Counseling for men can help with the following issues:

• Parenting challenges unique to fatherhood
• Couples therapy
• Domestic violence
• Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, Etc.
• Healing from trauma
• Questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity
• Life transitions
• Substance use disorder
• Trastorno bipolar
• Grief processing
• Other mental health concerns

What Are The Benefits of Therapy

Therapy helps you process emotions, improve communication, and get in touch with who you really are. Knowing yourself better creates more profound and meaningful interactions in every area of your life. When men consider therapy, they often ask what they will get from the experience. Mental health treatment has benefits beyond improving your mental health.

Increased Earning Capacity

A 2017 study found that men who engage in psychotherapy experience a 12% rise in income and keep the increase even after stopping therapy.

Improved Relationships

Even individual therapy can improve your relationships. When you know yourself better, it becomes easier to communicate with your friends and loved ones.

Makes You Feel Empowered

Therapy can help you develop decision-making skills and resilience to feel confident as you build your life. You’ll learn how to make healthier choices and manage disappointments.

Improved Health

Therapy can help you learn strategies for managing stress and life changes. Mental health care can help you manage chronic health issues, improve your cardiovascular health, and help with stomach problems.

Virtual Therapy For Men in Connecticut and New York

At SMPsychotherapy and Counseling Services, we provide therapy to people of all genders and all demographics. Our therapists possess a wealth of experience with men’s mental health, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, substance use disorder, ADHD, family issues, parenting challenges, couples therapy, and other concerns. When you contact our office, we match you with the therapist who is the best possible match for you based on your unique needs.

You’ll find connection, empathy, and a proper understanding of men’s issues in our online therapy sessions. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. You deserve to know yourself better, feel more at ease as you move through your day, and create the meaningful relationships you crave.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to therapy, you probably have some questions. We’ve compiled answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. Call our office for answers to any other questions you have.

What if I start therapy and the therapist isn’t a good fit for me?

Our providers are professionals who understand only some therapist-client relationships are successful. We want you to find the right therapist for your needs. At SMPsychotherpay, we have providers with various specialties, and there are no hard feelings if you decide to switch providers. Our goal is your well-being.

How much does therapy cost?

We accept most insurance plans, so you likely won’t be responsible for more than a copay. For more details, contact your insurance company or our office.

Does anyone else have to know I’m going to therapy?

You can do online therapy from anywhere using your phone or computer. There are no office visits, meaning less time out of your schedule. You don’t need to share your personal mental health information with your partner, friends, family, or workplace. Anything you say in the session is confidential because our goal is your trust and wellness.