More men are turning to therapy. They’re realizing the benefits of having space to connect with their feelings, deepen their relationships, and find greater meaning in life. As they understand themselves better through therapy, many men gain new insights into the ways they were shaped by masculinity, both for good and for ill. Reckoning with how masculine and patriarchal norms have shaped us can help us build on the strengths found in masculinity and reduce the influence of more toxic elements.
I work with male-identified patients of all sexualities and cultural identities. I have particular strengths working with queer men and same-sex male couples. My research and clinical work has focused on the experiences of queer men, especially bisexual men and queer male military Veterans. Some men elect to work specifically on men’s issues from the start of treatment, and others only address issues of masculinity explicitly when relevant in treatment. Regardless, people who struggle with issues related to masculinity would likely benefit from working with a provider specializing in psychotherapy with men.