Men's Issues
Masculine Identity
There is a great need to understand masculinity better on both individual and social levels. You might be coming to therapy with questions about your place in the world and how to transform your understanding of what it means to be a man. Now that toxic masculinity has become a major societal conversation, many men are asking questions about our own behaviors and wondering if we need to change. Therapy can offer a private and supportive space where you can learn about the beliefs underlying toxic masculinity and develop more authentic and resilient ways of existing.
Anger and Emotions
Boys are taught that anger is acceptable and that most other emotions are not. Men have learned to respond with anger when we feel uncomfortable or upset, and this can create significant disruptions in relationships as well as prevent us from understanding our own emotional lives. Men experience hurt, sadness, loneliness, and grief just like anyone else, but often have developed unhelpful coping mechanisms like drinking, aggressiveness, or shutting down when we are upset. In therapy, you can work through the cultural messages you received and learn how to access and express a fuller range of emotional experience.
Intimacy
Some men end up in therapy because a partner asked them to, or are struggling to figure out why they can’t have satisfying intimate relationships and friendships. Men have been taught to express affection in certain ways, but often these are not the ways a partner wants to receive care. I work with you to understand why you act the way you do, what it is you really want out of your relationships and friendships, and how to show up with affection and care for the important people in your life.
There is a great need to understand masculinity better on both individual and social levels. You might be coming to therapy with questions about your place in the world and how to transform your understanding of what it means to be a man. Now that toxic masculinity has become a major societal conversation, many men are asking questions about our own behaviors and wondering if we need to change. Therapy can offer a private and supportive space where you can learn about the beliefs underlying toxic masculinity and develop more authentic and resilient ways of existing.
Anger and Emotions
Boys are taught that anger is acceptable and that most other emotions are not. Men have learned to respond with anger when we feel uncomfortable or upset, and this can create significant disruptions in relationships as well as prevent us from understanding our own emotional lives. Men experience hurt, sadness, loneliness, and grief just like anyone else, but often have developed unhelpful coping mechanisms like drinking, aggressiveness, or shutting down when we are upset. In therapy, you can work through the cultural messages you received and learn how to access and express a fuller range of emotional experience.
Intimacy
Some men end up in therapy because a partner asked them to, or are struggling to figure out why they can’t have satisfying intimate relationships and friendships. Men have been taught to express affection in certain ways, but often these are not the ways a partner wants to receive care. I work with you to understand why you act the way you do, what it is you really want out of your relationships and friendships, and how to show up with affection and care for the important people in your life.
Resources:
The Will to Change
For the Love of Men
Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man
I Don’t Want to Talk About It
The Good Men Project
The Will to Change
For the Love of Men
Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man
I Don’t Want to Talk About It
The Good Men Project
Want to get started? Find answers to common questions on my contact page. Send me an email at augustinkendalltherapy@gmail.com or fill out the form below.
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