3 Reasons Why All Genders, Including Male-Identified People, Should Try Therapy
Male-identified people have taken on a specific role in human development over the span of hundreds of thousands of years. While roles have very recently shifted somewhat, historically speaking, they have been the ones to fight the wars and build society. And if you think about it, it’s pretty hard to feel emotions, let alone process them, while on bloody battlefields and balancing atop giant skyscrapers.
They are trained to compartmentalize their feelings. They have them, just as much as women have feelings, they are simply pressured to store them away and get to them later. For this reason, most people who identify as male bristle at the idea of going to therapy to communicate their feelings.
The reality is, it is for the very reasons I just stated that they can greatly benefit from therapy. Here are 3 reasons why male-identified people should at least give therapy a try:
Recover Your Sense of Identity
For many generations, there was a strong definition of, and acceptance of, masculinity. Today, we are given a mix of messages from the media about what it means to "be a man" and how destructive “toxic” masculinity is. Add to this the fact many male-identified people grew up in homes where the father figure was either fully absent or emotionally absent, and many of those adult children struggle with their own sense of identity. Therapy offers a space to create a healthy definition of what it means to be masculine.
Improve Your Relationships
Because people who identify as male have a hard time communicating their feelings, their partners can often feel abandoned and confused. This can cause real problems in the relationship.
Therapy allows them to become a healthier version of themselves, one that can connect better with their partner(s).
Deal with Grief and Pain
Grief, loss, trauma… these are sadly a part of life. Most people, especially those of a masculine proclivity, have a very hard time navigating these mental health challenges. Therapy helps them explore their own emotional pain so they can heal and move on.
These are just a few reasons why they should seriously consider trying therapy. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me.
SOURCES: