Men's Issues

As a cis man, and through my work with male clients, I seek to explore and interrogate what it means to "be a man" in today's society. I believe that you are "already a man," regardless of how one does or does not fit into societal stereotypes. I support others in the struggles that come with the attempts to live up to impossible standards and challenge the status quo, helping individuals become true to themselves, regardless of others' perceptions.

Most men are brought up hearing expressions such as "don't cry" and "man up". These implicit messages from family, friends, and culture cause males to create protective and sometimes maladaptive coping mechanisms around their feelings. Ironically, men are taught not to express feelings in their youth and then expected to show emotional intimacy in adult relationships. I help men explore their repressed feelings and express them in a way that invites deeper connections with others.

I have worked a lot with men on male specific issues. Primarily dealing with relationships, life direction, and anxieties.

I work with men around issues of sexual identity, challenges with out of control sexual behaviors and sex addiction, libido and performance anxiety issues, and navigating sexual issues in relationships.

Men come to see me for many reasons. Sometimes my male clients are seeking support or guidance around a transition or life event and find that they're not sure who they can trust with their innermost thoughts. Sometimes it's that they have reached the goals they set out to reach but don't feel satisfied. Other times, men come to see me when a relationship with a loved one is feeling challenging. I will listen without judgment, explore with you, and offer my authentic reflections.

I have spent much of my career working with men individually and in groups as we work to better understand our emotional experiences, how we struggle with what the world expects of us, and building better relationships full of depth and connection. I also have worked extensively with gay men looking at the unique elements of their lived experience.

Seeking help is sign of strength. Men have been sold a lie that they need to be stoic and suffer in silence. The truth is that men are at their best when they can share their honest feelings with others. Then the facade of perfection falls away and men can offer their true potential to their friends, family and the world.

I focus on helping clients develop a postive personal sense of masculinity that is unique to their own identity. Having researched masculinities for over a decade, there are several ways to show up as a man, and many nuances to understand your personal perspective of masculinity, including understanding the societial impact of "what it means to be a man". Additionally, I have experience working with new fathers in developing a healthy sense of fatherhood.

Men's issues refer to the specific challenges, concerns, and social or psychological problems that can affect men in society. These issues are important to address because they can impact men's mental and physical well-being, as well as their overall quality of life. It's important to note that discussions about men's issues are not intended to detract from or diminish the recognition of women's issues but rather to acknowledge that both genders can face unique challenges.

Men's issues are often overlooked. Many of us have been taught that we are stronger or more respected if we bury what we feel. You're here because you're honest--that approach hasn't worked and you're ready for something new. Whether its relationships, loneliness, stress, sex, anxiety, depression or trauma--Together we will work through the experiences and mental processes that have been keeping you stuck so you can be all that you know you're capable of.

Highlighting current struggles around men's mental health, sexuality, and physical health in regards to aging, relationship dynamics, and attachment styles. I help break down old patterns that get in the way of a modernized view of masculinity, from a non-toxic perspective without deconstruction of one's masculine sense of self. Emotions and understanding them, how to work with empathy, and how to find vulnerability within your relationships.

I utilize existential, narrative, and humanistic methods to start and build a dialogue alongside the men with whom I work. Men have to manage unique sociocultural stressors throughout their lives, including the balance between work and home life, raising children, responding to our own fathers being absent or ambivalent during our childhoods, and retirement. I believe that masculinity has an important place in the world and I thoroughly enjoy promoting a modern perspective.

As men we have been set up to fail emotionally in society. A bold statement? Perhaps, but also true. For many of us we were not given the tools to be able to express our emotions in a healthy way. We were told "don't cry", "don't be a baby", or worse. We may have even suffered physical abuse for showing emotion. In my practice we set up a safe environment to give you the tools to begin to express yourself and your emotions in a healthy, productive way.

Men and women are similar in so many ways and men and women are vastly different in many ways as well. I love celebrating our differences as much as our similarities. Assisting men learn to express themselves emotionally and learning to deal with life in differing ways is a great joy of mine within practicing. Learning to identify and access differing parts of you is of paramount to overall life satisfaction within the relationships we are apart of.

Men come to see me for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes my male clients are seeking support or guidance around a transition or life event and find that they're not sure who they can trust with their innermost thoughts. Sometimes it's that they find they have reached the goals they set out to reach but don't quite feel satisfied. Other times, men come to see me when a relationship with a loved one is feeling challenging. Feeling listened to without judgment can feel helpful.

Too masculine, not masculine enough? Too in touch with emotions, not in touch enough? For so many of us men, we don't fit into any one box. Yet, we might have been raised or currently living among people who don't get us. This can lead us to question if we are 'good enough' or 'doing it right.' Learn how to be comfortable in whatever way you choose to express who you are. Let me help you release old fears, old patterns and live authentically, now and everyday.

Men, we were set up to fail emotionally by society. Strong statement? Maybe, but it is true. For many of us, the expression of emotions was not something that we saw, nor was it encouraged. In fact for many of us the expression of emotion would lead to ridicule. Even physical abuse. In my office, we establish a safe environment for developing the skills and learning how to express emotions. Together we will work you help you become emotionally empowered and take hold of your emotions.

As a counselor, it is my goal to help you gain awareness and insight into your current stressors and emotions.