Toxic Masculinity

Let’s talk about why men are not supposed to cry even though it releases the body’s natural morphine in the brain. Unfortunately, we were programmed that showing emotions is a weakness, however, the real weakness is the shameful actions that come from surprising those emotions.

I work with men to dispel the age old myths that masculinity is determined by the roles you have in your relationships. It is my belief that your masculinity is determined by the man you are and the ability to be strong for others in a way that allows you to connect with out cultural norms impeding your ability to do so.

So much of what men are taught about being men hurts us, but does it from within the trappings of power. And yes, there are absolutely unfair benefits to being a man in our society, but sometimes they overshadow the drawbacks so much that we can get left out of the conversation. If you're committed to gender equality, you might find that it's hard to find the right place to talk in depth about your struggles. I found that, which is why I'm so committed to creating a space where we can go there.

As a gay Latino man, I have come to be passionate about this subject. Masculinity, and machismo, have too many rigid rules. There is too much to expect from men, too much "shoulding." As a consequence, many men learn to become emotionally blunt. Suppressing emotions can be disastrous which can only make matters worse when a man suddenly explodes after holding them in too long. This could lead to shame, relational issues, rage, and violence.

Tendency to take things personally? Always taking the 'rational angle' when dealing with conflicts even in your family and with friends? You have trouble delegating and trusting others or on the contrary, you find yourself procrastinating so much you feel stuck? My clear cut, no bs, trauma informed, emotionally supportive approach is helping men like you becoming emotionally stronger and available.

Tendency to take things personally? Always taking the 'rational angle' when dealing with conflicts even in your family and with friends? You have trouble delegating and trusting others or on the contrary, you find yourself procrastinating so much you feel stuck? My clear cut, no bs, trauma informed, emotionally supportive approach is helping men like you becoming emotionally stronger and available.

I have spent 10 years with a clinical interest in toxic masculinity and how it impacts men's overall health/wellbeing and as well as their interest/barriers to seeking therapy.