Men's therapy
Men Go To therapy, Too
You’ve been working to balance your well-being with the expectations of those around you, but it’s starting to feel overwhelming. Or perhaps past experiences have been popping up in distressing and unexpected ways. You want to seek support, but you feel hesitant about others thinking you’re weak.
Seeking therapy as a man can come with feeling as though we aren’t living up to certain roles or expectations we were taught to have about masculinity. You might have trouble accepting support from others, being open about your emotions and how things are impacting you, or the weight of your responsibilities. It can be hard to balance how you’re feeling with what your family or culture expects from you. Many people seek therapy when they feel stuck or overwhelmed.
What is Men's Therapy
Men’s therapy focuses on the unique challenges and experiences men face. It provides a safe, judgment-free space to talk about stress, relationships, emotions, mental health, and personal growth. Many men grow up hearing that “boys don’t cry” or that they should keep their feelings inside, but therapy helps break those barriers and encourages healthier ways to process emotions. Men’s therapy can help with issues like anxiety, depression, anger, work stress, relationship struggles, self-esteem, and more. You don’t have to be in crisis to go to therapy; it’s also a place to gain self-awareness, improve communication, and build coping skills.
I believe the biggest stigma right now, with mental health, is that a lot of men are not talking about it.
- Mauro Ranallo -
What do men talk about in Therapy?
Overwhelming anxiety holding you back
Support through life transitions, such as entering fatherhood
General relationship issues, including building friendships
Intimacy issues impacting your romantic relationships
Depression symptoms making daily tasks difficultv
Anger management
Racial trauma
BIPOC Identity
Neurodivergence
Addiction
our approach
Therapy That Feels Real and Practical
At Embodied Wellness, we understand the weight many men carry. You are juggling work, family, relationships, or the pressure to “have it all together.” Taking time out of your life to do therapy can feel impossible, and it’s easy to worry that people around you won’t understand. Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.
Our approach meets you where you are, focusing on your whole self-mind, body, and experiences; so therapy feels real and practical, not just talking. We help you make sense of your emotions, cope with stress, and find ways to feel grounded, even when life feels overwhelming.
Our diverse team of therapists, including male therapists, brings experience, compassion, and understanding to every session. We take an embodied approach, paying attention to how your body and mind respond to stress. We view therapy through a lens of neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and cultural awareness, so your identity and experiences are always respected. While we may draw on tools from EMDR or somatic therapy when helpful, our focus is on supporting you, building skills, and helping you carry your burdens in a healthier, more sustainable way.
You Want to Learn More about Therapy for Men
What is considered men's issues in therapy?
Men’s issues in therapy often include challenges related to emotional expression, masculinity norms, relationship struggles, anger management, fatherhood, workplace stress, trauma (including racial and intergenerational trauma), and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many men also seek therapy for PTSD, childhood wounds, self-worth, and difficulty connecting with others emotionally. For BIPOC men, therapy may also involve unpacking systemic oppression, racial trauma, and cultural expectations around strength and vulnerability.
How does therapy work for men?
Therapy for men focuses on creating a safe space where you can express emotions without judgment. Approaches like somatic therapy help men reconnect with their bodies and process trauma stored in the nervous system, while EMDR can help reprocess distressing memories.
Therapy also challenges societal beliefs that equate emotional suppression with strength. Many therapists use cognitive and mindfulness-based techniques, but somatic practices help men go beyond just “talking” to truly feeling and healing.
What percentage of men go to therapy?
Less than 20% of men in the United States receive mental health treatment or counseling, though this number has risen significantly over the past two decades—an 87.36% increase since 2002. Despite this progress, men continue to seek mental health care at lower rates than women. In 2022, for example, about 16% of men received mental health treatment, compared to 27% of women. A 2021 CDC report further highlighted this gap, showing that only 8% of men had received counseling or therapy in the previous year.
This disparity underscores the ongoing challenge of encouraging men to seek mental health support. In 2021, only 40% of men with a reported mental illness received treatment, compared to 52% of women. However, attitudes are shifting as discussions around mental health, masculinity, and emotional well-being become more widespread. Still, stigma remains a significant barrier—especially in communities of color, where therapy has historically been seen as unnecessary or difficult to access.
Is it weak for a man to go to therapy?
Not at all! Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to confront emotions, process pain, and break generational cycles. Seeking men’s therapy doesn’t mean you are broken; it means he’s committed to healing and becoming the best version of himself. True strength comes from self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to seek help when needed.
Why is therapy hard for men?
Starting therapy may feel hard for you because of the messages you may have learned growing up about emotions and vulnerability. You may have been taught to “man up” or push through struggles instead of talking about pain or asking for support.
It can also be harder if you do not see many therapists who look like you or understand your lived experience. This can feel even more true for BIPOC men navigating spaces where representation is limited.
Talking about trauma can bring up its own challenges too, especially if you have learned to stay self-reliant or keep difficult emotions to yourself.
At the same time, therapy is not the same for every man. Many men choose therapy on their own, and they find it helpful, grounding, and even life-changing. For some, it becomes a space for growth, clarity, and real support.
Why do men ignore their mental health?
Some men ignore their mental health due to stigma, cultural expectations, and a lack of awareness about mental health issues. Many have learned to suppress emotions from a young age and may not even recognize the signs of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Additionally, structural barriers such as lack of access to culturally competent care, financial constraints, or fear of being judged can make seeking help feel like an uphill battle.
However, not all men ignore their mental health. Many are proactive in seeking support, engaging in therapy, and breaking cycles of silence and suppression. Increasingly, men are prioritizing their mental well-being and recognizing that caring for their emotional health is just as important as physical health.
Is Therapy Worth it for Men?
Choosing between a male, female, or non-binary therapist is a personal decision, and each option has its own benefits.
Some men feel more comfortable with a male therapist because they might relate to similar life experiences, like societal pressure to be “tough” or struggles with masculinity. This can make it easier to open up about emotions that may feel difficult to express elsewhere.
Others prefer a female therapist because they feel safer expressing vulnerability or want a different perspective on relationships, emotions, or communication.
A non-binary therapist can also provide a unique and inclusive space, especially for those who want support outside traditional gender roles. They may bring a broader perspective on identity, self-expression, and emotional well-being.
Should a Male Get a Male Therapist?
Perhaps you’re dealing with low mood, racing thoughts, flashbacks, struggles with self-worth, or any other challenges in your mental and emotional well-being. Men’s counseling can offer tools for you to make the changes you want to in your life, and provide you a space to discuss anything you may be struggling with. Here, you will be treated with dignity and respect no matter what you bring into session.
