I’ve been noticing a welcome trend these days – more and more men are coming for counselling. It seems like men are getting interested in learning more about themselves, in getting aligned with their values and with forming deeper more meaningful relationships – and are reaching out to counselling to help them reach these goals.
I love working with men – especially men who are kind, responsible, caring individuals who find themselves so busy looking after others that they often neglect themselves. These men often find that they are the “doers”, performing acts of service for others, helping out in community, at work and in their families. They often live with the expectation that they have to go it alone, suffering in silence, carrying the weight of responsibility and not really having anyone to turn to with their doubts, worries or challenges – for fear of seeming “weak”.
Yet seeking therapy isn’t at all weak – it’s a sign of courage and strength. It takes guts to take time to review your life and see what is working and what needs to shift. It takes dedication and character to decide to push the envelope and learn new skills and even to be vulnerable.
There’s at least 10 benefits men can gain from going to counselling:
- Stronger Relationships – There is value in deepening relationships through learning how to connect on a new level with loved ones.
- More Self Confidence – Gaining self awareness and feeling more comfortable with who you are.
- Aligned with values - Getting clear on what is important to you and being sure what you are pursuing in life is aligned.
- Emotional Intelligence – Increased understanding of the function of emotions and how to leverage their power.
- Emotional Regulation – Learning how to feel and respond in a way that makes you feel more centered, capable and proud of who you are.
- Better Communication Skills – Saying what you need, feel and want, to influence others, and to connect.
- Reduced Anxiety – Build skills to let go of constant worry and feel more relaxed.
- Happier – Counselling can help you feel more aligned, grateful, and joyful.
- Better Self Care – Building in time for your health, fitness, social connections and interests.
- Accountability for Goal Setting – Counselling helps provide accountability to reach your goals.
It’s a wonderful thing when men understand their importance in the world, feel confident with who they are, are in touch with their emotions and are able to connect in relationships. The world is a better place when people feel good about themselves, act authentically and are appreciated.
Hope to see you in counselling 🙂