Men in Therapy
A man faces a dilemma when he decides to enter psychotherapy, whether it is on his own or with his partner or family. Research shows that men are generally hesitant to seek counseling (Cheatham, Shelton & Ray, 1987), and when a male-female couple begins counseling, it is usually the woman who initiates the process (Silitsky, 2000). Why are men often reluctant to seek the treatment they need? Some experts theorize that problems with our culture’s socialization of men and masculinity is a key reason. Kupers (2005) identifies “toxic masculinity” — the sort of manhood typified by the need to aggressively compete and dominate others — as underlying the most problematic proclivities in men.
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Cheatham, H.E., Shelton, T.O., & Ray, W.J. (1987). Race, sex, casual attribution, and help-seeking behavior. Journal of College Student Personnel, 28, 559 - 568.
Kupers, T.A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(1), 713 - 724.
O’Neil, J. M. (1981). Patterns of gender role conflict and strain: Sexism and fear of femininity in men’s lives. The Personnel and Guidance Journal, 60, 203 - 210.
Robertson, J.M., Fitzgerald, L.F. (1992). Overcoming the masculine mystique: Preferences for alternative forms of assistance among men who avoid counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 39(2), 240 - 246.
Silitsky, C.A. (2000). Men in couples therapy: A qualitative study. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 61, 3A.