As a male raised in a “traditional” male environment, many men were raised in an environment where the expression of emotions was unacceptable, except for anger. Many men have been taught to hide their so-called negative emotions like sadness or hurt because they believe it affects their masculinity and make them feel vulnerable, which in turn, can feel very uncomfortable. As a result, men may push away all emotions, engage in substance use, have physical altercations and keep people at an emotional distance. This can have repercussions in all areas of their lives, including work, relationships (partner, friends, family) and raising children.
I provide a safe space for men to slowly and safely explore their buried emotions and to start to work on the long-term effects of being told to “man-up” their whole lives.