Why do so many men struggle to get to the couch? For some men, seeking therapy can feel like admitting weakness, while cultural expectations around masculinity, self-reliance, and emotional control can make vulnerability uncomfortable. Add demanding careers, parenting, relationships, and the constant challenge of work-life balance—and when does a man finally make time for his own mental health?
What happens when stress, loneliness, anger, relationship problems, or emotional exhaustion become too difficult to manage alone? Can therapy actually fit into a man's life without asking him to become someone he's not? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we explore the barriers men face when seeking mental health treatment, therapy, and emotional support, and what can make therapy feel more approachable, practical, and relevant for men.
Referances:
CDC Sudy in 2022
Liddon L, Kingerlee R, Barry JA. Gender differences in preferences for psychological treatment, coping strategies, and triggers to help-seeking. Br J Clin Psychol. 2018 Mar;57(1):42-58. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12147. Epub 2017 Jul 9. PMID: 28691375.
Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025, December). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001
Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001
Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Oliffe, J. L., Dhillon, H. M., & others. (2018). Engaging men in psychological treatment: A scoping review. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(6), 1882–1900. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318792157
Thanks for listening!
I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively.
If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails:
Benjamin Santee MA, LPC:
Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/
Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net
Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC
Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/
Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com
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Song Credit: ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher)
Name: Stronger Together
Artist: Evert Zeevalkink
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Courtesy of: bensound.com
