Counselling for blokes!

VIDEO: COUNSELLING FOR MEN

Men are still a bit rubbish at getting the help they need…

Today, even though there is more of an awareness of mental health issues, men still find it difficult to seek help. Mental illness affects everyone regardless of gender. It’s wrong to think men don’t struggle just because they’re expected to be strong and silent.

Facts about men’s mental health

Three times as many men as women die by suicide.

Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK.

Men are less likely to access psychological help than women.

Men are more likely to go missing or use alcohol and drugs to cope.

Signs of poor mental health in men

Changes in energy level, mood or appetite

Anger, aggression or irritability

Compulsive or reckless behavior

Sleeping too much or too little

Difficulty concentrating

Feelings of hopelessness

Feeling anxious or stressed

Becoming withdrawn and losing interest

Increased reliance on substances

Suicidal thoughts

Unhelpful things men think!

“I’m fine , I just need to man up!”

“I don’t know how to talk about my feelings.”

“I’m a man, I should be able to cope with this!”

“My mates will have a right laugh if they find out I’m getting help.”

“What good will talking do anyway?”

“Going to counselling feels like admitting I’m weak. In the military, we’re taught to tough it out, not talk it out.”

“I’ve always solved my own problems. I don’t need someone else telling me what to do.”

How can counselling help men?

Counselling has been available on the NHS as an evidence based talking therapy for many years now. However, men often avoid seeking mental health support, perhaps feeling pressure to maintain a strong image and hide vulnerability. Consequently, they may struggle silently with stressful life events like a death, divorce, coming back home from the military, health issues, or a job loss. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to suppress their emotions. However, seeking counselling provides a safe space to address these challenges, develop coping skills, and foster healthier ways of dealing with difficulties.

In my role as a person-centered counsellor, I provide you with a safe, confidential and supportive space where you can confront issues affecting your mental health. I want you to feel comfortable expressing yourself openly without worrying about being judged. Together, we’ll build trust and understanding as we explore your thoughts and emotions.

What men say about counselling

The effects of counselling can probably best answered by looking at typical types of responses to those who have experienced it:

“I didn’t realise how much I needed to talk.”
Sometimes, just having a safe space to express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement can be a relief.

“I see things more clearly now.”
Counselling often helps people understand themselves, their relationships, or their challenges in ways they hadn’t before.

“I feel lighter.”
Sharing things that have been bottled up or unresolved can feel like a weight has been lifted.

“It wasn’t what I expected, but it worked.”
People often discover that counselling isn’t about receiving advice or having someone “fix” things. Instead, they find clarity and solutions through the process itself.

“I can handle things better now.”
Whether it’s coping strategies, communication skills, or emotional insight, many leave counselling feeling more equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

“It helped me understand my emotions.”
Many people say counselling helped them identify and process feelings they didn’t fully understand before.

What sort of things can I talk about in counselling?

Anything. Person-centered counselling provides a space where you set the agenda. You might come in with a clear idea of what you want to talk about, or you might not. Either way, it’s your time, and you decide what feels important.

Some examples of topics men often explore include:

Work Stress: Feeling overworked, underappreciated, or unsure about the next career step.
Relationships: Struggles with partners, family, or friends.
Parenting: The challenges of being a dad or navigating family dynamics.
Emotions: Feeling overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or even numb and unsure why.
Purpose and Identity: Questions about who you are or where you’re headed in life.
Past Experiences: Reflecting on childhood, past relationships, or trauma.
Personal Growth: Exploring goals, values, and how to live authentically.

But remember, you don’t need a specific “problem” to come to counselling. Whether you have something weighing on your mind or simply want a space to explore your thoughts and feelings, counselling is here for you. I’m here to listen, accompany you, and support you as you navigate whatever feels right to share.

Counselling stories

My client work, as you can imagine, is very private and confidential. However, I have created a few fictitious examples of person-centred counselling scenarios, some of them below, so you can get a flavour of how it might help you. They’re in PDF format and don’t worry, they’re quite short!

Karl – anxiety and adjusting to civvy street
John – depression and following in Dad’s footsteps
Matt – coping with college and Dad’s death
Ben – coping with the death of Mum

Why Get In Touch?

BACP registered and qualified counsellor
Safe, non-judgemental and confidential
No pressure, go at your own pace!
Fully insured and enhanced DBS checked
Trauma-Informed and non-pathologising
Neurodiversity aware e.g Autism/ADD/ADHD/Dyslexia
UK-wide online counselling
Face to face counselling within a 5 mile radius of Albaston e.g. Gunnislake, Calstock, Harrowbarrow, St. Ann’s Chapel, Metherell, Callington, Stoke Climsland, Bere Alston
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