A man receiving online therapy on a laptop, illustrating the concept of remote counselling and coaching.

The Importance of Therapy for Men

The Importance of Therapy For Men

Therapy for men is crucial, as mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of gender. However, fewer men seek therapy, highlighting the need to explore the reasons and benefits associated with it. Men can face mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and trauma, similar to women, yet they are less likely to reach out for therapy.

Although men can experience the same issues as women, they often manifest differently. For example, depression in men may appear as anger due to the tendency to suppress emotions. This emotional suppression can lead to verbal outbursts, irritability, or even passive or physical aggression. Suppressing emotions can also contribute to various mental health problems, including anxiety and stress. Additionally, suppressed emotions can result in physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and muscle tension. Explore the research on emotion theory by (Nickerson, 2023) Simply Psychology.

Therapy for Men – The Statistics

Men often mask symptoms of depression by taking an “I just need to get on with it” approach. This approach can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol use, substance abuse, pornography addiction, or gambling. By the time these strategies become problematic, mental health may have significantly deteriorated.

Statistics reveal the need for increased attention to men’s mental health:

In 2021, Scotland recorded 556 deaths by suicide, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), which is 73% higher than the 206 deaths by suicide among women. The statistics are similar in England and Wales. More information can be found in this article written by the Samaritans.
Men with Alcohol Dependence are more likely to have a history of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. At the same time, women with Alcohol Dependence are more likely to have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders (Dawson et al., 2010).
According to the government’s national well-being survey, men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women. Only 36% of referrals to NHS counselling are for men, and nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men. Additionally, 87% of rough sleepers are men. An article in the Mental Health Foundation provides more information about these stats.

These statistics emphasise the need to shift societal perceptions of men seeking therapy.

Therapy for Men: Understanding the Barriers

Societal Gender Norms: Society often expects men to be “strong, self-reliant, and powerful.” These societal norms can make seeking support challenging, leading men to mask or suppress symptoms.
Shame: Men who resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms may feel guilt or self-disgust, making it difficult to seek help. However, reaching out is a sign of strength and resilience. My blog is available here if you would like to read more about shame.
Stigma: The stigma around mental health issues remains a significant barrier. Normalising conversations about mental health can change this. Just as you would work on physical health, mental health is equally important.
Fear of Vulnerability: Opening up in therapy can be daunting. Yet, vulnerability is a strength that can deepen relationships and foster personal growth.

Case Study: David presented with anger issues and sleep problems

David, a 35-year-old client, came to counselling and coaching for issues with anger and poor sleep. During sessions, he revealed he drank alcohol every night to cope with workplace stress. This nightly drinking contributed to his sleep disturbances and aggravated his anger issues.

Through our work together, we focused on reducing his alcohol consumption, improving sleep hygiene, developing anger management techniques, as well as putting boundaries at work regarding the number of hours he worked. David gradually noticed better sleep and improved anger control, highlighting the interconnectedness of his issues and the importance of addressing them through therapy.

The Advantages of Therapy for Men

Therapy offers men a safe space to openly discuss their concerns and express themselves freely without fear of rejection. In therapy, men can learn healthy coping strategies such as emotional regulation, meditation, grounding exercises, journalling, assertive communication, and implementing boundaries.

A therapist allows men the space to manage past issues that may impact their lives today. Alternatively, some men prefer to focus on what is happening for them in the here and now rather than revisit past experiences.

What you would like to gain from therapy is something you can discuss during a discovery call. You want to ensure that a therapist works in a way that you will find most helpful.

Helpful Strategies to Manage Your Mental Health

Normalising Therapy for Men

By going to therapy, you convey to others, including your friends and family, that taking care of your mental health is a positive step.
Being open and honest about seeking help could inspire others to adopt your outlook and encourage the growth of a society where discussing emotions can be done more freely.

Strengthening Relationships

Effectively managing emotions can help build healthy and fulfilling relationships.
People tend to have closer relationships with their loved ones, members of their families, and close friends when they are aware of their own emotions and can empathise with others.

Improves Job Performance

The workplace is known to be a place that can be challenging when one is already struggling with one’s mental health. Therapy can help reduce work-related stress and anxiety, improve job performance, and enhance communication and teamwork skills.

When To Seek Therapy

If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be a good idea to consider therapy:

I’ve been more easily irritated than usual.
Experienced bursts of anger or aggression.
Felt sad or down.
Felt overwhelmed or under much pressure.
Unexpectedly gained or lost weight.
Started drinking or using drugs more frequently than before.
I have been relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with a challenging situation.
Lost interest in activities you used to enjoy.
I struggled to concentrate at work, school, or home.
I had more headaches or days of feeling generally unwell.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Felt tired even after a whole night’s sleep.

Finding a Therapist

The therapist’s gender is not crucial, but finding one with whom you feel safe and comfortable is essential. It’s critical to find a therapist who is empathetic and experienced in addressing male-related concerns.

Wrapping It All Up

Therapy for men represents a path toward improved mental health and overall well-being. By addressing barriers and promoting open dialogue, we aim to create a supportive space where men can prioritise their mental health.

I support you as a counsellor and coach specialising in men’s mental health. If you’re ready to take the first step, contact me to book a discovery call today. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and you deserve to prioritise your mental health.

Woman in a Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) session, illustrating the therapy process

6 Facts About Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) is a powerful therapeutic method founded by Marisa Peer, a renowned therapist with a 30-year career as a trainer, speaker, and best-selling author. Drawing on her extensive experience, Marisa combined various therapeutic approaches to develop RTT. Marisa Peer became a highly sought-after therapist, working with CEOs, Olympic athletes, Oscar winners, and acclaimed musicians. Due to the incredible success of RTT, Marisa founded The Rapid Transformation School of Training to make RTT accessible to everyone, offering sessions that can be conducted online from anywhere in the world.

In 2021, I became a certified RTT practitioner, and it has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. The fast, lasting transformations I’ve witnessed have deepened my belief in the power of RTT.

If you’re looking for a therapy that delivers fast, effective results, explore the transformative power of RTT. This blog provides six key facts about this powerful approach.

1. RTT Merges Therapeutic Techniques for Lasting Change

By drawing from aspects of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming, RTT addresses the root causes of what has been holding you back, creating powerful, permanent change. This unique combination enables deep healing and delivers effective results for a variety of issues.

2. RTT Delivers Rapid Results

One of the standout benefits of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) is how quickly it produces results. Many clients notice significant changes after a single session, and most experience permanent changes within one to three sessions.

Due to the adaptability of RTT, it can be used to address a wide range of issues, including:

Confidence
Weight Management
Procrastination
Phobias
Addictions
Self Esteem

Depression
Stress
Anxiety
IBS
Sleep Issues
Fertility Problems

3. RTT Uses Hypnosis to Get to the Root Cause of Your Problems

Many of the challenges we face today are rooted in past experiences, whether from major traumatic events or more subtle moments, such as embarrassment or humiliation at school, which may have felt just as impactful at the time. These moments often shape our beliefs and behaviours on a subconscious level.

Through hypnosis, RTT helps you uncover deeply ingrained beliefs and reframe them so they no longer hold you back. RTT incorporates the positive aspects of hypnosis and gets to the source of the issue, which is why RTT effectively produces long-term, transformative results.

swing hanging on a tree in the shade on the beach representing relaxing during hypnosis

4. Hypnosis in RTT: Rewiring the Subconscious Mind

RTT helps create lasting shifts, which I’ve witnessed time and time again. The subconscious mind is incredibly powerful, influencing much of our behaviour and thought patterns without us realising it. Scientific research on neuroplasticity shows that the brain can rewire itself by forming new neural pathways, allowing us to change unhelpful habits and negative beliefs.

During an RTT session, we have direct access to the subconscious mind through the power of hypnosis. Through regression, we identify limiting beliefs. These old, outdated beliefs are replaced with healthier, more empowering beliefs, showing how the brain can adapt and grow. It’s important to recognise that hypnosis is not about being asleep; it’s a ‘sleep’ of the nervous system. During the session, you will be deeply relaxed but remain in complete control.

5. RTT Utilises Regression to Uncover Root Causes

Regression is a powerful technique in RTT. During a session, your therapist will guide you to review past experiences to uncover where unhealthy beliefs originated. In RTT, we refer to these as ‘scenes’; they may involve events you clearly remember or feel like distant memories. However, during the session, you will recall them in more detail, including the emotions you felt at the time. Since the subconscious mind’s role is to protect us, it often shields us from painful feelings and steers us away from what holds us back. Identifying the root issue helps us understand how past experiences are relevant to current problems.

Although this protective mechanism has good intentions, it’s only sometimes helpful. RTT sessions are always safe, and a professional RTT therapist ensures you are reviewing these beliefs, not reliving them. For some, the thought of hypnosis and regression may seem daunting if it’s something you’ve never experienced. However, RTT is an extremely safe therapy and has received many awards and endorsements.

RTT: A Globally Recognised, Award-Winning Therapy

Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) has gained worldwide recognition as an award-winning therapeutic approach. With over 30 years of proven success, it has earned prestigious accolades, including the Stevie Gold Award, and has been featured in leading publications like Men’s Health Magazine.

The endorsement of respected bodies such as the General Hypnotherapy Register and the National and International Council of Psychotherapists has further solidified RTT’s credibility, making it a trusted choice for those seeking lasting results

My Journey as an RTT Therapist

In 2021, I discovered a podcast episode about RTT and was immediately intrigued by the rapid results clients were experiencing. After diving deeper into my research, I quickly realised that RTT was a therapy I wanted to incorporate into my practice. Despite already being a qualified counsellor and ADHD coach, I found the RTT training to be a thorough and rewarding process involving both extensive learning and practical experience.

Since becoming a certified RTT therapist in 2021, it has become my go-to recommendation for clients who have struggled with the same issues for years, even after trying methods such as CBT or traditional talk therapy. I’ve seen success with a wide range of issues, including social anxiety, weight management, feelings of inadequacy, and phobias such as a fear of flying and fear of being sick.

As a counsellor and ADHD coach, many of my clients begin with counselling or coaching, but as they learn about the transformative power of RTT, more and more clients are now requesting RTT, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in my practice.

A woman drinking healthy tea and taking in a river view represents reflection after an RTT session.

In Conclusion

RTT is an ideal choice for those who want to get to the root cause of what is holding them back. The adaptability of RTT means each session is unique and tailored to the individual’s needs, making it suitable for everyone. While RTT works quickly, it’s important to note that it requires commitment.

The first session will take at least two hours of your time. For positive reinforcement, it’s necessary to listen to a bespoke recording for twenty-one days after the session. If you’re ready to invest in your future, please schedule a discovery call.

Woman at a cluttered desk with clocks and notebooks, representing ADHD chaos. ADHD coaching helps manage these challenges.

Bringing Order to ADHD Chaos Through Therapy

Adult ADHD? Here’s How Therapy Can Help

Living with ADHD can feel like navigating a ship through turbulent waters. The relentless distractions, impulsive thoughts, and organisational struggles often lead to a sense of chaos. Thankfully, therapy plays a crucial role in bringing order to this ADHD chaos. By addressing these challenges head-on, therapy helps individuals transition from turmoil to a state of clarity and control, transforming ADHD chaos into a more organised and manageable experience.

As a counsellor and ADHD coach, I’ve seen firsthand how effective ADHD treatment can transform the ADHD experience. If you’re interested, follow this link to explore my ADHD therapy services for adults.

7 Ways ADHD Therapy Can Transform Chaos into Clarity

1. Understanding ADHD and Embracing Self-Acceptance

One of the most transformative benefits of therapy for ADHD is gaining a deeper understanding of your condition. ADHD isn’t just a collection of traits; it reflects a unique way your brain processes information. Through therapy, you can explore how ADHD affects you personally, leading to greater self-acceptance.

This insight can bring a profound sense of relief, helping you see ADHD as part of who you are rather than a personal failure. By alleviating feelings of frustration and self-blame, therapy paves the way for a more compassionate self-view and improved mental well-being, bringing a sense of peace and reassurance.

2. Developing Effective ADHD Coaching Strategies

Therapists are adept at helping you develop practical strategies to manage ADHD symptoms. These strategies, tailored to your unique needs, can include:

Organisational Skills: Learn techniques better to organise your tasks, time, and personal space, reducing your feelings of overwhelm.
Attention Management: Use mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural techniques to improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
Stress Reduction: Discover stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises and grounding techniques, and effective coping strategies to address ADHD symptoms.

By customising these strategies to your needs, therapy helps create a personalised roadmap for effectively navigating daily challenges.

3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation with ADHD

A trait of ADHD can be emotional dysregulation, which can be challenging to manage. Therapy provides tools for emotional regulation, helping you recognise and manage your emotions more effectively.

Techniques like cognitive restructuring can shift negative thought patterns, while mindfulness practices keep you grounded during emotional surges. Better emotional regulation leads to more stable relationships and enhances personal well-being.

Woman with a cloud above her head, representing the mental chaos of ADHD. Therapy and ADHD coaching can help manage these overwhelming thoughts.

4. Building Self-Esteem and Confidence

Living with ADHD can sometimes diminish your sense of self-worth, especially if your challenges are misunderstood or stigmatised. Therapy offers a supportive space to celebrate your strengths and achievements, no matter how small.

Therapy boosts self-esteem and confidence by focusing on positive reinforcement and setting achievable goals. It empowers you to tackle new challenges and embrace your abilities. If you are a student looking to boost your self-esteem, this blog may be helpful.

5. Improving Relationships Affected by ADHD

ADHD can impact your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Therapy provides strategies to improve communication, understanding, and empathy in these relationships.

By learning how ADHD affects your interactions and developing strategies for better communication, you can foster healthier and more supportive relationships. Strengthening these connections creates a more stable support system essential for managing ADHD effectively.

6. Setting and Achieving Goals with ADHD

Setting and achieving goals is crucial in managing ADHD. Therapy helps you set realistic and attainable goals, breaking them into manageable steps. With guidance from a counsellor or ADHD coach, you can create action plans, track your progress, and adjust as needed.

Whether your goals are related to personal development, career, or daily life, achieving them provides a sense of accomplishment and direction. If you want more information about counselling and ADHD coaching, please check my web pages.

7. Integrating Medication and Therapy for Comprehensive ADHD Treatment

While medication can be a crucial part of ADHD treatment, therapy enhances its effectiveness by addressing the cognitive and emotional aspects of ADHD.

Combining therapy with medication offers a comprehensive approach, tackling both the traits and underlying issues while promoting skill development.

Wrapping It All Up

Therapy provides a comprehensive toolkit for transforming ADHD’s chaos into a space of clarity and control. By fostering understanding, developing coping strategies, enhancing emotional regulation, building self-esteem, improving relationships, setting goals, and integrating with medication, therapy offers a well-rounded approach that helps individuals navigate their ADHD journey with greater confidence and resilience, making them feel secure and well-supported.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by ADHD, consider reaching out to a therapist who specialises in ADHD. Together, you can embark on a journey from chaos to clarity, discovering new ways to manage symptoms and embrace the unique strengths of ADHD.

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