With there being stark gender differences, it can be observed that counselling can lean towards
supporting females more as they are greater service users and most therapists are female. So
do men need a different approach to their mental health support?

Studies suggest that males are less likely to seek support and are more inclined to deal with
their issues alone. Females are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression but
this could be due to more females seeking support. Males are more likely to be have substance
misuse issues and anti-social behaviour issues and there can be a host of sociological reasons
for these differences such as us gravitating towards gender stereotypes. Typically females will
have a greater tendency to talk more hence it’s common for women to come back from work
and talk about their day to process it whereas men prefer quiet time and time to wind down.

Any type of therapy should be tailored to the individual regardless of gender. We’re all unique
but there can be generalised gender differences in how we deal with issues and therefore the
type of support offered can also be refined in this way. This can make it easier for men to seek
and engage in support as males are much less likely to seek support for reason such as gender
stereotypes and social conditioning growing up that give messages that they should man up or
be strong and self-sufficient.

Men tend to be practical in their approach to problems and also tend to want to do things with
others. Team sports can be really helpful to promote well-being and from a therapeutic stand-
point, CBT based therapy and group therapy may be better suited. If you’re having difficulties
and are seeking support, it can be helpful to assess what kind of support may suit you best. If
you’re not sure of this, ask advice from someone who knows you well or speak to a professional
who can provide some guidance. Most private therapists will be happy to have a brief
conversation if you call to enquire about what they can offer and some will also offer a free
consultation.

Best wishes, Duncan