Articles
Jan 2, 2026
Navigating Men's Issues in Therapy: My Passion and Unique Approach to Supporting Males
Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Society often expects men to be strong, self-reliant, and there fore, present as unemotional. This dynamic can make it uncomfortable for many to seek help or express vulnerability. This is why I focus much of my therapy practice specifically on Men's Issues and Men's Mental Health. My approach is designed to create a space where men feel understood, supported, and empowered to work through their struggles in a way that respects their experiences and values.
A welcoming therapy space designed for men’s comfort and openness
Why Focus on Men's Issues?
Men often face barriers to accessing mental health care. Cultural expectations can discourage men from talking about their feelings or admitting when they need help. This can lead to untreated anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. Over time, when they remained unaddressed these issues can compound in their severity and can begin to impact one's life in multiple areas. By focusing on Men's Issues, I aim to break down these barriers and offer therapy that feels relevant and approachable.
Men’s mental health is not just about treating symptoms but understanding the social and emotional context that shapes how men experience and express distress. For example, men might show stress through irritability or withdrawal rather than sadness. Recognizing these differences helps me tailor my approach to be more effective.
My Personal Interest and Strengths in Supporting Men
My passion for working with men comes from both professional experience and personal insight. Over the years, I have seen how traditional therapy models sometimes miss the mark when it comes to men’s needs. I have trained extensively in approaches that are often successful in treating men, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused therapy, or Psychoeduction. I often combine therapy and these specific modalities with coaching techniques, which help men set goals, build resilience, and develop practical skills alongside emotional healing.
I also bring empathy and understanding from my own life experiences. I know what it feels like to struggle with societal expectations and the pressure to “handle it all.” This personal connection fuels my commitment to creating a safe, judgment-free space where men can explore their feelings and challenges openly.
What Makes My Approach Unique?
1. Integrating Therapy and Coaching
Many men respond well to a blend of therapy and coaching. Therapy helps explore emotions and past experiences, while coaching focuses on actionable steps toward change. This combination supports men in both understanding themselves better and making tangible improvements in their lives.
For example, a client dealing with work-related stress might use therapy to uncover underlying fears or beliefs about failure, then use coaching to develop time management skills or assertiveness techniques.
2. Creating a Safe and Practical Space
I design sessions to feel straightforward and practical, avoiding overly clinical language or abstract concepts. Men often appreciate clear goals and tools they can apply immediately. This might include stress management strategies, communication skills, or ways to build healthier relationships.
3. Addressing Common Men's Issues Directly
Some issues commonly affect men but are rarely discussed openly, such as:
Difficulty expressing emotions
Pressure to be the provider or protector
Challenges with intimacy and relationships
Coping with anger or frustration
Navigating life transitions like fatherhood or career changes
By naming these topics and addressing them head-on, I help men feel seen and understood.
Tools for self-reflection and growth used in therapy and coaching for men
Practical Examples of My Work with Men
One client came to me feeling overwhelmed by the demands of his job and family life. He struggled to ask for help or express his feelings, fearing it would make him seem weak. Through therapy, we explored his beliefs about vulnerability. Using coaching techniques, we developed a plan for him to communicate more openly with his partner and set boundaries at work. Over time, he reported feeling less stressed and more connected.
Another client faced anger issues that affected his relationships. We worked on identifying triggers and developing healthier ways to express frustration. Role-playing and practical exercises helped him practice new responses, leading to improved communication and reduced conflict.
Why Men Should Consider Therapy Focused on Their Needs
Men’s mental health deserves attention tailored to their experiences. Therapy that understands the unique pressures men face can lead to better outcomes. If you are a man feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, know that support is available that respects your perspective. Taking the step to seek help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy combined with coaching can provide tools to build resilience, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being. If you want to learn more about how I work with men or are ready to start your journey, please reach out. Together, we can navigate the challenges and build a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Thanks for reading! Please contact us below for more.
248-238-8069
Max Sturm, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Royal Oak, MI, 48067 | Psychology Today