The Approach
Before starting this practice, I spoke with dozens of men at all stages of life and reflected on my own experiences as a therapist, manager, personal trainer, and peer. Much of what I heard from these men is validated by research into men’s mental health and is consistently borne out in my own work. As a result, I approach therapy with the following themes in mind:
Problem-Solving Over Venting
Many men view therapy as lying on a couch discussing childhood emotions. While that approach works for some, others see it as an ineffective indulgence or an added stressor. I believe therapy can be focused, goal-oriented, and time-bound. Once we identify what you want to change, we can set a timeline and regularly assess your progress. While we will address patterns in your behavior and relationships, it is my responsibility to guide you through various evidence-based approaches and follow the path that feels right for you. Men are often not raised with practice talking about their emotions. While this model of therapy is action-oriented, there is time to explore how you’re feeling emotionally and physically. Increasing emotional knowledge and vocabulary can be highly effective in deepening relationships and learning effective coping skills.
Body and Mind
Many men I work with have specific goals regarding their physical health and want to incorporate fitness, sports, yoga, or meditation into their lives. Whether these habits have fallen off over time or your current routines no longer meet your needs, my background in personal training and yoga allows me to support you in building sustainable habits. This structured goal-setting often serves as a powerful blueprint for accomplishing other objectives in your life. Some find that going for a walk or learning more about physical fitness is a good introduction to therapy or makes it easier to talk about the problems they’re navigating. This is an optional part of this practice that you should ask more about if you’re interested.
The Neurobiology of the Male Brain
While every individual is unique, there is established science regarding the male brain that often goes unaddressed in traditional settings. Understanding this neurobiology is helpful for everything from raising sons to recognizing how depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma specifically manifest in men. Learning about these biological factors—including the role of testosterone—can be refreshing and productive, helping you leverage your natural strengths to create lasting change.