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HOW THERAPY HELPS MEN WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH-THE PATH TO EMOTIONAL HEALING.

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Breaking the stigma around men and mental health. What to expect in therapy: a guide for men new to mental health support.

By Ana Brown B.A Psychology, Mental Health Content Writer. Reviewed by Dr. Pascale Piron, Psy.D., M.A.., LCPC.

May 20th, 2025.

One of my favorite songs as a teenager was “Boys Don’t Cry” (1979) by the band The Cure . Although the melody is very upbeat, the song tells a sad story about a boy going through a breakup and is really confused about what to do to get the girl back. In this song, we can clearly see how the lyrics reflect an entire culture of men who are going through emotional distress but yet are not allowed to show emotions and instead “try to laugh about it hiding the tears in my eyes” as Robert Smith so cleverly wrote. The expectations society has always placed on men, to be always brave and courageous in the face of adversity or danger, has brought men an incredible and heavy amount of emotional burden. And although we have evolved in the mental health field, the majority of men still struggle with the idea of therapy as the primary source of support. It’s the dangerous misconception that showing emotion during difficult times and asking for help is a sign of weakness rather than courage.

Research shows that the prevalence of any mental health illness (defined as a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder) in women is higher than in men. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that “in 2022 there were 59.3 million adults age 18 or older in the United States with AMI (Any Mental Illness), representing 23.1% of all U.S. adults.” the observed prevalence was 26.4% for females and 19.7% for males.

Societal expectations may be the reason why these numbers show higher statistics for females than males. Men have been raised in societies which pressure them to show independence and strength at all times, this can lead to suppressed emotions and the courage to seek professional help while experiencing mental health challenges. These reports may not accurately reflect the number of men in our society today in need of mental health support and going through emotional stress alone.

Men experience the same mental struggles we all do, yet, some of the warning signs of depression in men may look different. They should feel comfortable enough to seek professional help when feeling overwhelmed and in need of support.

Only by accepting pain that healing becomes possible.

Photo by Cotton bro studio.

According to Harvard Health Here are some common warning signs men may present while experiencing mental health conditions:

  • Changes in sleep and appetite
  • Changes in work performance
  • Aggression
  • Headaches
  • Stomach Aches
  • Fatigue
  • Social isolation
  • Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Anger
  • Irritability
  • Risky behaviors

Men are more likely to avoid or delay seeking professional help, which can greatly contribute for increased mental illnesses. In general, most men prefer not to openly discuss their emotions or mental health issues, but it doesn’t mean that they are handling well on their own. It’s just a reflection of the self-stigma and society stigma associated with men looking for a therapist to discuss private matters and feeling incapable of dealing with their own emotions.

There is always help available. The ideas of what masculinity represents in our society have conditioned not only men but their communities to struggle to recognize the signs of mental illness in the male population.

The most common psychological disorders in men include but are not limited to:

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP MEN WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH:

Therapy can help men have a better understanding of who they are and be more in touch with their feelings and emotions without shame or guilt. Therapists create a safe space for clients to discover healthy ways to cope with depression, anxiety, physical conditions or any other life stressors that may affect their mental health.

Benefits from therapy that may be a game changer:

  • Better self-awareness
  • Better understanding of their emotions
  • Anger management
  • coping skills for anxiety and depression
  • Improves relationships
  • Enhances communicating skills
  • Boosts self-esteem
  • Builds resilience
  • Improvements in physical health
  • Promotes healthy understanding of masculinity

Find a therapist here

TYPES OF MALE-FRIENDLY THERAPY APPROACHES FOR MEN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It focuses on a person’s feelings, emotions and thinking patterns. It discusses how negative thinking impacts client’s behaviors and mental health. Men can benefit from this approach by exploring their emotions more in depth and replacing negative thinking with positive behaviors.
  • Psychotherapy: This type of therapy engages with client’s past and helps them discover underlying causes for negative thinking and behaviors. It focuses on the root causes of mental disorders while giving clients coping skills for improved mental health.
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: In some cases, this approach, which relies on the methodology of mindfulness, can alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety by focusing on breathing techniques and meditation. It may be an option for men who do not feel comfortable in traditional types of therapies.

Your mental health is a priority.

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It’s time that we change the narrative that men do not need help. We are all equal parts of a society that needs all of us mentally fit to face our daily challenges together. Men should not suffer alone because we as a community cannot recognize the signs of depression or anxiety in them.

There is a strong transformative potential in therapy when addressing mental health issues faced by men. It’s time to challenge old narratives, stigmas and outdated concepts which exclude some groups from the benefits of having such valuable support such as therapy which can bring resilience into men’s emotional healing journey.

The new generations seem to understand that mental health is a vital part of our overall health and it should be treated as priority. This generational shift brings light to the importance of men embracing their freedom to express their feelings and to ask for help. By helping men manage their emotions, therapy can bring them from anger to insight.

None of us need to walk alone in our paths to emotional healing. There is nothing more human than feeling vulnerable and comfortable enough to receive love, support and connection. Stigmas and stereotypes prevent society from evolving to its best self.

Boys can cry. We can all cry. It’s natural, it’s beautiful and it’s healing.

Be kind. Be brave. Be well.

Always with love,

Ana Brown

Ana Brown is a Mental Health Content Writer.
She holds a B.A in Psychology, is a published
author, lyricist and Film Producer, Ana is fluent
in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Ana believes
in the power of words in our healing journey,
Live your best life.

Ana Brown

HELPFUL LINKS:

Emerge Psychology Group

National Institute of Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Anxiety and Depression Association

Suicide and Crisis Line: Call 988 or text 988

DISCLAIMER:

The content of these webpages and blogs and information provided is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical or mental health condition. Seek professional help immediately if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or any other medical condition.

Somatic Approaches to Relieving Anxiety and Healing PTSD: Role of Myofascial Release.

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The power of Myofascial Release therapeutic techniques – Emotional healing for the body and mind by reconnecting and calming the nervous system.

By Ana Brown B.A. Psychology, Mental Health Content Writer. Reviewed by Dr. Pascale Piron, Psy.D., M.A., LCPC

May 20th, 2025.

My Dad was an amazing oral surgeon and a very intuitive doctor. Although specialized in a specific area of the body, he never really saw any of his patients conditions as an isolated issue. He treated the body as a connected system and not as isolated parts. He cared deeply for his patients and had great bedside manners by giving them extra time to process fear and decrease stress; in turn their bodies responded by feeling less physical pain. He knew everything in our system is connected and cannot function properly if one area is affected. I learned from him that our emotional experiences and how we process them can directly affect how our bodies physiologically respond, it’s the body and mind connection reaction chain. Our whole system, body and mind, is connected and trying to function in harmony. Think of an orchestra with all musicians working together to perform a song perfectly, but if one musician fails the whole performance is affected. This is what they myofascial system is to our body, a bridge that connects organs, muscles , bones and nerve fibers.

According to the National Library of Medicine the fascia is defined as:

The Fascia is made up of solid (muscles) and liquid(blood, lymph) elements and components. The myofascial system comprises muscle tissue and connective tissue. There are other fascial organizations within the myofascial system, such as the nervous system and vascular tissue and the lymphatic system. Nervous tissue and the resulting terminations are fasciae. The myofascial system can be a source of pain and functional limitations by creating symptomatic pictures that are not always clear and easy to frame.”

When we experience trauma, anxiety, depression or any life event that affect our mental health, our bodies respond with a set of physical symptoms, indicating it’s time to get help. These symptoms include but are not limited to: headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, muscle tension, aches or pains.

WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY:

Myofascial Release therapy is a manual technique used to release tension in the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds muscles, organs and nerves. The therapist uses their hands to locate and release trigger points applying gentle pressure. It improves mobility in several areas including legs, shoulders, neck, arms and back.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL MASSAGE AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE :

While both techniques focus in general on relaxing muscle tension, traditional massage uses different strokes such as effleurage (long gliding strokes) and strong pressure kneading including the use of oil and lotions; MFR Myofascial massage applies more of a gentle pressure in specific points of the body releasing tension in the fascia (connective tissue around muscles and bones). Another difference is in the main purpose of both techniques, the main purpose of traditional massage is to promote relaxation and reduce levels of stress, while myofascial release targets the restriction in the fascia causing pain and limitation in our range of motion.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY:

According to the Cleveland Clinic people experiencing the following conditions may benefit from Myofascial Release Therapy:

  • Physical trauma:car accidents, neck strain or common falls.
  • Scarring: frozen shoulder, burns or surgery.
  • Inflammation: bursitis, osteoarthritis or plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
  • Compressed nerves: herniated disks or carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Repetitive stress injuries: heavy lifting, poor posture, athletic injuries.
  • Low back pain.
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)disorder.
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic headaches

Stephen Wuest owner of Enlightened Body in Chicago, IL is a licensed massage therapist with 30 years of experience and 8 years in Myofascial Release technique. In addition to his license, Stephen was a monk for 14 years and has completed a traditional 3 year meditation retreat. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his holistic approach to healing the mind and body with Myofascial Release Therapy. He explains how does Myofascial Release Massage calms the nervous system:

When we’re stressed, anxious, or angry, our breath becomes shallow, our muscles tighten, and our minds feel scattered. From my Buddhist training, I’ve learned how closely the breath and mind are linked and how vital it is to reconnect. Myofascial Release supports this reconnection by calming the nervous system. It helps shift us from the fight-or-flight stress response into a state of rest and healing. In this relaxed state, we’re better able to breathe deeply, feel more grounded , and truly listen to what our bodies are telling us. Many of us go through life disconnected from our physical selves, not realizing how daily stress and repetitive movements quietly shape our discomfort. But in this work, I often see clients grow more aware. They begin to sense what their bodies need, and they naturally start adjusting the habits that create pain. That’s when healing begins.”

View Enlightened Body $20 Off First Session on MassageBook
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL MASSAGE AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE :

While both techniques focus on in general in relaxing muscle tension, traditional massage uses different strokes such as effleurage (long gliding strokes) and strong pressure kneading including the use of oil and lotions; MFR Myofascial massage applies more of a gentle pressure in specific points of the body releasing tension in the fascia (connective tissue around muscles and bones). Another difference is in the main purpose of both techniques, the main purpose of traditional massage is to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, while myofascial release targets the restriction in the fascia causing pain and limitation in our range of motion.

WHAT IS SOMATIC EXPERIENCING (SE):

Developed by Dr. Peter Levine a world renowned psychotherapist and researcher, Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic approach that helps us release trauma by awareness of our bodily sensations and emotions. This type of therapy increases resilience and promotes a better sense of safety. Somatic Experiencing is often used in conjunction with Myofascial Release to relax the nervous system by releasing physical and emotion tension caused by trauma.

There is no denying that although stress and trauma may be processed in our minds, our bodies also produce significant physiological responses to these events. Sometimes we ignore what our bodies are trying to communicate to us, through physical illnesses, aches and pains. We rush to quick fixes that in the end may actually result in more ailments.

We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on the mind, brain and body.” Bessel Van Der Kolk

We can’t avoid the common stresses in life, but we can listen to our bodies and seek professional help when it gets overwhelming. Healing doesn’t feel the same for everyone, but trauma does affect all of us. Don’t go through it alone. We are all connected. Let go of the pain by releasing the past and focusing on the best is yet to come.

Be kind. Be brave. Be well.

Ana Brown

Ana Brown is a Mental Health Content Writer.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology, is fluent in English,
Portuguese and Spanish. She is also a film producer,
published author, and a lyricist. Ana believes in
the power of words in our healing journey to a
healthier mind and body connection.
Live your best life.

Ana Brown

HELPFUL LINKS:

Emerge Psychology Group

National Library of Medicine

American Psychological Association

Myofascial Release ball set – Point Release

DISCLAIMER:

The content of these webpages and blogs and information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Seek professional help immediately if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or any other medical condition.



How Therapy Rebuilds Confidence from within – The Path to Emotional Healing. CBT, Inner Child Work & More.

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Struggling with self-esteem? Understand and recognize the signs and discover how therapy helps inner child healing using powerful techniques.

By Ana Brown B.A Psychology, Mental Health Content Writer. Reviewed by Dr. Pascale Piron, Psy.D., M.A., LCPC.

April 22nd, 2025.

Have you ever watched a child perform in a school play? Dance or sing on a stage? Have you noticed how did they respond to their audience clapping and cheering them on? Usually, you can tell they are proud of themselves and if you are lucky you will be able to catch a big smile on their faces. I remember feeling powerful and so good about myself as a child after a piano or dance recital, because I accomplished a goal or learned a complex task. It built my sense of self. And the more I learned the better I felt about my talents and capabilities. But at some point, in our adolescence or adult lives, traumatic events can make us self-doubt or question our abilities. Faced with difficult events, adults can struggle to find solutions for adverse unexpected situations. For instance, teenagers may start comparing themselves to others, and we feel inadequate or a failure for not being able to perform as well under pressure , stress or loss. Our inner child becomes afraid and our self-esteem can be affected.

Our self-esteem is a trait we build on from early childhood. Contrary to popular belief, we are not born self-confident. Several factors can contribute or interfere with children’s and adult’s self-esteem. During our early childhood , if we have a supportive community, we are encouraged to develop skills which in turn make us feel good about ourselves, make us feel powerful and capable.

Studies show that self-esteem increases quickly up to age 30, these are the years that most of us are in school and building careers, learning complex roles. Self-esteem continues climbing but slightly more gradually up to age 60, and the sharp decline happens around age 90.

Self-esteem reflects a person’s physical self-image, view of their accomplishment and capabilities, and values and perceived success in living up to them, as well as the ways in which others view and respond to their person. The more positive the cumulative perception of these qualities and characteristics, the higher one’s self-esteem.”

American Psychological Association

According to an article by Beth Sissons on Medical News Today, several factors can directly affect one’s self-esteem or confidence such as but not limited to:

  • Work or school performance results
  • Pressure to excel from social media
  • Body image
  • Community support
  • Skill levels
  • Achievements
  • Pressure to fit in
  • Perfectionism
  • Bullying from school or work peers
  • Abusive environment
  • Discrimination
  • Family or relationship struggles

There are also additional factors which can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and mental health such as:

  • Excessive harsh criticism from parental or authority figures
  • Mental health disorders
  • Physical disabilities
  • Childhood trauma such as divorce or abuse
  • Emotionally distant parents

All of us at some point in our lives may experience negative feelings about ourselves, but if these feelings are persistent and are preventing us from achieving our full potential in all areas of our lives, then it is crucial to recognize the signs and seek professional help.

Our inner child is the part of us who carries emotions we experienced in our childhood. Having self-compassion and the ability to recognize any emotional wounds from childhood can help us move towards healing and develop a stronger sense of self, improving confidence and self-esteem.

Be kind to yourself

SIGNS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM:

These are some of the most common signs of low self-esteem:

  • Constant negative self-talk
  • Self-doubting your own achievements
  • Difficulty in receiving compliments
  • Taking blame for other’s mistakes
  • Fear of challenges
  • Sensitivity to criticism
  • People pleasing
  • Fear of failure
  • Social withdrawal
  • Unhealthy habits such as alcohol or drug abuse

Sometimes even with the support of our loved ones, we find ourselves struggling to get out of difficult emotional situations. It’s a sign of courage to ask for help. A trained therapist can help clients discover their full potential and achieve success and accomplish goals.

Schedule appointment

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP REBUILD SELF-ESTEEM FROM WITHIN:

By providing a safe and nonjudgmental space, therapy is not only effective but also a neutral environment for clients to regain their self-esteem and confidence. Most important benefits from therapy to regain self-esteem are:

  • Manages negative thoughts and emotions
  • Develops coping mechanisms
  • Explores new hobbies and interests
  • Improves self-image
  • Builds self-acceptance
  • Explores past trauma experiences
  • Helps build support systems
  • Encourage growth
  • Set realistic goals
  • Improves or develops social skills
  • Teaches self-compassion exercises

TYPES OF THERAPY FOR REBUILDING SELF-ESTEEM:

While there are several different therapeutic approaches to self-esteem focused therapy, these are the most recommended:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Although cognitive behavioral therapy is suitable to a variety of psychological issues, it is particularly suitable for self-esteem improvement because self-esteem is maintained by cognitive factors. This approach involves cognitive restructuring by replacing negative thinking patterns by more appropriate positive thinking and behaviors.
  • Narrative Therapy: With this approach, the therapist encourages their clients to detach their problems from their identities. This creates a space allowing individuals to develop self compassion and a better and more clear understanding of their self-esteem struggles. Leading to healthier coping mechanisms and the recognition of their own power and abilities.
  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): This approach aims to encourage individuals to treat themselves with the same amount of compassion and care they treat others. It encourages self-acceptance which brings stress levels down and clients can focus on developing new paths to healing their inner child trauma experiences and improve their self-esteem.
  • Group Therapy: It helps clients connect with others who may be experiencing the same or similar negative feelings and low self-esteem. This experience may alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, giving clients an opportunity to share their own struggles and replace with a more empowered sense of self.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: This long term type of therapy was developed from psychoanalysis and involves a therapist working with clients to explore between the unconscious part of our minds and our actions. It examines individuals deep thoughts and emotions that may be negatively impacting their self-esteem.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, always seek professional help immediately. Please call 911 or the suicide prevention lifeline at 988 or go to your local emergency room for immediate attention.

Find a therapist here

Celebrate all your achievements, even the small ones, they are the stepping stones to the big ones!

It’s not about feeling confident all the time, it’s about feeling aware that we as humans experience challenges all the time as part of our evolutionary process. It’s about enjoying our spiritual growth, which includes not only achievements but most importantly our failures and shortcomings. That’s when real learning and evolution happens. That’s when we should feel most proud of ourselves.

Failure does not mean defeat, it means opportunity for learning and growth.

I don’t believe in being perfect. I believe in embracing our humanity and our flaws and strengths, our uniqueness and differences as the only way to feel the real power that it is within all of us, the beautiful power of self-love.

You are a miracle. A miracle of nature and nature never makes mistakes.

Take a deep breath. There is so much beauty inside of you waiting to be unraveled.

Be kind. Be brave. Be well.

Always with love,

Ana Brown

Ana Brown is a Mental Health Content Writer.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology, is fluent in English,
Portuguese and Spanish. Ana believes we can all
heal through meaningful connections.
Live your best life.

Ana Brown

HELPFUL LINKS:

Emerge Psychology Group

National Library of Medicine

American Psychology Association

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988

DISCLAIMER:

The content of these webpages and blogs and information provided is for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical or mental health condition. Seek professional help immediately if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or any other medical condition.