DR. BRIAN CARL, PH.D.

Rigid social norms surrounding masculinity frequently prevent men from seeking help for mental health issues and receiving the care they need. From a young age, boys are taught to feel shame around the expression of their emotions, which leads to difficulties opening up and facing their problems in adulthood.

Instead of learning to handle emotions in a healthy way, men frequently show their mental distress by using anger. Because men often struggle to talk about how they feel, they can find it difficult to feel close to their partners or other people. Combined with this foundation of shame around emotional expression, the added pressures of fatherhood can be isolating and overwhelming for many men. Despite these challenges, men are less likely to utilize treatment as they may worry about being perceived as weak or feminine for seeking help.

Therapy can not only be helpful for men, but it can be critical to their mental health and the wellbeing of their relationships. If you’re hesitant to talk about what you’re going through or don’t even know how to start, I can help you navigate what you’re feeling and address your challenges. Therapy can help you articulate your emotions in effective, healthy ways and improve the relationship you have with yourself and those around you.