Being a man in modern society can feel more complicated than ever. There are all sorts of new expectations, rules, and skills for us to know. On top of that, it can feel like you’re supposed to just know all of it somehow. Because, of course, men “aren’t allowed” to talk about their challenges or emotions. This can leave you feeling lost, emasculated, or just plain stupid. Plus, no one is handing out guidebooks.
That’s where I come in. Whether you’re looking to improve yourself or work on things with your partner, there’s a myriad of things we can dive into to make things start feeling better right away.
Things men may be coming into therapy for:
Depression/Anxiety
Sometimes depression doesn’t look like we think it would. Maybe you aren’t sure if you’re “depressed” or just not very happy. Some things you may be feeling are:
- down/unhappy,
- lethargic,
- lack of motivation/drive,
- irritability,
- feeling “on edge”
- and, more.
We can help you figure out exactly what’s going on and how to fix it.
Trauma
Men are impacted by trauma just as intensely as everyone else. However, we often limit ourselves to what we define as trauma. Trauma is much more than active combat overseas. Men can experience trauma through childhood abuse or neglect, loss of a loved one, sexual assault, bullying, and much more. Unresolved trauma can have a huge impact on men and their relationships.
We can treat this in a variety of ways, including Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Check out our EMDR page for more information on this highly effective treatment model.
Infidelity
Infidelity causes intense pain and damage to a relationship, regardless of how it happens. It also usually shows up as a symptom of greater issues plaguing the relationship. Infidelity can even be a sign of issues within yourself. We can help you recover and heal from the impacts of infidelity in your relationship. In therapy, we can help you stabilize yourself or the relationship. Then, you can move forward from the initial shock of discovery to resolve the underlying issues affecting your life.
Relationship Issues
If you are having conflict or unhappiness in your relationship and have been unsuccessful in resolving it, we can help. Read more about how we work with couples here.
So, how can we help men in Plymouth, MN?
Understanding your partner:
Trying to understand your partner’s needs and emotions can feel like navigating a minefield. The truth is that we’re often putting the mines there ourselves without realizing it. We can help you learn how to effectively understand your partner, so you can have productive conflict and make them feel comforted and supported.
Understanding and communicating your own feelings:
Society would have you believe that men experience one emotion, anger. It may sometimes feel this way too. When you’re told that’s all you’re feeling, or you’re only allowed to express emotion through anger, it all just lumps together. We can help you learn new skills to accurately identify what you’re feeling, and how to express it in a way that will get you the validation and support that you deserve.
Balancing rugged masculinity with caring compassion:
Many men feel like they don’t even know what a man is supposed to be or look like anymore. We know it can be difficult to feel confident and secure in your masculinity while achieving the difficult balance of this AND being able to be tender with your partner. Recent changes in culture have opened the doors to be the kind of man that you actually want to be, instead of what you’re supposed to be. We can help you explore this and figure out a balance you are comfortable with.
Radiant Living Therapists Who Specialize in Men’s Issues
James Chadwick, MSW LISCW
Eric Anfinson, MS LMFT
Relevant Blog Posts from Radiant Living Therapy:
- Get in Touch with Emotions, Have Better Sex
- Why You Should Start Mens Therapy
- Let’s Talk About Dating: Dipping Into the Dating Pool
Men in Plymouth, MN Can Begin Therapy Now
Beginning therapy for men in our Plymouth, MN counseling office with a skilled therapist is simple and worry-free. We know that reaching out can be a difficult first step to take, but you are making the right choice. To start, simply:
- Schedule a free consultation
- Meet with a professional therapist
- Feel better about your life and the choices you make every day
Other Counseling Services at Radiant Living Therapy
Often, our problems have many layers. We know these issues are complex so, at our Plymouth, MN counseling office, our professional therapists also offer individual therapy for anxiety and depression, postpartum and maternal mental health, counseling for teens, couples therapy and marriage counseling, EMDR treatment, therapy for infertility and more. Let us enhance your life in a meaningful and comprehensive way.
If you are a helping professional, or therapist looking for supervision or consultation services, we can help you, too. No matter the need, we look forward to connecting with you!