Fish Out of Water: Exploring Cultural and Developmental Factors Impacting Men’s Participation in Therapy
Information
Date & Time
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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Identify and explain three or more developmental, cultural, or socialization processes that impede the emotional growth of boys and subsequently impact their development as men.
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Define and describe the concepts of masculinity, "boy code," masculine gender role stress (MGRS), normative male alexithymia (NMA), male-type depression (covert depression), and Nice Guy Syndrome.
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Identify one or more clinically appropriate and culturally sensitive ways to 1) approach men 2) facilitate effective engagement and 3) overcome resistance in a clinical setting.
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Describe three ways to establish an inviting clinical environment for men.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is to increase knowledge about the developmental and societal pressures placed on men, which can inhibit their ability to engage in therapy.
Description
The therapeutic environment and approach are rooted in values traditionally associated with femininity, such as compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and understanding. This setting encourages individuals to openly express their feelings, emotions, and struggles. However, the emphasis on vulnerability often conflicts with societal and cultural expectations of masculinity, where vulnerability is synonymous with weakness. Generally, men struggle in therapy because they were not taught or encouraged to develop emotional intelligence-based skills during their development as boys, and this hampers their ability to connect deeply with partners, family, friends, and particularly in therapeutic settings (Levant, 2017; Wexler, 2009; David & Brannon, 1976). As a result, they may feel like fish out of water on the therapist’s couch. To effectively work with men in therapy, clinicians should strive for a culturally sensitive understanding of the various factors influencing male identity development. This understanding will enable them to approach and engage with men. By comprehending the nuances of male identity development, clinicians can better approach and effectively work with men and create a therapeutic space that resonates with male clients and facilitates theirgrowth and healing, even those who are resistant or reluctant.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Phil holds multiple licenses and certifications, including Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Masters-level Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP) in the state of Florida, National Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). He graduated Summa cum laude from Lynn University in 2020 and was the first student in the mental health counseling program to be chosen as the graduate speaker at the 2020 commencement. During his time in school, Phil gained experience as a clinical case manager in a detox facility, facilitated IOP groups, and worked as an individual case manager for clients with thought disorders. He presented at a national conference and contributed to a case-study book published for undergraduate psychology students. After graduation, Phil worked as a primary therapist at a dual diagnosis mental health/substance abuse treatment center, where he focused on substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, and severe mental health and played a key role in developing the clinical detox manual and programming. As a consultant, he helped implement programming across multiple states during a period of expansion. In 2022, Phil left his job and founded Dude, Breathe Counseling, a private group practice dedicated to addressing men’s mental health issues. Phil has devoted significant time and effort over the last three years to studying men’s mental health. He has completed multiple trainings, conducted his own research, and crafted a distinctive approach to working with men. He has been featured on multiple podcasts speaking about men’s issues and is in the process of developing a culturally competent training program for mental health professionals and organizations. Phil has spoken numerous times about men’s mental health and issues for local universities and professional organizations. Phil’s goal is to spread accurate information about men’s mental health struggles, break down stigmas, and encourage men to seek the help they need to overcome their challenges.
Financially Sponsored By
- Futures Recovery Healthcare