President's Message — Shawn LaRe’ Brinkley, MS, LMFT

Breaking the Stigma: Promoting Men's Mental Health and Inclusivity in Therapy

When we signed up to mental health professionals I wonder if we thought about the importance of being advocates for the well-being of all individuals, regardless of gender. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month and June, Men’s Health Month I’d like to address some of the issues around mental health for men. Despite progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, many men still face significant barriers when it comes to seeking help and opening up about their struggles. As therapists, it is imperative that we create a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals feel comfortable seeking the support they need. Sometimes this is not as easy as it may appear and in the words of Donna Summer, we get to “work hard for the money!”

Men's mental health has long been a topic shrouded in silence and stigma. Societal expectations of masculinity often dictate that men should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, leading many to believe that seeking help is a sign of weakness. As a result, men are less likely than women to seek professional help for mental health issues, leading to underdiagnosis and untreated conditions. The difficulty here is when men don’t get the help they need it impacts the women with whom they are in relationship and further, the families in which they may be the head of household. In some communities, it may mean they may not be in a position to take their place at the helm of households and thereby impact the mental health of family systems.

So, how can we as therapists promote men's mental health and create an environment that encourages these gents to seek help? Here are some strategies: (Forgive me if I state the obvious but a good reminder is always nice).

1. Normalize Emotions: Challenge traditional gender norms by normalizing the expression of emotions for men. Encourage them to recognize and verbalize their feelings without judgment or shame. We can also encourage the women we serve who are in relationships to offer the same kinds of encouragement.

2. Foster Trust and Rapport: Build trust and rapport with male clients by creating a nonjudgmental and empathetic therapeutic environment. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial in encouraging openness and honesty.

3. Validate Experiences: Validate men's experiences and struggles, acknowledging the unique societal pressures they face. Let them know that it is okay to ask for help and that seeking therapy is a courageous step towards healing and not for the weak.

4. Provide Education: Educate clients about the importance of mental health and the benefits of therapy. Address common misconceptions and concerns, such as the fear of being judged or misunderstood. 5. Offer Flexible Options: Recognize that traditional talk therapy may not be suitable for all men. Offer alternative therapeutic modalities, such as art therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, or group therapy, that may better resonate with their needs and preferences.

In addition to promoting men's mental health, it is essential that we create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. Many individuals may feel skeptical or fearful about seeking mental health services due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons. Here's how we can promote inclusivity and safety:

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Go beyond being culturally competent and practice cultural humility. Own that you may not know about someone’s experience which allows us to be more sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your clients. Respect cultural differences and incorporate culturally appropriate interventions into your practice.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy: Assure clients of the confidentiality and privacy of their sessions. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions.

3. Trauma-Informed Care: Practice trauma-informed care by recognizing the impact of past traumas on individuals' mental health. Create a trauma-sensitive environment that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment.

4. Collaboration and Empowerment: Collaborate with clients as partners in their healing journey. Empower them to make informed decisions about their treatment and involve them in goal setting and treatment planning.

By prioritizing men's mental health and promoting inclusivity in therapy, we can break down barriers and ensure that all individuals receive the support and care they deserve. Let us continue to advocate for mental health awareness and create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Shawn LaRe’ Brinkley, MS, LMFT is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, operating a group practice and a non-profit wellness center providing programs that affirm people of color as well as mental health therapy. She can be reached through her websites: www.livinglovedhealing.org and www.wjbcenter.com.