Empower Your Verve with Mindful Masculinity
Unhealthy Forms of Masculinity
Many traditional ideals of masculinity have been under the microscope for decades, and for many good reasons. Its effects have contributed to many extreme and also many subtle mental health and interpersonal problems for many people regardless of their culture, gender, race & ethnicity, occupation, social class, spirituality & religion, and nationality.
Many men all over the globe have been influenced to prove that they are "man enough" to objectify femininity and to reject anything feminized (e.g., asking for help, emotions, therapy, etc.), to eschew the appearance of weakness, and to value logic, power, and stoicism.
Many boys and men have been raised to believe that it is not okay for them to feel a range of emotions (except for anger, because "Real men get mad").
Unfortunately, male avoidance of emotions is often a contributing factor to internalized attacks against the Self (e.g., anxiety, depression, shame, negative self-image, etc.) and also externalized attacks toward other people (physical, sexual, and verbal aggression).
The three most destructive words that every man receives when he was a boy is when he's told to "Be a Man".
Wearing a mask to reduce our risk of exposure to COVID-19 is one thing, but wearing the mask you live in to hide our emotions is harmful. Its personally & socially injurious, AND we avoid emotions because that's what many traditional ideals of masculinity have socialized us to do.
Women are more likely than men to recognize when they need more support, and to ask for it. Men are more likely to experience anger, stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem when their gender status (i.e., “manhood”) is called into question. Often, many men do not seek treatment when they need it. And, if they do, then it's a commonly shared experience that men do not receive gender-sensitive treatment. Verve Psychotherapy can help with that.
Mindful Masculinity
Mindfulness is a state of nonjudgmental awareness of what’s happening in the present moment, including the awareness of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and senses.
Mindfulness, in general, is not commonly associated with masculinity.
There are extensive benefits associated with mindfulness like reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, improved memory & concentration, improved ability to adapt to stressful situations & manage emotions, and greater satisfaction in relationships.
Wouldn’t it be nice if mindfulness was a part of the male training for all boys and men?
Mindful masculinity may lead to a better world for everyone, according to Liz Plank in her book, “For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity”. She expertly investigated a range of various forms of masculinity and how being a man in the world has “evolved” over time. This timely book offers “actionable steps for how to be a man in the modern world”.
Its Time for Us to Change
Cultural prohibitions and traditional masculinity discourage men from seeking mental health treatment. It's dangerous.
Mindful Masculinity combined with modern approaches to psychotherapy may help men lean into their emotions and work with them instead of avoiding them.
We can’t simply “logic” our way out of an emotion. Our emotions are smarter than we think. They may come and go, or even disappear for a while, but our body keeps the score. We can, fortunately, add powerful tools to our toolbox along the way that can help us “promote understanding, increase stability, and build lasting relationships”.
"You know what? You are imperfect and wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging" - Brené Brown
Let's encourage men to become more mindful. Let's teach men to use their power and privilege with integrity. Let's embrace the power of vulnerability. Let's modernize masculinity.
We know that emotions are a natural part of life for everyone. We also know that emotions really do love to be seen, heard, and understood. Therapy is now more important than ever. Fortunately, the American Psychological Association published these modern Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys & Men.
Online Therapy for Men in CT, GA, MD, and NY
If you're a guy who is curious about therapy, then I want to speak to that curious part of you. Therapy for men will move at your own pace so that all of the other parts of you feel welcome too. The best parts of therapy: no judgment, no blame, and no shame from the therapist.
You can discover "The Will to Change" while working with a male therapist because Mindful Masculinity is leading the way.
Mindful attention to the intention of listening to your body in a safe space with a mindful male therapist as your guide can help you discover core emotions AND embody your best Self-Energy (i.e., calm, clear, curious, courageous, confident, creative, compassionate, and connected).
We can be clear and strategic to show how you can use your brain to change your brain, which is where emotions are born. Then, we can teach how to drop out of your head and into the body where emotions eventually show up. Shining a light on emotions may feel uncomfortable, and we get it. We believe that you have to feel it if you want to heal it.
Our skillful and relatable approach integrates the treasures of neuroscience, attachment theory, and biosocial theory into the therapeutic process. Insight and corrective emotional experiences help you work The Change Triangle and find your Wise Mind to help you live a life worth living.
JUNE IS (STILL) MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
We need to celebrate, normalize, and promote mental health - and - not just for men, but for everyone - and - not just for one month each calendar year, but each and every single day.
Check out this 5 Minute Guide to Men's Mental Health and share it with your favorite dudes.
We offer online therapy for men in Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and New York.
CONNECT with us to book a free phone consultation or to book an appointment online.