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10 Reasons Why Men Avoid Going to Counselling

According to Dr. Dadson, “There are a variety of reasons why some men may be hesitant to seek counseling or therapy”

1.  Stigma:

Men may perceive seeking help for mental health concerns as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, due to masculine societal expectations there is pressure to be strong and self-sufficient.

2.  Lack of awareness: Men may not be aware of the benefits of counseling or may not know how to access mental health services.

3.  Fear of judgment:
Men may worry about being their thoughts or behaviors being judged by a counsellor or others, which can make it difficult to open up in therapy.

4.  Cost: Counseling can be expensive. Men can be hesitant to invest in their mental health especially if they are not sure if it will be a worthwhile investment of their time and hard earned money.

5.  Time constraints: Prioritizing counseling for men can be difficult when men may be juggling a combination of responsibilities around their work, family life and other commitments.

6.  Mistrust of mental health professionals: Some men may have negative experiences or have a stereotype about counselling professionals that can undermine trust, discouraging them from seeking help.

7.  Fear of vulnerability: Being vulnerable and sharing emotions with a stranger, if a man has been taught to suppress their feelings can feel uncomfortable, awkward and even stressful.

8.  Difficulty asking for help: Men are often taught to be self-sufficient causing them to struggle with asking for help or acknowledging they need support.

9.  Negative experiences with therapy: Men may have been exposed to negative counselling experience in the past, or they may have heard about an adverse experience from someone they trust which can create a reluctance or apprehension to seek

10.  Belief that they can handle it on their own: It is not uncommon for men may believe that they can manage or handle their own problems and may not be aware of the benefits counselling can bring to their life.

It’s important to note Dr. Dadson states “These factors may impact some men more than others. Many men do seek counseling and experience transformation in their lives”. An experienced counsellor will be aware of these potential barriers and work to with their client to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.