Therapy for Men Calgary

Men's Mental Wellness: Breaking Down the Barriers of Shame and Masculinity

In North America, men's mental health has often been swept under the rug, with many men feeling the need to suppress their emotions and "man up" when dealing with mental health issues. As a result, men's mental health concerns have gone largely unaddressed, leading to a staggering number of men experiencing anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental health-related suffering.

Reducing the Stigma

At our Core Psychology Calgary, we understand the stigma surrounding men's mental health and work to reduce it. We believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our goal is to create a safe space where men can talk openly and honestly about their struggles without fear of judgment or shame.

Mental Health Challenges Unique to Men

Men face unique mental health challenges that are often not discussed.

Many men feel pressure to conform to traditional masculine roles and may feel shame or weakness for seeking help. Additionally, men may be more prone to destructive coping mechanisms to deal with their mental health issues such as substance abuse or misuse, and work addiction. These behaviors may be used as a way to mask the internal battle and cope with their struggles.

How to Know You Should Reach Out for Help

It's important to recognize the signs that you may need help. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to reach out for support:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Increased irritability or anger

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Social withdrawal

• Substance abuse or misuse

• Addictive behaviours (such as work, exercise, substances or pornography)

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Normalizing the Struggle

Normalizing the struggle is a key step in addressing men's mental health concerns.

It is okay to not be okay, and seeking help is a courageous step in the right direction. We encourage men to talk openly about their experiences and offer support and guidance to help them navigate their mental health journey.

What to Expect from Therapy

At Core Psychology Calgary, we provide a safe and confidential environment for men to explore their mental health concerns. Our therapists offer evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to each individual's unique needs. Sessions may include talk therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Performance Psychology, EMDR or mindfulness practices. Your therapist will meet you where you are at and will collaborate with you to engage in the therapy process in a way that feels comfortable and like the right fit for you. You don’t need to fit into any box. We want to connect with you exactly as you are today.

The Therapy Process

Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to create a personalized treatment plan. We recognize that every individual's journey is different, and we strive to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment that fosters growth and healing.

In-Person and Online Therapy Services

We offer both in-person and online therapy services to make accessing care as convenient as possible. Our office is located in the heart of Calgary, and we offer a comfortable and welcoming space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. If you prefer online therapy, we offer secure and confidential video sessions to ensure that you can access care from the comfort of your own home or wherever you may be.

Benefits of Therapy for Men

By seeking help for mental health concerns, men can experience a range of benefits, including improved mood, enhanced relationships, increased self-awareness and confidence, and greater overall life satisfaction.

Outcomes of Therapy for Men

Our goal is to help you feel more fully engaged in your life and to function more effectively in your relationships, career, and life as a whole. By breaking down the barriers of shame and masculinity, we are here to help you create a new narrative that promotes positive growth and well-being.

What Men Who Engage in Therapy Tend to Say

Men who engage in therapy often report feeling more in control of their emotions, better equipped to handle stressors, and more connected to those around them. They report healing in their close relationships, and a renewed and confident sense of self. By taking the courageous step to seek help, men can achieve greater overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Bringing Some of the Facts into Our Awareness

• About 1 in 10 men experience some form of anxiety, depression or another mental health-related form of suffering.

• As many as 6 out of 10 men have experienced a significant trauma in their lives.

• Often binge drinking, workaholism, obsessive fitness regimes, infidelity or another form of masking takes shape in an effort to cope or overcome the internal battle.

• Less than half of men dealing with anxiety or depression will reach out for support, opting instead to suffer in silence.

Often the struggle is an invisible one. With the appearance of strength and success, distress, feeling alone, or simply feeling detached and unfulfilled is an experience often not visible to those around us. Or given the optics of their life and the recognition that there is so much suffering in the world, there can be a sentiment that men who appear to have it all need to “suck it up” when it comes to their internal struggle.

We invite you to a space where men can be vulnerable and honest about their experiences - their wins and strengths as well as their challenges and pain.

Clients are supported through patience, acceptance and compassion to create a new narrative that allows them to function more effectively and to feel more fully in relationships (with friends, family, partners, and self), in career and in life as a whole.

Clinician’s who provide Men’s mental health counselling

ABOUT CORE PSYCHOLOGY

When we connect with the core of who we truly are - our values, beliefs and internal strengths - our ability to heal, grow and move forward with clarity, purpose and intention expands exponentially. Having a strong psychological foundation enables you to navigate relationships, career and your personal journey with resilience, joy and contentment.

The wonderful truth is that we each have the ability to heal, condition and strengthen our psychological core, enabling us to show up and fully engage in this life.

We know that at times this feels out of reach. For that reason, we are here to help.