Why Should I Choose a Male Therapist?
- Written by Bridging Harts Staff
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and the gender of your therapist should be one factor among many that you consider. The most important thing is finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Here are some reasons someone might choose a male therapist:
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A Male Perspective: Men and women possess different ways of viewing the world around them based on their experiences, thought processes behaviors and attitudes. Women may benefit from seeing a male therapist because he can explain the behaviors and mindsets of how men think and act in relationships. Seeking a male therapist who has also gone through issues you're experiencing currently may provide empathy for you.
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Comfort Level: Some men feel more comfortable discussing issues with another man, like sexual performance or anger, than they do with women. No matter what gender your therapist is, if you're uncomfortable opening up about personal issues it can hinder the progress of your therapy.
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Past Experiences: If a male has experienced verbal or physical abuse by a female, he may be hesitant to discuss that experience freely with a female therapist. Seeing a male therapist may eliminate the triggers and stresses he'd feel speaking with a woman.
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Positive Role Models: In a single-parent household where the parent is female, the child(ren) may have no male role model in their life. It can be quite helpful to build a safe, professional relationship with another man they can confide in and rebuild their trust. Unfortunately, even though times are progressing, boys all the way up to men still feel that it's "weak" to express their feelings. When working with a male therapist, male clients can learn the emotions are completely natural and should be expressed.
It's important to note that gender does not determine a therapist's competence, empathy, or ability to help you. Therapists of all genders can provide effective therapy. Ultimately, the most critical factor is the therapeutic alliance between you and your therapist. If you're unsure about your preference, you might consider meeting with therapists of different genders to see who you feel most comfortable with and who can best address your needs.
Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you soon! Take care