Men's Issues

Men's issues are often overlooked. Many of us have been taught that we are stronger or more respected if we bury what we feel. You're here because you're honest--that approach hasn't worked and you're ready for something new. Whether its relationships, loneliness, stress, sex, anxiety, depression or trauma--Together we will work through the experiences and mental processes that have been keeping you stuck so you can be all that you know you're capable of.

The three most destructive words that every man receives when he was a boy is when he's told to "Be a Man". You've learned to wear the mask you live in to hide your emotions, and it can be harmful. It can be personally & socially injurious AND men have learned to avoid emotions because that's what many traditional ideals of masculinity have taught us to do. Mindful Masculinity is a better way of living, and I can model that for you in our work together.

Expressing tenderness and being emotionally open are important to nurturing healthy relationships with those around you, yet few men feel comfortable doing this. Often, anxiety, depression, anger, impatience, lack of confidence, and life and work stress get in the way. I help and support men in stepping over these hurdles and improving their relationships.

In many ways, the world is changing for the better. Unfortunately, the way we were raised has not prepared us for these changes, and old ideas and beliefs may be creating stress, burden, and confusion without giving us the tools to meet the moment. I help men make sense of the changing landscape of expectations, and guide them in tapping into the deep inner resources that allow them to overcome fears, release themselves from the past, and step fully into their best selves.

For effective work, I believe it takes a unique perspective and understanding of the specific issues men face. In my experience, the social expectations of masculinity can make it difficult for men to find a safe space to talk about many of the issues they face. In my work with male clients, I provide non-judgemental space for them to talk openly about their struggles, emotional challenges, and mental health concerns, which isn’t always available in their existing male relationships.

You felt curious about therapy for a moment, and then a part of you said, "You don't need it; asking for help would mean that you're weak. You're supposed to be able to handle things on your own; be a man". Unhealthy forms of masculinity have been passed down through cultural attitudes and social norms from generation to generation. Mindful masculinity can be a solution in and of itself to some of the world's most significant problems. Verve is here to guide you, dude.

We specialize in working with Queer men in the margins. Specifically men and queer men who are: - Questioning their identity - Coming out - Mixed race/first generation - in mixed orientation/identity relationships - kinky/poly - Religious trauma survivors - Sexual abuse survivors - Experiencing body dysmorphia We want to help you shake away the shame and masking you feel you need to carry to show that you're a particular kind of man.

As men we have been set up to fail emotionally in society. A bold statement? Perhaps, but also true. For many of us we were not given the tools to be able to express our emotions in a healthy way. We were told "don't cry", "don't be a baby", or worse. We may have even suffered physical abuse for showing emotion. In my practice we set up a safe environment to give you the tools to begin to express yourself and your emotions in a healthy, productive way.

In addition to my lived experience as a man, much of my clinical experience has been providing therapy to men. Specific men’s issues I have encountered as a therapist include men’s experiences with body image, sexual orientation, sexual performance, friendship, marriage/dating and societal expectations. I have experience working with male survivors of abuse as well as men experiencing depression and anxiety.

In this world of changing gender roles it helps to think directly about what it means to be a man. The toxic masculinity we have been shown is no longer meeting our needs for meaning, love, or even empowerment. It can be liberating to ask, "What is sacred masculinity?" If we can have compassion and curiosity for the parts of us that took on toxic masculine attitudes, we can also learn to live in ways that honor both the sacred masculine and the feminine aspects of our being.

I have wide-ranging experience working with men's issues, including concerns related to masculinity and gender roles, issues of identity, connecting with loved ones, and learning to express emotions in a healthy way, which as men we are not usually encouraged to do. As men we also have often received inadequate modeling or training in emotion regulation, communication skills, intimacy, or expressing grief. We may feel inadequate in these areas but aren’t sure how to improve our abilities.

Healthy, meaningful masculinity creates the space and safety for those we love to grow and thrive. So as we discover who you are as a man, your relationships will heal, change, and grow. You don't bear all the responsibility for this healing and change. But it can start with you.

I provide a safe and validating therapeutic environment for men to explore concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with others.

You want to feel good in body, mood, work, relationships. Yet oftentimes you deal with frustration, loneliness and pervasive anxiety around success, achievement and expectations you have of yourself based on what others seem to have of you. You tend not to talk about it & it's a lot of pressure! Take the space to explore identity and relational roles, while laying down track for what you want to Have, Do and Be by the end of your therapy.

Men often aren't allowed a safe space to process their feelings. Many men I work with are victims of abuse, and have no where to turn. I understand the specific issues that men face, without toxic masculinity.

In my experience, men tend to conform to societal expectations of masculinity, which may cause harm to our sense of self. Men often struggle to appear to be strong and stoic, which can be the cause of many emotional and physical health problems. Sometimes, working with a male therapist can help contribute significant insight into the issues that men experience. Accordingly, therapy can serve as a tool to empower men to feel confident in their identity and their masculinity.

I work with men and male-identified individuals who are trying to learn more about themselves and change behaviors or beliefs that keep getting in the way of who they want to be.

I paid attention to things that occur on the macro level of our society, and realized the unfortunate fact that masculinity is misunderstood. I am suited to address issues and obstacles that uniquely effect men, that may not be easily understood by people on the outside looking in.