Men's Issues

My passion is to help men overcome struggles that may be a byproduct of an outdated view of masculinity. I can help empower men to build emotional intelligence, communicate emotion with assertiveness and respect, overcome shame and manage anger. This starts with an exploration of family system, social support, or societal influence which may contribute to irrational beliefs about men.

Men face many issues today that can make it hard to feel comfortable in our skin sometimes. It is possible to celebrate the strength and honor men tend to understand naturally without feeling less than or devalued for who we are. Toxic masculinity can be a dangerous trap. I believe it's important for men to embrace ourselves before we can have the deep compassion and generosity to be all we can for those we love.

It all start with YOU!

Thankfully, society is changing. Men are now open to seeking therapy and/or coaching, but often, they want a male therapist who understand the demands placed on men. Most, but not all, of my clients are males who are professionals or executives such as real estate developers, executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs. What they have in common is that they seek not just counseling but help with navigating the stresses of business deals or corporate environments.

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

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.

I'm so enthusiastic about working with men because I've seen how our lives and the lives of those closest to us are transformed when we engage deeply in working on ourselves. We're so much more likely to believe we have to make it on our own, that it makes us weak to ask for help, or that seeing a counselor just isn't going to 'work'. I'm excited to help dispel these myths for you, and walk alongside as you rediscover excitement about your life.

Seeking help is sign of strength. Men have been sold a lie that they need to be stoic and suffer in silence. The truth is that men are at their best when they can share their honest feelings with others. Then the facade of perfection falls away and men can offer their true potential to their friends, family and the world.

Men's issues refer to the specific challenges, concerns, and social or psychological problems that can affect men in society. These issues are important to address because they can impact men's mental and physical well-being, as well as their overall quality of life. It's important to note that discussions about men's issues are not intended to detract from or diminish the recognition of women's issues but rather to acknowledge that both genders can face unique challenges.

While "men's issues" are certainly not limited to a gender, boys and men are often deprived of a space to show vulnerability and not given the tools needed to authentically communicate emotions. This suppression can create feelings of insecurity, anger, irritability, infidelity, increased substance use, and high-risk behavior.

Highlighting current struggles around men's mental health, sexuality, and physical health in regards to aging, relationship dynamics, and attachment styles. I help break down old patterns that get in the way of a modernized view of masculinity, from a non-toxic perspective without deconstruction of one's masculine sense of self. Emotions and understanding them, how to work with empathy, and how to find vulnerability within your relationships.

Men come to see me for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes my male clients are seeking support or guidance around a transition or life event and find that they're not sure who they can trust with their innermost thoughts. Sometimes it's that they find they have reached the goals they set out to reach but don't quite feel satisfied. Other times, men come to see me when a relationship with a loved one is feeling challenging. Feeling listened to without judgment can feel helpful.

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.

Most men are brought up hearing expressions such as "don't cry" and "man up". These implicit messages from family, friends, and culture cause males to create protective and sometimes maladaptive coping mechanisms around their feelings. Ironically, men are taught not to express feelings in their youth and then expected to show emotional intimacy in adult relationships. I help men explore their repressed feelings and express them in a way that invites deeper connections with others.

As the son of Salvadorean immigrant parents, I’ve seen how cultural stigma keeps men from seeking help. Research shows that men are more likely to commit suicide, & less likely to get professional help compared to women. As a male therapist whose also been in therapy, I'm familiar with resistance to getting help. Thats why I strive to be open-minded & down to earth when talking men about their wellness journey.