For many years I have worked with men both individually and in groups discussing ideas of what masculinity really means to them. In today's world we are met with abundant examples as to the way some men do harm in the world, and there are very few examples and teachings of “healthy masculinity”. By “healthy masculinity”, I'm referring to a masculine identity or way of being in the world that integrates emotional intelligence, awareness of sexual self /desire, and capacity to show vulnerability in relationship either with ourselves or others. In working with men, I will often ask them: Who have been our healthy examples of what it is to be a man? Where have we been guided or abandoned in our desires to feel more confident, more embodied as men? 

I have found through my work with male clients how much we as men share in our experiences of shame, self-doubt, vulnerability/commitment challenges with our romantic partners, struggles with family relationships, etc. These struggles are so common, and yet as men we are often accustomed to facing them alone. Through the therapeutic experience we can explore the men we want to be in the world and what masculinity really looks like for each of us.