MALE-FRIENDLY COUNSELLING: ENHANCING THERAPY WORK WITH MEN - Develop gender-sensitive strategies for working with men and boys.

The Australian Psychological Society and American Psychological Association have produced guidelines for working with men and boys. Unfortunately, few training opportunities exist for working specifically with men.

Males make up approximately 30% of therapy clients and when they do attend, it’s not uncommon for them to struggle to engage with the counselling process. If attending under pressure, they may present with overt resistance and/or aggression.

Many therapists feel underprepared to work with men and do not recognize how ‘therapy-as-usual’ can violate some models norms of traditional manhood.  For example, counselling processes such as focusing on problems or even exploring feelings can invoke shame and defensiveness in some men and damage the therapeutic connection.

Male-friendly therapists adapt their counselling to enhance treatment engagement and effectiveness with men.  This adaptation stems from a theoretically informed understanding about men and masculinities, while equally recognizing differences between men.  Male-friendly therapists are committed to reducing their own personal and professional biases and prejudices, and to utilise strategies that are more congruent with men’s socialization, their values, and communication preferences as required.

This training will address the fundamental knowledge, attitudes, and skills to effectively engage men. It is based in research from international literature and also from qualitative interviews with Australia’s own male-friendly therapists who practice from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities.

Learning objectives of this training:

This seminar has been designed to extend the clinical knowledge and applied skill of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Coaches, Psychologists, Hypnotherapists, Social Workers, Community Workers, Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatrists.