"Why More Men Are Coming to Counselling — And Why That’s a Good Thing"

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many men in counselling — men from all walks of life, and all with their own unique stories. One thing I hear often is, “I should’ve done this sooner.”

If you’re reading this and considering counselling, I want to speak directly to you.

There’s a common belief that men should be able to “handle things” on their own — to stay strong, stay silent, and keep going no matter what. But strength doesn’t mean carrying everything alone. Real strength can also look like being honest with yourself, reaching out, and deciding you want things to feel different.

And I’ll be honest — reaching out can be the hardest part. For many men I work with, that first message, that first appointment, took weeks (sometimes months) to act on. Not because they didn’t want support, but because it felt unfamiliar, vulnerable, or even shameful to say “I need help.”

I also run groups for men, and what’s interesting is how often the same things come up. “I didn’t want to seem weak.” “I’ve always just dealt with it on my own.” “I didn’t think talking would change anything.” These kinds of thoughts are incredibly common — you’re not alone if you’ve had them.

But what also comes up, time and again, is how surprised many men are by what they get out of it. Most don’t regret taking that step. In fact, many say it’s helped them understand themselves better, communicate more openly, and grow as a person. Sometimes just knowing that others feel the same way is a powerful shift in itself.

Once you're in the room — or on the call — things often start to feel a little easier. You realise you're not being judged. You’re not expected to have all the answers. And you don’t need to explain everything perfectly. All you need is to show up as you are.

In our sessions, we might talk about anxiety, stress, relationships, anger, burnout, or feeling stuck. We might also sit in silence for a moment while you find the words. That’s okay too. The point is: you don’t have to do it alone.

Counselling isn’t about fixing you — because you’re not broken. It’s about making space for you to be heard, supported, and understood.

If you’re thinking about starting, that’s already a step forward.