S12 | E9 Is there an advantage to being a male therapist?

Is there an advantage to being a male therapist? It's a question I've been asked a number of times, and after around 15 years working as a therapist, I have quite a few thoughts about it. Psychotherapy is a profession that is overwhelmingly female, so does being a man give male therapists an advantage? Are there particular reasons why some people actively choose a male therapist? And are there things about working with men that male therapists may bring a different perspective to? In this video I talk about my own experience of training as one of only a few men in my cohort, why some women have specifically chosen to work with me because I'm a man, my experience of working with male clients, and some of the assumptions and expectations we can have about men, women, masculinity and femininity. I also explore some of the challenges that can arise when men struggle with vulnerability, emotional intimacy or talking about feelings, and why I don't think we should lower our expectations of men when it comes to emotional awareness. Ultimately, I don't think being male automatically makes someone a better therapist. But I do think there can be advantages and disadvantages depending on the client, the therapist and the relationship and that having more men in psychotherapy could bring something valuable to the profession. I'd really like to hear your experience. Are you a male or female therapist? Have you ever specifically chosen a therapist because of their gender? Or do you think gender makes very little difference to the therapeutic relationship? Snow White video mentioned: https://youtu.be/0EQWlq\_sjUo Men's mental health playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzuc1SEOTxjOjWWxvDBn1HI3Ma2o3tfk 🎧 Podcast version of this video: (http://www.buzzsprout.com/2067601) 🌐 Website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) If you find this video helpful, please do LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more content like this. It really helps the channel and means a lot, thank you! 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) ✅ If anything in this video resonates with you or brings up something you'd like to explore further and you're thinking about therapy, I'd love to hear from you. You're very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 📖 My book \*Finding a Balanced Connection* is available on Amazon here: https://mybook.to/Z8i2 \*\*My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage.\** Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this free course is carefully designed to help you do that. 'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: “John-Paul’s course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others.” and “The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul’s warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend.” Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk