What is therapy for men?
Honestly, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Therapy, just with a focus on how men think, feel, and operate.
Is it different than therapy for women? Well… yes and no.
The tools and techniques used in therapy, like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), stay the same. What changes is how those tools are taught and how the therapist connects with the person in front of them. That’s where understanding gender differences really matters. Men and women often communicate differently, express emotions differently, and even carry stress in different ways. So having a therapist who gets that can make a huge difference.
Why Don’t Men Often Seek Therapy?
There’s still a stigma. A lot of guys grow up being told not to cry, not to talk about their feelings, and definitely not to ask for help. Phrases like “man up,” “don’t be a baby,” or “walk it off” get drilled into boys early on. Eventually, keeping it all in becomes second nature.
We’re not here to point fingers or blame anyone, but it’s worth recognizing how that kind of mindset builds emotional walls that are hard to break down, even in a safe place like therapy.
The goal here isn’t to turn you into someone different. Therapy is about helping you be more you, with tools to manage stress, anxiety, relationships, and all the weight that comes with being a man, a partner, a dad, a provider, a protector, and everything in between.
Do Men Have the Same Needs for Therapy as Women?
Absolutely. Men struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and grief, just like anyone else. But society hasn’t always given men the space to talk about those things.
Some 60-70% of people attending therapy are women. So therapy then becomes more geared towards how women communicate, defaulting to more feelings to be shared.
When men communicate, they are more passive. For example, if a guy wanted to tell his buddy he did a good job, he probably won’t come out and say “I’m proud of you!” Instead, he’d probably playfully insult him while saying he succeeded.
There’s still this idea floating around that a man’s problems are just puzzles to solve quietly and alone. But mental health doesn’t work like that. Therapy gives guys a space to talk openly and get support before things hit a breaking point. It’s not weakness—it’s taking control.
Therapy for men and women has been shown to be equally effective, but because men generally struggle to understand what they are feeling (this is called male normative alexithymia), asking them “how does this make you feel?” is just not going to get you anywhere. So, finding a therapist who understands this and how to communicate can drastically help those searching for help.
When Should Men Consider Therapy?
Sometimes the signs of mental health struggles are obvious. Other times, they sneak in quietly. Little changes in your mood, your reactions, or your daily routine that add up over time.
Here are some signs that it might be time to talk to someone:
- Angry outbursts or irritability
- Feeling easily annoyed by small things
- Constant pressure or feeling overwhelmed
- Big changes in weight—up or down
- Drinking more or relying on substances to “get through”
- Losing interest in hobbies or downtime
- Trouble focusing at work or at home
- Frequent headaches or feeling sick a lot
- Sleeping way more or way less than usual
- Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. These are common signs that something deeper is going on, and they don’t mean you’re broken. They just mean it’s time to get support.
Therapy has been shown to help people feel better, improve relationships, and make positive changes that last. Many men who go to therapy say it was one of the best decisions they’ve made, not just for themselves, but for their families, jobs, and futures.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
At Evolve Counseling Fort Collins, Ben Smith, LPC, has worked with men from teens (16+) to adults already in a career, fatherhood, and full-on adulting. His approach to therapy is built specifically for men who want straight-up, no-fluff support that actually helps. Here’s what that looks like:
Down-to-earth conversations
Therapy here doesn’t feel like some formal session full of buzzwords. It feels like real talk between regular people. No judgment, no pressure. And humor is welcome! Sometimes laughter is one of the best tools for working through tough stuff.
Practical tools that make sense
A lot of men are wired to think in problem-solving mode. When a car breaks down, it’s not about feeling like something is wrong. It’s about understanding the relationship between the components and fixing it. Therapy can work the same way. The tools used here make sense in the real world and help fix what’s not working.
No pressure to “get emotional”
Sure, emotions are a part of life, but not everyone wants to dive deep into them right away. Therapy doesn’t have to be all about feelings and crying. There are plenty of ways to improve your life without going there—unless you want to.
Talk about what you want
There’s no script, no checklist, no expectation that you spill your deepest secrets. It’s your time. You choose what you want to work on, and the focus stays on your goals—not anyone else’s.
A real understanding of men’s issues
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Being a man comes with its own unique set of challenges. From dangerous work conditions to social pressure to stay strong and unemotional, men are up against a lot. This is a space that recognizes that and doesn’t try to minimize it. Therapy here is designed to support those realities, not ignore them.
Why Investing in Mental Health Is a Smart Financial Move
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: avoiding therapy can cost you a lot.
Think about it. How many people have lost jobs because of stress-fueled outbursts, poor communication, or burnout? How many relationships have fallen apart because someone couldn’t express what was going on inside? How many people have turned to alcohol or drugs just to cope?
When mental health is left untreated, it doesn’t stay quiet. It shows up in your work, your home life, your bank account, and your body.
- Getting fired or passed over for a promotion because of poor focus or anger issues? That’s a financial hit.
- Drinking more to “take the edge off”? That’s money down the drain, and a dangerous road to travel.
- A relationship falling apart because of shutting down emotionally? Divorce, separation, or custody issues are some of the most expensive and emotionally devastating outcomes a person can face.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Therapy helps build the emotional tools to manage pressure, solve problems before they explode, and keep your relationships—and your job—intact. The cost of a weekly therapy session? Usually less than what most people spend monthly on eating out or streaming subscriptions. The return on that investment? Better focus, healthier relationships, better decision-making, and a stronger version of you.
How to Find a Therapist
That part’s easy.
If you’re in Colorado, Evolve Counseling Services is based in Fort Collins. Both Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, specialize in CBT and have helped countless clients navigate the pressures of daily life with practical, real-world support. Best of all, they offer teletherapy so that you can get help from home, your office, or even your parked car on your lunch break.
No commute. No awkward waiting room. Just solid support from people who care.
Therapy isn’t about weakness. It’s about making sure you’re strong enough to handle what life throws your way—and smart enough to know you don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Evolve Counseling and start the conversation. On your terms.