Strategies/Tips for working with men

Tips for working with men

Compiled by Jon Davies, Ph.D.
McKenzie River Men’s Center

1. Become more familiar with men’s issues. Explore your own issues and feelings about working with men.
2. Provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere.
3. Assume that men may have exhausted all other coping resources before coming in to talk with you.
4. Don’t assume that all men share the same conceptualization of masculinity that you hold.   
5. Assume that men may only be coming to see you once or several times.
6. Reassure men that they have made the correct decision in coming in to see you.
7. Assume that men may be survivors of sexual or physical abuse, or domestic violence.
8. Assume that men may not be heterosexual.
9. Assume that men of color and gay/bisexual/transgendered men may have concerns about your ability to understand and accept their diversity. 
10. Reward healthy coping strategies. Explore any physical health concerns they may have and what they are doing about them.
11. Pay attention to client depression, suicidality, violence risk, alcohol/drug abuse and other unhealthy coping strategies. 
12. Be aware of men’s discomfort with asking for help.
13. Create opportunities for men to reciprocate (give back) to the therapist or therapy group. 
14. Share power with male clients, Respect their autonomy.  Involve them in decision making.
15. Encourage men to identify and engage in positive sel -help coping strategies.
16. Tell men when it would be important to return for counseling.
17. Be a positive role model for men by modeling vulnerability, self-care, interdependency, and emotional expression.