ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the clear need for more men to enter the psychotherapy profession. Male psychotherapists have the potential to bring something useful and different to young people in therapy. Along with female child psychotherapists they can foster a nurturing role for adolescent minds and together with parents can demonstrate a present, active, and functioning figure. They also can provide a model that may be missing in the lives of those young people who have grown up without a present, consistent, and secure male figure. Some of the stereotypical male defences against staying in touch with feelings are discussed. However, we know from research evidence that low emotional expression is frequently a contributory factor in poor mental health, including serious mental illness. The place of emotions in defining who we are and how feelings motivate the individual as well as wider communities and nations is explored. An understanding is reached of how fundamental emotions are to how we behave, how we react and how we understand – or misunderstand – ourselves and others and therefore the extent to which they bear further scrutiny. Personal as well as clinical illustrations are interwoven throughout, enriching and illuminating the themes discussed.
