Feeling Pressured by Societal Expectations of Masculinity
Being a Man on Your Own Terms
There’s no one way to be a man but that hasn’t stopped society from trying to define it. Some are told to “man up”, never cry and push through no matter what. Others feel pressure to open up, be more emotionally expressive or break out of stoicism even when that doesn’t feel natural. Whether you’ve felt boxed in by expectations to be tougher or more vulnerable, louder or more sensitive, it’s exhausting to live under a script that doesn’t fully reflect who you are.
Therapy offers a space to step back from those messages and explore who you are beneath them.
Common Struggles Around Masculinity
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Feeling like you always have to prove something - strength, success, control
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Struggling to express emotions or being pushed to express them in ways that feel unnatural
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Shame around vulnerability or emotional needs
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Confusion about how to show up in relationships as a partner, father, friend or son
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Anger or frustration that feels misunderstood or hard to manage
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Feeling isolated, unseen or unsure how to connect authentically
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Internal conflict between who you are and who you’re expected to be
You may relate to some of these or just have a sense that something isn’t sitting right. Either way, you’re not alone.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy isn’t about telling you how to be - it’s about helping you get clear on who you already are. Together, we can:
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Explore how cultural, family or peer expectations around masculinity have shaped you
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Build a relationship with your emotions that works for you whether that means opening up more or honouring your natural reserve
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Understand the roots of frustration, anger or emotional numbness
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Improve your relationships without sacrificing your authenticity
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Help you define your own version of strength, leadership and emotional integrity
You don’t have to fit a mould. Therapy can help you feel more grounded in your identity on your terms.