We help people develop and grow with life's challenges

Healthy Masculinity

About healthy masculinity

Healthy masculinity involves exploring and redefining what it means to be a man in away that is authentic, respectful, and supportive of wellbeing. It moves away from rigid, traditional stereotypes that limit emotional expression and connection, towards a more expansive view of manhood that includes vulnerability and empathy.

Challenges with traditional masculinity norms

  • Emotional suppression: Feeling pressure to "bottle up" feelings or believing that "boys don't cry".
  • The "Stoic" mask: Feeling the need to appear tough, invulnerable, and self-reliant at all times.
  • Isolation: Lacking deep, supportive friendships due to fear of appearing weak or "gay".
  • Anger as an outlet: Using anger or aggression because it is the only emotion that feels socially acceptable to express.
  • Performance pressure: Tying self-worth exclusively to career success, financial providing, or sexual prowess.
  • Help-seeking stigma: Believing that asking for help with mental health is a sign of failure or weakness.

Further information on masculinity

Many men are raised with messages that equate masculinity with dominance, emotional restriction, and extreme self-reliance. Research shows these "toxic" norms are linked to higher rates of depression, suicide, and relationship breakdown. Healthy masculinity is not about rejecting being a man; it is about choosing the values you want to live by rather than the ones you inherited.

Self-help ideas

  • Connect with mates: Try to have a conversation with a friend that goes beyond surface-level banter (the "sport and weather").
  • Define your values: Reflect on what sort of man, partner, or father you want to be, independent of societal pressure.
  • Challenge the inner critic: Notice when you judge yourself or others for showing vulnerability. Ask where that judgment comes from.

When to see a psychologist

  • You feel isolated, lonely, or like no one really knows you.
  • You struggle with anger issues or emotional outbursts.
  • You find it hard to maintain intimate relationships.
  • You want to break generational cycles of behaviour for your own children.

How we help with healthy masculinity

  • Providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore gender roles and expectations.
  • Challenging unhelpful stereotypes and norms ("Man Box" culture).
  • Supporting the development of emotional intelligence and communication skills.
  • Working on anger management and relationship health.