Traversing the No Cry Zone: Psychotherapy with Men
– Daniel S. Ellenberg, PhD

Narrative: Male clients often present challenges to psychotherapists. Men are socialized to feel threated by the very nature of the therapeutic process: the language of feelings, the disclosure of vulnerability, and the admission of dependency needs. Male clients’ discomfort with the developing intimacy of a therapy relationship can manifest as early termination, anger at the therapist, unproductive intellectualizing, and other forms of resistance. Yet, emerging theory and research suggests that men can benefit from psychotherapy approaches that incorporate empathy and sensitivity to a man’s unique personal and socialized experiences.

Male pain is not always obvious. Many men do suffer from depression and anxiety-related disorders, but often it is manifested in and reflected through addiction, violence, interpersonal conflict, and general irritability. Many mental health professionals see men as reluctant visitors to the consulting room, coerced by family or legal pressures to attend. Initial resistance to psychological intervention might lead to the conclusion that men are not good candidates for therapy. This course will help therapists understand the damaging impact of male socialization, the problems men are likely to present in therapeutic environments, and the special skills and treatment modalities most effective in making progress with male clients. It will also address the personal and countertransference issues that often emerge for both male and female clinicians in their clinical work with men.

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, is a leadership coach, licensed therapist, seminar leader, and group facilitator. He is a principle in both Rewire Leadership Institute and Relationships That Work. He leads Strength with Heart men’s groups and workshops, is a member of the APA division for the psychological study of men and masculinity, is a founding member of the Men’s Counseling Guild, and wrote his dissertation on psychological aspects of the male sex role. He is co-author (with his wife) of Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust, and True Partnership.  He co-created and delivered a resilience training program for several NASA space centers.

COST: 

CIP Member: 

$75 early registration, up to 10 days prior to class, $90 after

Non-Members:

$100 early registration, up to 10 days prior to class, $110 after

CEs: 4 CEs for LMFT & LCSWs and 4 CEs for Psychologists

Community Institute for Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Institute for Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for these programs and their contents.

Accommodations will be made wherever possible to those with disabilities.  Please let us know of any disabilities upon registration, to ensure proper accommodations are put in place prior to workshop/training.

Cancellations must be received in writing 10 business days prior to the seminar or class for a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.