Working with Toxic Masculinity in Male Clients

In this course, psychologist Rachel Tomlinson, BA Psych, PGDip Psych, notes the multiple socialisation messages traditionally directed to young boys about masculinity which engender problematic behaviours. Citing sobering statistics related to men’s help-seeking and suicide, Tomlinson lists the maladaptive coping strategies men take up when the toxic need to “be strong” causes emotional suppression. Gender role strain and/or conflict arise from the concomitant difficulty seeking help while having unmet needs. Tomlinson discusses strategies you can employ to work with this dynamic and offers a list of resources for further reading.