| Abstract: | Asserts that the confusion and pain resulting from the erosion of traditional male norms have led many men to seek assistance from mental health professionals. The gender-role strains and stressors experienced by men are reviewed, and the consequences of restrictive emotionality on males themselves and on fathering are discussed. It is argued that constraints of restrictive emotionality and homophobia limit many men's ability to benefit from the traditional therapeutic environment, and behavior therapy is recommended as a more suitable therapeutic model for men. Behavior therapy contains the major principles of new experiences, language, therapist feedback, and therapist interaction; responds to many of the male's developmental assets; and addresses the gender-cognitive schema. Issues for the male client and male therapist are addressed, and the needs among mental health professionals for greater awareness, discussion, and investigation focused on males in therapy are emphasized. (67 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
