Common Health‐Related Concerns of Men: Implications for Counselors

Abstract

The authors discuss the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed for counselors to work effectively with men who are facing common health‐related concerns, specifically erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted diseases, benign hypertrophy of the prostate and prostatitis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer, and accidental trauma and injuries. The authors present suggestions for ways of attracting men with health‐related concerns to counseling and methods of ensuring low attrition rates from counseling.

Recognize and Refer? Differences by Gender, Ethnicity, and Help‐Seeking History

“…Latinx female students were more likely to report a Diminish/Avoid response compared with female students who identified as White. Collectively, these findings are consistent with past investigations of non–college student populations (Jang et al, 2011; Murry et al, 2011; Neukrug et al, 2013) regarding demographic correlates of negative attitudes toward seeking mental health support services. In particular, individuals who identify as male, Black, or Latinx tend to report more negative attitudes and mistrust toward making use of mental health support services when compared with those who identify as White.…”

Counseling Aging Men: Best Practices for Group Counseling

“…Inadequate research regarding how to counsel aging men has created large barriers to accurate treatment and impeded a comprehensive understanding of men’s psychological and emotional development (Englar‐Carlson et al, ). The lack of professional knowledge regarding counseling with men may reinforce male reluctance to seek out and complete treatment (Neukrug, Britton, & Crews, ).…”

“…Orbach () reported, “Men have molded their characters to accord with social expectations of manliness and never giving into weakness” (p. 7). Neukrug et al () found men are significantly less likely overall to participate in counseling or visit a doctor’s office. Men are more likely to ignore physical, mental, and emotional distress and are particularly reluctant to seek counseling for their difficulties (Hetzel, Barton, & Davenport, ).…”

“…Socioprocessing groups are typically formed to examine specific values, belief systems, ideas, and opinions through education and discussion. These groups often allocate more opportunities for psychoeducational activities and applying emotional intelligence in everyday settings, such as workplaces, coffee shops, and sports stadiums, to reduce the stigma and the potential barrier of emotional expression (Neukrug et al, ). Counselors establish clients’ relational understanding and emotional awareness before aiming to change their behavioral contexts.…”

“…Considerations about promotion, language, and design are important for targeting a population that is typically resistant to and skeptical of counseling. Consider the setting of the group and whether it fits the interests and style of the intended client (Neukrug et al, ). Make sure the setting and decor are gender neutral (Wexler, ). Be a strong listening ear before being a counselor (Greer, ), but be a strong counselor as well. Use psychoeducation, confidence, and confrontation to embrace the work and warmth of counseling.…”