Jamie Kennedy, Ph.D.
Therapy & Counseling in Atlanta for Men's Issues
Unfortunately, many men are socialized to fit within a small box of masculinity that rigidly defines what they should do; including: restricting the expression and experience of vulnerable emotions, limiting how they show affection and care to others, and relying on themselves instead of asking for help. Many men are also taught to prioritize work over relationships and to seek power and success no matter the costs. While these norms can be helpful in some situations, they become problematic when they dictate how we should always behave. Being disconnected from our emotions creates emotional pain (e.g., irritability; depression) and makes it harder to connect with our loved ones. And single-mindedly pursuing success can make us lonely and living a life that feels empty.
Fortunately, therapy can help. A therapist can help you move beyond the constraints of traditional masculinity and find ways of behaving and relating that work best for you, allowing you to maintain your sense of masculinity while also building more of the life that you want.

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”
– Fred Rogers.

Therapy for Men's Issues
Effective therapy for men's issues exists and most men who participate improve. I can help you discern what behaviors and ways of relating to others are working for you and which ones are not. We may also discuss emotions and how to effectively identify, label, and communicate them. Exploring how you balance your professional and personal/family commitments can also be helpful. Ultimately, the aim of therapy is to help you notice any unhelpful patterns in your life and to then learn new ways of behaving that move you towards a more meaningful, rewarding, and enjoyable life.
Resources for Men's Issues
Here's a series of blog posts that summarize some of the ways psychologists study masculinity.
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Here's a link to a "feelings wheel," which is one helpful way of learning to identify our emotions and build our emotional vocabulary.