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Why do so many men struggle to get to the couch? For some men, seeking therapy can feel like admitting weakness, while cultural expectations around masculinity, self-reliance, and emotional control can make vulnerability uncomfortable. Add demanding careers, parenting, relationships, and the constant challenge of work-life balance—and when does a man finally make time for his own mental health?

What happens when stress, loneliness, anger, relationship problems, or emotional exhaustion become too difficult to manage alone? Can therapy actually fit into a man's life without asking him to become someone he's not? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we explore the barriers men face when seeking mental health treatment, therapy, and emotional support, and what can make therapy feel more approachable, practical, and relevant for men.

Referances:

CDC Sudy in 2022

Liddon L, Kingerlee R, Barry JA. Gender differences in preferences for psychological treatment, coping strategies, and triggers to help-seeking. Br J Clin Psychol. 2018 Mar;57(1):42-58. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12147. Epub 2017 Jul 9. PMID: 28691375.

Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025, December). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001

Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001

Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Oliffe, J. L., Dhillon, H. M., & others. (2018). Engaging men in psychological treatment: A scoping review. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(6), 1882–1900. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318792157

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Thanks for listening!

I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively.

If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails:

Benjamin Santee MA, LPC:

Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/

Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net

Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC

Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/

Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com

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Song Credit: ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher)

Name: Stronger Together

Artist: Evert Zeevalkink

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Is virtual therapy truly expanding access to care—or are we overlooking who it may not serve well? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we take an honest look at the promise and the pitfalls of telehealth. From convenience and accessibility to privacy concerns, tech disruptions, and clinical fit, we explore how virtual therapy can be transformative for some clients—and deeply frustrating or ineffective for others.

We unpack the critical question: When is virtual therapy the right tool—and when is it not? If you’re a therapist navigating clinical decisions, or a client wondering whether online therapy can truly meet your needs, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer practical insight. Tune in for a thoughtful, nuanced discussion about making therapy fit the person—not just the platform.

Referances:

Fair Health. (2025, July 17). Telehealth trends from January to March 2025. FAIR Health. https://www.fairhealth.org/article/telehealth-trends-from-january-to-march-2025

Fleddermann, K., Chwastiak, L., Fortier, A., Gotham, H., Murphy, A., Navarro, R., & Tapscott, S. (2024). Levels of telehealth use, perceived usefulness, and ease of use in behavioral healthcare organizations after the COVID-19 pandemic. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11685243/

American Telemedicine Association. (2025, November 18). Telemedicine and e-Health. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/tmj/current

Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!

Support the show

Thanks for listening!

I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively.

If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails:

Benjamin Santee MA, LPC:

Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/

Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net

Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC

Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/

Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/

X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch

Song Credit: ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher)

Name: Stronger Together

Artist: Evert Zeevalkink

License Crtificate #2239378

Courtesy of: bensound.com

Send us Fan Mail

What actually makes therapy work—and what happens before anyone even sits on the couch? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we dive into how preparation shapes the therapy experience and why what happens between sessions can be just as important as what happens during them. We explore how clients and therapists both prepare for meaningful work, and how intention, reflection, and follow-through can dramatically influence outcomes.

We also unpack the role of therapeutic “homework,” why it matters, and how small actions outside the therapy room can lead to big changes over time. Whether you’re thinking about starting therapy, already in the process, or simply curious about how change really happens, this episode offers practical insights that might transform the way you approach the work. Give it a listen and see what preparation can make possible.

Resources:

Kazantzis, N., Deane, F. P., & Ronan, K. R. (2000). Homework assignments in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 7(2), 189–202. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.7.2.189

de Jong, K., Douglas, S., Wolpert, M., Delgadillo, J., Aas, B., Bovendeerd, B., Carlier, I., Compare, A., Edbrooke-Childs, J., Janse, P., Lutz, W., Moltu, C., Nordberg, S., Poulsen, S., Rubel, J. A., Schiepek, G., Schilling, V. N. L. S., van Sonsbeek, M., & Barkham, M. (2025). Using progress feedback to enhance treatment outcomes: A narrative review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 52(1), 210–222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-024-01381-3

Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!

Support the show

Thanks for listening!

I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively.

If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails:

Benjamin Santee MA, LPC:

Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/

Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net

Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC

Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/

Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/

X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch

Song Credit: ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher)

Name: Stronger Together

Artist: Evert Zeevalkink

License Crtificate #2239378

Courtesy of: bensound.com