'How can you be strong all the time?' Discourses of stoicism in the first counselling session of young male clients. Issue 2 (28th December 2015) - Martin, Sam
Abstract: Background: Being 'strong and silent' has long been a definitive masculine stereotype. However, research shows that stoicism and the strict control of feelings can contribute to grave consequences for young men who suffer with depression. Aim: This study aims to explore stoicism in the talk of young male clients in their first counselling session. Method: Recordings of the first counselling sessions of six male university students attending a university counselling and psychotherapy research clinic, were listened to, transcribed and analysed using a Foucauldian method of discourse analysis. Results/Findings: Discourses of stoicism presented a number of different, often opposing, constructions. The male clients were aware of a 'strong and silent' masculinity and talked about a number of conflicts when coming to counselling. They were seen to negotiate with the counsellor the struggle to share and express feelings while maintaining a masculine identity. Stoicism was constructed as a useful emotional resilience but also as a dysfunctional barrier to showing caring feelings. Conclusions: This research enhances understanding of conflicts of stoicism in counselling for practitioners working with young male clients. The findings can contribute to professional practice by helping practitioners recognise the tension for male clients opening up and expressing their feelings to a counsellor, as well as encouraging practitioners to respond in a way that opens up a dialogue about constricting masculine stereotypes.