Challenges working with men: Australian therapists' perspectives. Issue 12 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seidler, Zac E.; Wilson, Michael J.; Trail, Katherine; Rice, Simon M.; Kealy, David; Ogrodniczuk, John S.; Oliffe, John L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 77:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 2781
• Page End: 2797
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: gender -- masculinity -- men's health -- qualitative methods -- self‐efficacy -- therapist; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23257
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Emerging research highlights that therapists experience difficulty engaging and retaining male clients in talk therapy. Understanding therapists' challenges when working with men can inform gender‐specific training efforts. Methods: Open‐ended qualitative survey data were collected from a sample of 421 Australian‐based therapists. Participants described that which they find most challenging about therapeutic work with men. Responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were revealed: (1) men's wavering commitment and engagement; (2) males as ill‐equipped for therapy; and (3) therapists' uncertainty. Contrasting state and trait constructs, much of the men's state‐based wavering commitment and engagement was positioned as amenable to change whereas traits assigned men as ill‐equipped for therapy and unreachable. Conclusion: These findings underscore a clear need to better target training efforts to directly respond to the needs of therapists working with men, such that all therapists are well‐equipped to meet men with gender‐sensitive therapy.