This page answers common questions men ask when considering counselling. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, these FAQs aim to give clear, practical information.
What is counselling for men?
Counselling for men is a confidential space to talk through difficulties such as stress, low mood, relationship problems, anger, identity, or feeling stuck. While the issues men bring are often universal, therapy can take account of male socialisation, expectations around masculinity, and the pressure to cope alone.
Why counselling for men?
Therapy is sometimes viewed—fairly or unfairly—as a space shaped by how women talk and relate. Yet men can often experience and express distress differently. Many cope by withdrawing, becoming irritable, overworking, or numbing out. As a result, depression, anxiety, and burnout in men are frequently missed or minimised.
What issues do men commonly seek counselling for?
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.
Men come to counselling for many reasons, including:
Anxiety, stress, or burnout
Low mood or loss of motivation
Relationship or family difficulties
Work pressure or loss of direction
Anger, irritability, or emotional shutdown
Questions about masculinity, confidence, or identity
Feeling stuck or dissatisfied despite things looking “fine” on the surface
Is counselling effective for men?
Yes. Research and clinical experience show that counselling can be highly effective for men, particularly when it is practical, respectful, and collaborative. Many men find therapy helpful once they experience it as a place to think clearly, understand patterns, and make grounded changes rather than simply “talk about feelings.”
I’m not very good at talking about emotions – will counselling still work?
Absolutely. You don’t need to be articulate or emotionally fluent to start counselling. We work at your pace, often beginning with what feels concrete or immediate. Insight and emotional understanding usually develop naturally over time.
What happens in a counselling session?
Sessions typically last 50/60 minutes. You bring whatever feels important, whether that’s a specific problem or a more general sense of unease. The work may involve:
* Clarifying what’s really going on beneath the surface
* Exploring patterns in relationships or work
* Learning to notice thoughts, feelings, and bodily responses
* Finding ways to respond differently, rather than react automatically
The tone is professional, calm, and collaborative.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling is confidential and follows professional and ethical guidelines. There are a few legal and safety-related exceptions, which would be explained clearly at the outset.
How long does counselling last?
This varies. Some men come for short-term counselling (6–12 sessions) to work through a specific issue. Others choose longer-term work to explore deeper patterns or life transitions. The length is always your decision.
Do I need a clear goal before starting?
No. Some men arrive with a clear aim; others just know something isn’t right. Counselling can help you clarify what matters and what you want to change.
Is counselling just talking, or is it practical?
While counselling involves conversation, it is often very practical. Sessions may include noticing habits of thought, experimenting with new ways of responding, or making small, realistic changes between sessions. Insight and action tend to develop together.
Will I be judged or analysed?
No. Counselling is not about judgement or labelling. The aim is understanding, perspective, and choice. Many men describe it as a place where they can speak openly without having to perform or explain themselves.
What’s the difference between counselling and coaching?
Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing, relationships, and inner patterns, including past experiences where relevant. Coaching is usually more goal-focused and present-day. Some overlap exists, but counselling offers a deeper, more reflective space.
Can counselling help with relationships?
Yes. Many men seek counselling because they feel stuck in relationships – unable to leave, yet unable to make things better. Therapy can help you understand relational patterns, boundaries, and choices, whether you attend alone or alongside a partner elsewhere.
Do you offer online counselling for men?
Yes. Online counselling is available and works well for many men, offering flexibility and privacy. Sessions are conducted securely and professionally.
How do I get started?
Look at the counsellor profiles on our who we are page and get in touch. You don’t need to have everything worked out before reaching out - a short conversation is often a good place to start and will give you an idea whether you and your counsellor will be a good fit. From there, you decide whether you’d like to continue. There is no pressure or obligation.
Is counselling a sign of weakness?
No. Many men see counselling as a practical investment in their mental health, relationships, and quality of life. It takes honesty and courage to look at what isn’t working.
Do you offer in-person counselling, and where are sessions held?
Yes. Several of our counsellors offer in-person counselling in specific locations, while others work online only. As a group we are based around Bath and Trowbridge which allows us to offer counselling to clients in BANES, Somerset and Wiltshire. Each counsellor’s profile explains where they are based and whether they offer face-to-face sessions. If location is important to you, we recommend checking individual who we are pages or getting in touch to clarify availability.
Online counselling is also available and works well for many men.
How much does it cost?
Your initial 30 minute session is free.
Subsequent sessions are 50/60 minutes. Please see individual counsellor pages for fees relating to that counsellor.
Payment for each session is usually in advance
How can I book a session, arrange an initial conversation or ask any further questions?
You can contact individual counsellors through their profile pages or by using the navigation at the top and bottom of every page.