Male therapist ?

[NoFun21]

Has anyone had any good experiences with a male therapist? Do you think they can understand a woman’s experience as a mother for example? What is your opinion?

Psychotherapist that is- anyone?

Does no one have any insights on this?

I personally refused an appt with a male counselor that was to discuss issues around pregnancy, birth, and CSA. I have no idea whether he'd understand but for me, it was going to be very difficult to say those words and much harder with a man in the room.

You could do a trial session and see how you feel?

Yes I think they can. It isn't about living the same experience it's about listening, empathy etc. Even if you had z"fellow Mom" as a therapist there's no saying she'd view your issues around children the same way or have any experiences of those issues. That isn't the job

I've been doing CBT with a male therapist, to discuss issues concerning two traumatic childbirth experiences. Despite initial reservations, he has actually been great. I think ultimately it will come down to whatever individual you get, rather than a male/female thing.

People are individuals with differing needs, a therapist should see you first as a person. Try and have an open mind about who might work well with you. Every therapist will bring a different perspective, that’s true, but it’s your needs that should always be central to the experience.
And if the relationship doesn’t work you can move on.

@sleepingstandingup has hit the nail on the head!

I've only had females but I would actually be quite keen to have a man.

I've had a lot of therapy, and I've had both male and female therapists. I completely agree it's the person and the relationship that counts and there are very good male therapists out there. Further, at different times I've felt the need to work with either a man or a woman as a positive choice because I needed different things. Good experiences with both but the important thing was making the 'right' choice of person. Good luck OP.

I had a male psychologist and was perfectly happy with him.

The most empathic, caring therapist I ever had was male. He was in training at the time so not fully qualified but I imagine he will go far in the profession. I think it's more to do with personality and emotional availability and their ability to make you feel safe than sex or gender. He was the first person I ever told about a sexual assault as a child and the one who sat on the floor of the ladies and held my hand while I ugly cried after a particularly bad session. You just have to find someone you click with, even if it takes a few tries because it's bloody hard work and near on impossible with someone you don't trust.

Agree with nothingcanhurtme it is seeing how you work or do not work today. I have had a male psychologist and he has been fantastic. Sometimes I did wonder whether he could ever relate to what I was saying or going through but realised he didn't need to relate to it, just be there to provide the help and strength to get through it. I definitely have issues with men, that I am working on but I am already a different person for the better, thanks to this doctor's help. It is bloody hard work, will agree with that pp but worth it. I really hope you can find someone you can work well with.

I had a male psychotherapist and he was fantastic.
I had all sorts of issues including an absent father and abusive relationships and in a way learning to trust my male therapist was an added bonus to aid me in having healthy relationships with males.

I'd fall in love with a make therapist in a flat second. Yy we'd work through that but tbf I've enough going on without that on top. Tiresome.

Male of course 🙄

I don't feel comfortable with unknown men, so I would say for me I want to talk to a woman.

Depends how you feel about it. I refused males because most of my traumas are sexual and didn't want to tell a man about what happened to me. I don't like wondering if they are secretly enjoying hearing that kind of stuff. They probably don't but I just feel weird about it.

I had a male therapist who got me through PTSD. He looked and sounded like a vampire and was one of the most influential people of my life. I could never thank him enough.

I prefer male doctors/therapists. I don't get a long with female ones. I don't know why this is but I have always had bad relationship with my mum. She is also the cause of my trauma.

@bansku19 you're probably experiencing what they call 'transference' when you see female therapists.

I have a male therapist. It's working out fine. I did try and get a female one on recommendation, but she was full and referred me to him. I trusted her judgement and have no regrets.