When Men Go Quiet: The Cost of Passivity in Relationships
“He’s physically there, but emotionally… I don’t know. It’s like he’s checked out.” It’s a sentence we hear often in men’s counselling. Usually from the partner. But just as often, we hear it in quieter form from the man himself: “I don’t know how to show up. I just… freeze.” The passive man isn’t lazy, disinterested, […]
The Rise of Male Loneliness: How Men Can Reclaim Connection
Introduction: The Silent Epidemic of Male Loneliness Despite living in a hyperconnected world, more and more men are feeling profoundly alone. You can be surrounded by friends, colleagues, or even a family—and still feel like nobody truly sees or understands you. This silent epidemic, male loneliness, is on the rise, and it’s far more than just a […]
When Is It Time to Explore Couples Counselling? A Guide to Getting Support in Your Relationship
Relationships can be deeply fulfilling, but they also come with seasons of hardship. Disconnection, resentment, miscommunication, and emotional fatigue can build slowly—or erupt all at once. While many couples wait until things are falling apart to seek support, couples counselling can be a powerful tool for not only saving relationships but helping them evolve and […]
Understanding Men’s Relationship with Porn: A Path to Healing and Connection
Why Are So Many Men Turning to Porn—and What Is It Costing Them? In our work at The Reflectere Counselling—a practice specializing in Men’s Counselling and Men’s Therapy in Vancouver and across British Columbia—one pattern continues to show up: Men aren’t always using porn for pleasure.They’re often using it for pain relief. Whether you’re a high-functioning professional or […]
Men, Alcohol, and the Unseen Wounds We Try to Numb
A Male Therapists Guide to Helping Men Understand their Use of Alcohol. Title: The Silent Pour: Men, Alcohol, and the Pain Beneath the Surface Meta Description: Many men use alcohol to cope with unhealed emotional wounds. Learn how drinking affects male depression and mental health—and explore a new path through men’s therapy in Vancouver. The […]
When There’s No Funeral: Navigating the Grief of Non-Death Loss as a Man
By The Reflectere – A Place for Men’s Counselling and Therapy in Vancouver, BC You didn’t bury anyone. No casket. No eulogy. No obituary. And yet… something inside you died. Maybe it was a relationship that slowly slipped away. Maybe it was the version of you that used to believe in something. Maybe it was […]
Making Peace with the Fire Inside: A Male Therapist’s Guide to Anger and Healing
The Anger You Can’t Shake Anger is a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s the fire that can push you to stand up for yourself, protect what you love, and demand change where it’s needed. On the other, it can feel like a wrecking ball—breaking relationships, clouding your judgment, and leaving you full of regret. […]
Breaking Free from Performance-Based Self-Esteem: A Guide for High-Achieving Men
You Are Not Your Resume Somewhere along the way, you learned that your worth is tied to your output. Maybe it was the first time you got a gold star for a perfect test score. Or when your coach praised you for scoring the winning goal. Perhaps it was when you got your first promotion, […]
Getting to know your Parts (IFS)
Unlocking Your Inner Strength: How Internal Family Systems Can Transform Men’s Mental Health When it comes to men’s mental health, the journey to self-understanding and emotional well-being can feel overwhelming. Many men struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma, often feeling like they have to push through on their own. The pressure to be strong, independent, […]
Men’s Mental Health in Relationships
Men’s Mental Health and Building Healthy Relationships Men’s mental health has long been an under-discussed topic in society. Historically, men have been taught to suppress their emotions, avoid vulnerability, and maintain an image of strength and stoicism. While societal expectations around masculinity have begun to evolve, the pressure on men to uphold these outdated ideals […]