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 While societal expectations around masculinity have begun to evolve, the pressure on men to uphold these outdated ideals […]
Working with the Shadow
A Man’s Guide to Self-Understanding and Growth Introduction: What Is a Man’s Shadow? Have you ever found yourself reacting in ways that don’t seem to make sense? Maybe you lash out in anger over something small, or you avoid deep emotional conversations, even when you know they matter. Perhaps you struggle with confidence, despite knowing […]
Attachment Style Influence on Relationships
Our relationships are deeply influenced by how we were raised and the environment in which we grew up. From childhood, we develop an attachment style—a pattern of relating to others—based on how our caregivers responded to our emotional needs. These early experiences shape how we approach intimacy, trust, and conflict in adulthood. Understanding your attachment […]
The Power of Male Friendships: How Strong Bonds Improve Men’s Lives
In today’s fast-paced world, many men find themselves feeling isolated, even when surrounded by people. Between demanding careers, family responsibilities, and personal struggles, it’s easy for friendships to take a backseat. But the truth is, strong male friendships are essential for emotional well-being, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. Without them, many men battle loneliness, stress, […]
Slow Down to Speed Up (Awareness)
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like life is racing past us. Between work, family obligations, social pressures, and personal responsibilities, there’s often little time to pause, reflect, and truly experience the moment. For many men, this constant hustle can lead to burnout, emotional numbness, and a sense of disconnection from themselves and […]
Understanding Relationship Reenactment in Adult Men
A Guide to Growth & Healing When adult men step into relationships, they bring with them a lifetime of experiences, beliefs, and emotional patterns. For some, these patterns can be empowering and lead to fulfilling connections. However, for others, unresolved trauma or emotional wounds can manifest in a phenomenon known as relationship reenactment. This blog […]