The Australian Psychological Society and American Psychological Association have produced guidelines for working with men and boys. Unfortunately, few training opportunities exist for working specifically with men.
Males make up approximately 30% of therapy clients and when they do attend, it’s not uncommon for them to struggle to engage with the counselling process. If attending under pressure, they may present with overt resistance and/or aggression.
Many therapists feel underprepared to work with men and do not recognize how ‘therapy-as-usual’ can violate some models norms of traditional manhood. For example, counselling processes such as focusing on problems or even exploring feelings can invoke shame and defensiveness in some men and damage the therapeutic connection.
Male-friendly therapists adapt their counselling to enhance treatment engagement and effectiveness with men. This adaptation stems from a theoretically informed understanding about men and masculinities, while equally recognizing differences between men. Male-friendly therapists are committed to reducing their own personal and professional biases and prejudices, and to utilise
strategies that are more congruent with men’s socialization, their values, and communication preferences as required.
This training will address the fundamental knowledge, attitudes, and skills to effectively engage men. It is based in research from international literature and also from qualitative interviews with Australia’s own male-friendly therapists who practice from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities.
Feedback for Nathan’s recent training presentations:
“Very helpful to me. Ironically shows me my own biases that are definitely harmful for male therapy. But is also very in-depth about strategies and ways to approach men differently. That embraces their maleness rather than degrading it. Very, very helpful for anyone counselling men.”
“Despite being a man myself, I was unaware of how I may hinder the benefits of counselling to my male clients. This has enabled me to see specific areas I can address to assist male clients be less intimidated by the counselling process as well as understand how clients need to have their masculinity ‘protected’ in each of the phases of counselling. Even during the training, I was thinking of how helpful this will be for specific couples that are struggling to understand each other and respond to each other in postie ways. I enjoyed the methodical, step-by step nature of this training. Thanks Nathan!”
“It has been helpful to understand the differences in men’s counselling. It I also good to see the importance in engaging men in counselling and how the counsellor relates to the male client can deter men from attending counselling. Men’s needs in counselling are different and I now know how important it is to be sensitive to the needs and difference in men as opposed to women.”
“The information and counselling framework I gained by attending this workshop have had an enormous impact and benefit within my counselling practice. As I have shared some of the concepts with my male clients, the principles have really resonated with them. I also feel like my approach is now more informed, and helpful to my clients.”
“Nathan's workshop is one of the best professional development events that I have attended. I do not hesitate to recommend it.”
| Male friendly counselling - Presenter Slides (3.1 MB) | Available after Purchase |
Dr Nathan Beel is a counselling lecturer and Counselling Discipline Coordinator at the University of Southern Queensland, and runs a small private practice. He has been a counsellor for 20 years and has a PhD in male-friendly counselling. Nathan is a clinical member/clinical supervisor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and an academic member of the College of Counselling and Psychotherapy Educators. Prior to working in education, Nathan worked as the Client Services Manager in Lifeline Community Care overseeing the general counselling program, financial counselling, and Gambling Help Service for Wide Bay / Burnett. He has also been the Counsellor Coordinator at Salvo Care Line (a 24-hr crisis line), and started his career working as an addictions counsellor in an all-male Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah). Nathan has scholarly publications in male-friendly counselling, domestic violence, internet counselling ethics, and the common factors of successful counselling outcomes.
Face-to-Face registration
Fee: $249
$29 to purchase and keep the recording of this event.
Live Interactive Webcast registration
Fees: $199 Primary viewer (includes three month's access recording of the event.
$99 Additional viewer (must watch on same device as primary viewer)
$29 Purchase lifetime access to the recording (available to primary viewer only)
Reminders for all events are sent two weeks, one week, one day and one hour prior.
Learning objectives of this training:
“Doing therapy with men can be extremely rewarding and powerful, especially when we empathically understand them, what they prefer, and provide them with treatment that connects well with them.” Nathan Beel
How will you benefit from attending this training?
Morning Session (includes a short break)
Afternoon Session (includes a short break)
This seminar has been designed to extend the clinical knowledge and applied skill of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Coaches, Psychologists, Hypnotherapists, Social Workers, Community Workers, Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatrists.
Morning Session
9:00am - 12:45pm
Includes a 15 minutes break at 10:45am
Lunch Break
12:45pm - 1:45pm
Afternoon Session
1:45pm - 5:00pm
Includes a 15 minutes break at 3:15pm
COVID-19 AND YOUR SAFETY
Our venue is registered with Service NSW as a 'Covid Safe' venue.
You will be required to checkin via our QR code and to abide by the safety measures current at the time and in line with public health orders. These will be advised in your pre-event reminder/information emails.
In the interest of everone's safety, PDP reserves the right to deny entry to any participant who chooses not to follow the current COVID safety plans.
ACCESSIBILITY
This venue offers wheelchair access from the Brown Street entrance.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
4 minute walk from Chatswood train/metro/bus interchange
PARKING
Links to reasonable early-bird parking close to the venue:
https://www.secureparking.com.au/en-au/car-parks/australia/new-south-wales/sydney/lower-north-shore-and-northern-beaches/zenith-centre-car-park
NOURISHMENT
All day tea, coffee and chilled water are provided.
If you have not ordered lunch with your registration, we have a fridge and two microwave ovens should you wish to bring your own food.
The venue has a cafe on the ground floor and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants including an extensive food hall above the Chatswood Interchange.
ACCOMODATION
Mantra Hotel is next door to the venue: website here
Meriton Suites is a 4 minute walk from the venue: website here
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