Looking for a male therapist/counsellor in Berkhamsted?
Finding the right therapist is deeply personal, and for many people, the gender of their counsellor matters. If you're specifically seeking a male therapist in Berkhamsted, you're not alone in that preference and there are good reasons why it might be important for your therapy.
Why Choose a Male Therapist?
Like many of the caring professions, much of the field of counselling and psychotherapy is made up of female practitioners. According to the The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 84% of its membership is female. This means if you're looking for a male therapist or counsellor they're a very small portion of the profession. While this pattern may be slowly changing as we move away from traditional ideas of what constitutes 'men's work', male counsellors remain in short supply.
When Gender Matters in Therapy
Some people find they can relate more easily to a therapist of their own gender, while others specifically prefer the opposite gender. There's no right or wrong choice only what feels right for you. You might prefer a male therapist if:
- You're a man who finds it easier to open up to another man
- You're dealing with male-specific issues around sexuality, father relationships, masculinity pressures, or men's mental health challenges
- Past experiences make you feel more comfortable with male practitioners
- Cultural or religious reasons make a male therapist preferable
- You simply feel more understood by someone who shares similar life experiences
The Reality of Men's Mental Health
The statistics around men's mental health paint a concerning picture that highlights why having male therapists available is so important:
Men are significantly less likely to seek help:
- Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men, according to The Mental Health Foundation. This happens despite men reporting lower levels of life satisfaction generally than women
The consequences of not seeking help are severe:
- Men are three times more likely than women to become dependent on alcohol
- Men are three times more likely to have frequent drug use
- 75% of suicides in the UK are committed by men
- Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates
- Men are more likely to be sectioned than women
- Men make up the vast majority of the prison population, where self-harm and mental health issues are prevalent
These patterns suggest that men are often suffering in silence rather than seeking the help and support they need.
My Approach as a Male Therapist in Berkhamsted
Having worked as a therapist for over 20 years, I understand that men often face unique pressures and challenges. Whether it's:
- Societal expectations about strength and emotional expression
- Work and career pressures that feel overwhelming
- Relationship difficulties that are hard to discuss
- Anger management issues that mask deeper pain
- Life transitions like divorce, career change, or becoming a father
- Depression and anxiety that doesn't fit the typical narrative
I provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore these issues at your own pace. My integrative approach means I can work with whatever you bring in a variety of ways.
What to Expect
Location: I'm based at Berkhamsted Chiropractic Clinic on the High Street
Availability: I'm at the clinic Monday to Friday, offering both daytime and evening appointments to fit around work schedules.
Approach: I work with all sorts of people dealing with all sorts of problems. My style is direct but compassionate, practical but deep, recognizing that lasting change often requires both understanding and action.
Taking the First Step
For some people, the gender of their therapist is unimportant, but for others, it's a significant part of choosing the right support. If you're looking for a male counsellor in Berkhamsted and you're curious about how I might help, please feel free to be in contact.
Call 07717 515 013
email: sean@seanheneghan.com
Located at Berkhamsted Chiropractic Clinic, 69 High Street, Berkhamsted
Article last updated: July 2025
Sean Heneghan is a BACP registered counsellor, acupuncturist and cognitive hypnotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping people in Berkhamsted and the surrounding areas. He offers a warm, professional approach that meets you wherever you are with the problems you're dealing with.