The practice of coaching: Exploring alternatives to therapy for counseling-resistant men.

Abstract

The current article examines the practice of coaching as a possible alternative to conventional therapy for men. Although overviews of coaching have been outlined, none have specifically addressed how this particular helping modality might fit with the cultural demands of men resistant to conventional sources of professional help. This article provides suggestions for how coaching may address possible conflicts and paradoxes between men's gender role socialization and help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, as well as overviews some of the problems within the current practice of coaching. Suggestions for research with using coaching are also addressed.

Men In and Out of Treatment for Depression: Strategies for Improved Engagement

“…A person‐centred approach that seeks to understand what is unique in the client's masculinities, focusing on their strengths and challenges they may face, will strengthen the therapeutic alliance, ensure collaboration, and engagement (Connell, ). The value in investing in “gender‐sensitive” treatment has been posed repeatedly (e.g., McKelley & Rochlen, ), but typically focused on ensuring men and women receive distinct and tailored approaches. This perspective presents both genders as distinct, homogenous groups.…”

Common Health‐Related Concerns of Men: Implications for Counselors

“… Reframe counseling services . Rather than offer counseling as an activity that promotes expression of feelings and self‐actualization, practice counseling as a form of learning activity that promotes the management of disease processes (Addis & Mahalik, 2003; McKelley & Rochlen, 2007). Reframing counseling in this manner is particularly effective when practicing short‐term counseling.…”

“…Reframe counseling services. Rather than offer counseling as an activity that promotes expression of feelings and self-actualization, practice counseling as a form of learning activity that promotes the management of disease processes (Addis & Mahalik, 2003;McKelley & Rochlen, 2007 to help men feel a sense of social support and camaraderie, sharpen their decision making relative to disease processes, and provide an avenue for catharsis associated with the health concerns (Furman, Parra, Fuentes, & Devoto, 2010;Myers et al, 2011). 4.…”

‘I am going to be a dad’: experiences and expectations of adolescent and young adult expectant fathers

“…In addition to making it difficult to investigate the adolescent male population, this socialised difference in communication may have a negative impact on adolescent males, particularly when they are going through an emotionally stressful experience such as the impending birth of a child. McKelley and Rochlen (2007) propose males make fewer contacts with health professionals across their life span and seek help less often than women for a range of concerns that would greatly improve with professional interventions.…”