Men’s Mental Health with Kyle Sommers, LPC

Good mental health is crucial. We all need it to survive, but
there are a number of reasons why men are less likely to speak up
about mental health issues like depression. For many men,
struggling with their mental health means suffering in silence.
Stigmas around acknowledging mental health struggles and
old-fashioned ideas of masculinity often play heavily into men’s
reluctance to seek help. Today, we hear from The Bro Therapist,
Kyle Sommers, about his experiences of working with men and some
of the red flags, coping methods, and responses he has seen in
his clients. Find out how exercise is sometimes used to escape
painful feelings, why sport is often so important to young men,
and how anger can mask depression, and hear Kyle’s advice for
helping men buy into the idea of therapy. He also has some
suggestions for starting conversations about mental health,
helping men better understand themselves, and fostering emotional
awareness in their sons, as well as breaking the dangerous stigma
that exists around masculinity and mental health. Tune in today
to hear Kyle’s advice, success stories, and a whole lot more!





Key Points From This Episode:


Sherry shares some statistics about men’s mental health
issues in the US.

Kyle – also known as The Bro Therapist – talks about burnout
and his private practice.

How Kyle dealt with his emotions growing up and some of the
coping methods that men use.

Physical and mental health are both important, but exercise
can also be used as an escape!

Seeking worth or fulfillment in achievement and how Kyle sees
it in the men he works with.

Find out why sport can become such a big part of a young
man’s identity.

Learn about some of the early warning signs that a man is
struggling with their mental health.

Depression and anger: Kyle shares how men oftentimes act out
when depressed.

Persistent physical ailments are also a common symptom of
mental health struggles for men.

Help men buy into the idea of therapy by highlighting how it
can positively affect their children.

Hear Kyle’s advice for starting a conversation about mental
health with a man in your life.

The different methodologies that Kyle uses with men in his
practice, like cognitive behavioral therapy and brainspotting.

Why identifying your values is key to better understanding
yourself.

What are the benefits of counseling? Kyle says the biggest
one is being honest with yourself.

The importance of slowing down and being mindful, according
to Kyle.

For counselors that want to work with men, Kyle suggests
having a straightforward approach.

How men can foster emotional awareness in their sons,
starting with modeling it for them.

Creating a sense of safety around difficult conversations can
create openness – try talking with your children on a car ride.

Breaking down the stigma around mental health by starting at
home with your family.

Do away with toxic masculinity! Men can be “in control” while
still being vulnerable.

Ending the show with some stories of success: With even the
most stoic alpha males, Kyle has seen positive growth and
vulnerability.

Kyle's last tip for men struggling with depression is to get
their testosterone checked.






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Kyle Sommers on LinkedIn


Kyle Sommers on Instagram


Kyle Sommers on Facebook


Sommers Counseling