Digging Deeper – Counselling Approaches that Effectively Engage Men

Digging Deeper – Counselling Approaches that Effectively Engage Men is a 40-minute self-paced professional development program designed for counsellors seeking to build greater confidence and skill in engaging male clients. Based on 2023 research and supported by wider counselling literature, this program explores why men are less likely to seek counselling, and what practitioners can do to bridge the gap. The presentation unpacks barriers such as stigma, stoicism, distrust, and counsellor bias, while also identifying enhancers including empathy, credibility, strengths-based approaches, and the integration of spirituality and meaning-making into practice. Learners are introduced to Gender Role Strain Theory (GRST) and its implications for practice, as well as the Positive Psychology and Positive Masculinity (PPPM) model, which reframes traditionally masculine traits such as courage and humour as assets within therapy. Throughout the program, participants are guided through reflection exercises that replace traditional role-play, making the training accessible for individual and online learning. To complete the program, learners must watch the full presentation and pass a short knowledge quiz with a score of 80% or higher.