Rethinking the Harm of Hetero-Masculinity: Considerations for Clinical Practice with Men

Explore how rigid masculinity impacts mental health and learn clinical tools to better support men and boys in treatment.

Presentation Information:

This four-hour presentation will allow participants to explore hetero-masculinity, or the rigid and monolithic defining of masculinity and what it means to “be a man”; the culture and system of oppression in which we are all socialized in the United States. It is undeniable that this culture promotes violence and subjugation of women and gender/sexual minorities. It also has a calculable and visible impact on the mental health of men – men die by suicide, misuse/abuse alcohol and drugs, and are absent from mental health treatment by alarming rates.

Through a review of foundational research on masculinity, discussion of the “natural” state of men and boys’ relationships, understanding our role in gendered socialization, and exploration of the typology of multiple masculinities, this presentation aims to support clinicians in examining the experiences of boys and men and offering more effective clinical interventions with men in treatment.

Objectives:

  • Participants will be introduced to foundational research on masculinity and the “man box.”
  • Participants will gain an understanding of gendered socialization norms and their impact on boys and men.
  • Participants will learn about and explore the impact of gender bias on clinical practice and diagnosis.
  • Participants will learn interventions and discuss changes we can make in practice to encourage separation from hetero-masculinity.

This training is worth four (4) continuing education hours.

Training hours have been approved for four (4) continuing education hours by the Maine Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.

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Agenda for the Day:

8:30am to 9:45am – Welcome, Housekeeping, Introductions, and Presentation

9:45am to 10:00am – Break

10:00am to 11:30am – Presentation Continues

11:30am to 11:45am – Break

11:45am to 1:00pm – Presentation Wrap-Up & Open Discussion

About the Presenter:

Colm Brennan, MSS, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist in private practice in the Portland area. In his practice, he provides individual, couples, and family therapy and specializes in working with clients on relationship issues/satisfaction, family of origin issues, men’s health, and supporting trauma survivors. Mr. Brennan began his career as a mental health professional working in inpatient psychiatry, working with survivors of sexual assault, and providing in-home family therapy in the Philadelphia area. He has advanced training in family therapies, treating eating/feeding disorders, trauma informed care, and multicultural counseling. Through his practice he also provides training and consultation services to various organizations and groups throughout Maine.

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Rethinking the Harm of Hetero-Masculinity: Considerations for Clinical Practice with Men