Gender, Power, Privilege and the Therapeutic Encounter: Working affirmatively with male clients

In these turbulent times for gender politics in general and masculinities in particular, this online webinar helps us to explore the ways in which gender, power and privilege intersect in the therapeutic encounter. Dr Beattie explores contemporary cultural and psychological dilemmas for men and how these may inform the therapeutic process and content.  The aim is to build an affirmative therapeutic practice, both for working with men as well as with clients dealing with issues that affect the men in their lives.

Using illustrative case vignettes, we specifically consider the following:

• How do we make sense of the contemporary reference points which are defining the new culture of power and privilege? We evaluate the consistent exhortations for men and boys to ‘Man Up!’ and be stoic; while facing pressure to demonstrate ‘new man’ sensitivity, to be perfect partners and fathers, all the while embodying ‘cave man’ imperviousness to physical and emotional pain. We especially consider how these dynamics define the interpretation of ‘power’ in their minds and may form the substratum that we witness in the therapeutic encounter
• Key models of gender role socialisation and how the dominant ways of demonstrating masculinity and maintaining male privilege in our culture are created. We explore the importance of power and privilege for men while also acknowledging that these dynamics are often used as a means of disconnecting from others. We especially consider the ways these stereotypical behaviours can lead to particular kinds of male unhappiness, poor mental health, suicidal propensity and lack of incentive to cooperate in therapy
• How gender role norms find their way into therapeutic discourse. It is sometimes argued, for example, that containment could be seen as ‘feminine’ and insight as ‘masculine’. How are the various powers and privileges inherent in gender role positions transacted in the therapeutic space?  What can we learn from modernity and the growing plurality of gendered identities? Do changes in gender politics and identity, as patriarchy is overcome, signal a more inclusive future for therapy?

About the speaker

Dr Michael Beattie is a HCPC Registered Chartered Counselling Psychologist with a research interest in the psychology of men and masculinities.  In addition, he has worked in the field of sexuality, sexual identity and sexual health as well as with issues of gender identity and gender dysphoria.  His book Counselling Skills for Working with Gender Identity & Gender Dysphoria was published with colleagues by Jessica Kingsley in 2018. He currently works as a Counselling Psychologist at the NHS Gender Identity Clinic in London.  Prior to entering the field of counselling psychology Michael worked in marketing communications, facilitating strategic planning and training sessions for clients across the world.

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