Alex Wolf, RCT-C, CCC, MEd
5553 Bloomfield St., Suite 6 B3K 1S7 Halifax, NS, Canada

Even for the most well-intentioned male feminists out there, this short article is a solid reminderand perhaps eye-openerof the EVERYDAY work we need to be doing to help shift our society towards one that is more equitable, safer, and healthier. https://everydayfeminism.com//dear-men-who-wish-to-be-all/

For anyone who has ever been out for a walk in the woods the findings from the studies presented in this article are likely not surprising: lower levels of depression and anxiety, less rumination, and increased cognitive performance. Another study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21288543) on "forest bathing" shows increases in positive mood states along with physiological health benefits. What better place than the woods to facilitate therapeutic conversations! https://www.psychologytoday.com//evo/201608/nature-therapy

This article discusses the influence of what the author refers to as "American culture" (i.e., colonial Western European values and ideologies) on men's relation to physical touch in America. I would argue that the dominant social narrative about masculinityMasculine Scriptpromoted here in Canada is, unfortunately, much the same. Through practicing ways of being with men and boys that run counter to messages like "don't be gay", "fix it yourself", and "man up", we (regardless of one's gender) can help individuals, families, and communities shift toward healthier and more connected ways of being. https://upliftconnect.com/how-lack-touch-destroying-men/

While the tagline of this article isn't wrong, it doesn't do justice to the rest of the article and the complexity of barriers men and boys face to accessing mental health servicesincluding "traditional" ideas of masculinitythat the article goes on to discuss. Therapy that extends "outside" of the office walls is one option to help make therapy work for men and boys. https://tonic.vice.com///men-dont-go-therapy-mental-health