As a male counsellor I am in the minority. Over 80% of the memberships of the British Association of Counsellors of Psychotherapists (BACP) are women.

This fact is reinforced every time I arrive at a workshop or training course: I am usually the only male therapist. During my counselling training there were only four men out of a class of over twenty. This ratio has reduced as I have gone on to complete my masters and then onto the doctorate. I really enjoy being in the minority in this case; I have made many wonderful female friends who are counsellors.

Why is it that there are so few male counsellors? Is it that the general perception is that you need ‘feminine’ traits such as openness, empathy or being in touch with your emotions, or does it reflect the client gender profile? I believe it is changing slowly as we have more counsellors in schools, and I also believe that male counsellors can offer a lot. Many clients choose to see a male counsellor. Some men only want to share with another man; some women prefer to see a man (maybe to get a man’s perspective?) and some clients don’t consciously ‘see’ their therapist’s gender.

I am pleased to say that we can offer the people of Stockport, Cheshire and Greater Manchester choice. They can see a male counsellor that would be me, a female counsellor ~ my colleague Audrey and we also have a couples counsellor starting in the New Year.