Photo of Dr Ben J Mead, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Ben J Mead
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
07723 467204 View 07723 467204
Photo of Martin Bennett, MBACP, Counsellor
Martin Bennett
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
I am qualified as an integrative counsellor and my busy private practice reflects a broad range of clients and their issues. I work with people of all ages, from all backgrounds struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction and stress. I also have experience of clients with bereavement, loss, panic attacks, trauma, sex and pornography addiction, anger and eating disorders. I work with individuals and couples and favour a systemic approach looking at context, social environment and behaviour patterns as well as attachments from the past that impact the present.
I am qualified as an integrative counsellor and my busy private practice reflects a broad range of clients and their issues. I work with people of all ages, from all backgrounds struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction and stress. I also have experience of clients with bereavement, loss, panic attacks, trauma, sex and pornography addiction, anger and eating disorders. I work with individuals and couples and favour a systemic approach looking at context, social environment and behaviour patterns as well as attachments from the past that impact the present.
07480 779802 View 07480 779802

See more therapy options for GU6

Male Counsellors

As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?

There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.

How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?

Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client. Prospective clients should also ask what the expectation is for treatment, and what the fee structure is, and whether and which insurance plans are accepted.

Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?

Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with a male therapist. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges, in the case of male clients. Some women have prior negative experiences with women that predispose them to prefer working with a male in therapy. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.

Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?

Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.