It is often the case that guys don't want to come in for couples counseling, usually because they a) don't believe in it, b) don't understand it and think that the therapist will "side" with their wife/girlfriend who is is more emotionally expressive, or c) don't want to talk about their feelings. This doesn't just hold true for guys who are "dragged in" by their wives/partners, but guys who are struggling with a lot of stuff, but believe that seeing a therapist would be some kind of proclamation of weakness or an admission that their life has become unmanageable.
I get it. I didn't go through all of my training and education to specifically help guys who don't want to be helped. However, over the last fifteen years of my career, I have found that very/incredibly reluctant guys adjust to me rather quickly, and are quite comfortable working with me. I love working with these guys. I didn't think to advertise this as a specialty until I noticed that I was getting many referrals for this specific population as I have been effective.
I've had the good fortune of working with male physicians, pastors, professional athletes, business executives, and so on. I want to see guys who hate the prospect of spending money/time on seeing a therapist, don't want to delve into feelings and childhood issues, and, generally, don't like the idea of being vulnerable.
I'll help you figure it out. I will.
Dr. Wilkens sees his private practice clients at the Institute for Couple and Family Enhancement - www.icfetx.com.