Like many organisations that offer counselling and therapeutic services, HDS has seen an increase in demand for counselling services and psychotherapy. In addition to individual clients, HDS has seen an increase in enquiries from large, medium and small organisations to offer counselling and psychotherapy as part of their Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).

Recent research shows the changing attitude of men towards counselling and psychotherapy, plus statistics highlighting the effectiveness of talking therapies, as indicators for organisations like ourselves who will continue to see a demand for counselling services and psychotherapy.

A shift in the attitude of men towards counselling and psychotherapy

The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Public Perceptions Survey found that 78% of men say it’s more commonplace to discuss mental health than five years ago and that 83% of men say it’s a good idea to seek counselling or psychotherapy for a problem before it gets out of hand.

In fact, men are also more likely to go for therapy now than a decade ago. BACP research in 2010 found only 18% of men had been for therapy compared to 27% in 2022. However, women are more likely to go for counselling or psychotherapy (39%).

“My belief is that the pressures of the pandemic and lockdown may have led more men to that tipping point where people start to feel they need to do something about their situation. I also wonder if men are being encouraged by their families, and other men, to seek support.” - Michael Golding, Deputy Chair of the BACP

Masculine stereotypes are one of the most significant obstacles to men seeking mental health support

The BACP think that people in the public eye talking about their experiences is helping to break down barriers, for example male celebrities, sports figures and pop stars are increasingly talking about their mental health. The results from the Public Perceptions Survey shows that 68% of men say there’s less of a stigma around mental health compared to five years ago.

The survey demonstrates that once men have overcome the obstacles to seek mental health support, they believe that counselling or psychotherapy can make a difference:

• 71% of men say people might be happier if they talked to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their problems
• 69% of men say it’s better for people to talk to someone about their problems rather than to take medication

The BACP suggest that creating a better understanding of what happens at counselling and psychotherapy sessions may also help men to overcome the obstacles to accessing support.

“Some men may fear they’ll be forced to talk about things they may not wish to. There’s a sense for me that there’s an anxiety that once in the room the client gives away some degree of autonomy and will no longer be in control of the process. For someone who has only limited control of their present situation this can be a challenge. Perhaps if we were able to create a better understanding of what happens in the room, then more men would be willing to take a chance and give it a go.” - Michael Golding, Deputy Chair of the BACP

Click here to read more about the BACP Public Perceptions Survey

Positive impact of psychotherapy on mental health

Talking therapies have the greatest positive impact on mental health according to a survey carried out by the UK Council for Psychotherapy. It showed that the mental health of survey respondents improved following mental health support and that a higher percentage had received psychotherapy, counselling, and other talking therapies.

The survey (in the summer of 2021) was carried out by the UK Council for Psychotherapy and YouGov to poll a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The aim of the survey was to determine the impact COVID-19 has had on mental health and have people been able to receive effective mental health support.

The results showed that for those who improved following mental health support, a higher percentage had received psychotherapy, counselling, and other talking therapies.  In comparison, mental health smartphone apps, group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and medications other than antidepressants had the lowest percentage of participants who found the support they received improved their health.

Furthermore, psychotherapy and counselling were both found to be more likely to have positive outcomes than individual CBT and antidepressants, which are two of the most dominant offerings across NHS services.  These figures demonstrate how vital it is to increase the range of mental health treatments available through the NHS, including significantly expanding the choice of talking therapies, to increase the possibility of positive outcomes.

Click here to read more about the UK Council for Psychotherapy and YouGov survey

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HDS Counselling Services available for individuals and organisations  

If you’re going through a difficult time for any reason, our counsellors are trained to help you explore your feelings and experiences in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.  

HDS also works with organisations, large and small, to offer counselling and psychotherapy as part of their Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).  Our counsellors and therapists have broad experience of working with employees in the public, private and third sectors across Scotland.  

HDS can offer face-to-face, online or telephone counselling. 

Click here to find out more about HDS Counselling Services