One Voice Counselling

18/06/2026

How do I deal with anxiety as a man?
By reminding myself that strength isn't pretending everything is fine. Strength is being honest about what I'm feeling, taking care of my mind, and asking for support when I need it.
Some days that looks like exercise. Some days it's talking to a friend, journaling, reading, or simply taking a break.
Anxiety doesn't make you weak. Ignoring it doesn't make you strong.
Real confidence comes from facing what's going on inside, one step at a time.

15/06/2026

Why Do Some Men Feel Angry All the Time?
For many men, anger isn't the real problem. It's often the emotion that sits on top of everything else.
Beneath the frustration, irritability, or short temper there may be stress, disappointment, anxiety, loneliness, shame, grief, or a sense of not being heard. Yet many men grow up learning that anger is one of the few emotions that feels acceptable to express.
When life becomes overwhelming, anger can become a way of coping. It can create a sense of control when things feel uncertain, protect against feelings of vulnerability, or distract from deeper emotional pain.
You might notice:
Feeling constantly irritated or on edge
Becoming frustrated over small things
Difficulty relaxing or switching off
Increased conflict in relationships
Feeling misunderstood or disconnected from others
The challenge is that while anger can signal that something isn't right, it rarely tells the whole story.
Instead of asking, "Why am I so angry?" it can be helpful to ask, "What might my anger be trying to protect me from feeling?"
Understanding the emotions beneath the anger is often where real change begins.
You don't have to carry it all alone.
TherapyForMen ASpaceForMenToTalk

11/06/2026

"Maybe I'm the Problem..."
It's a thought many men carry quietly in covertly abusive relationships.

Not because they are the problem, but because they've been conditioned to believe they are.

Over time, subtle criticism, blame-shifting, emotional invalidation, and manipulation can leave a man questioning his own judgement, memory, and worth. He may find himself constantly apologising, walking on eggshells, or working harder and harder to "fix" a relationship that never seems to improve.

Instead of asking, "Why am I being treated this way?", he begins asking, "What's wrong with me?"

Many men I speak to have spent months or even years believing they are too sensitive, too demanding, not supportive enough, or somehow failing as a partner. Yet beneath that self-blame is often a pattern of emotional manipulation that has slowly eroded their confidence and trust in themselves.

When someone repeatedly dismisses your feelings, twists events, or makes you responsible for their behaviour, it's understandable that you begin to doubt yourself.

If this resonates with you, remember:

Questioning yourself doesn't automatically mean you're the problem.

Sometimes the first step towards healing is recognising that the confusion, self-doubt, and anxiety you're experiencing may not be a personal failing—it may be a response to an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

You deserve relationships where your feelings matter, your voice is heard, and you don't have to constantly prove your worth.

08/06/2026

The Childhood Patterns We Carry Into Adult Relationships.
Many men grow up in families where unhealthy behaviour becomes normal.
Maybe emotions were dismissed.
Maybe love felt conditional.
Maybe criticism, control, silence, blame, or unpredictability were part of everyday life.
As boys, we adapt to survive. We learn to keep the peace, avoid conflict, take responsibility for other people's feelings, or accept treatment that doesn't feel right.
The problem is that what becomes familiar in childhood can feel familiar in adulthood too.
This can make it harder to recognise emotional abuse, manipulation, controlling behaviour, or unhealthy relationship dynamics. Not because we're weak, but because these patterns may have been present long before we entered adult relationships.
Many men I speak with don't realise how much their childhood experiences influence what they tolerate, excuse, or overlook in relationships.
Awareness is often the first step towards change.
Understanding your past isn't about blaming your family. It's about recognising the patterns that may still be shaping your life today.
You deserve relationships built on respect, trust, safety, and mutual care.
Sometimes good mental health begins when we stop asking, "What's wrong with me?" and start asking, "What did I learn growing up?"

06/06/2026

Not all abuse leaves visible scars.
Covert abuse often operates quietly and gradually. There may be no shouting, threats, or physical violence. Instead, it can show up through subtle manipulation, emotional invalidation, unpredictability, criticism disguised as concern, or behaviours that slowly erode a person's confidence and sense of self.
Many people find themselves questioning their own reality, walking on eggshells, or constantly trying to keep the peace without fully understanding why they feel exhausted, anxious, or emotionally drained.
Because covert abuse can be so subtle, it is often difficult to recognise—both for those experiencing it and for the people around them. The effects, however, can be profound, leaving individuals feeling isolated, confused, and disconnected from who they once were.
If any of this feels familiar, know that your experiences matter. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable before seeking support.
Awareness is often the first step towards understanding, healing, and rebuilding trust in yourself.

02/06/2026

Therapist Paul Rowland takes a look at the emotional and psychological effects of covert narcissistic abuse on men, and the importance of support and recovery. ⬇️ http://ow.ly/NIKy106z33m

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/invisible-wounds-how-covert-narcissistic-abuse-can-affect-men?utm_source=counselling-directory&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_approved I am very happy to have had my first article published with who I want to say a big thankyou to. The work I do with men the more insight I have into the difficulty covert abuse is to recognise in relationships. Many men are suffering in silence, some are unable to discuss or even recognise the impact the abuse is having on their mental health. The more men talk about mental health the more must listen to what's being said to help other men free themselves from difficult relationships dynamics. are working hard to break the stigma and draw awareness on topics that impact men daily.

28/05/2026

The more I work with men the more I understand the lack of awareness there is around covert abuse and it's impact. I have spent some time working on this article to draw awareness on covert narcissism and the impact it has men in particular.

A look at the emotional and psychological effects of covert narcissistic abuse on men, and the importance of support and recovery.

28/05/2026

The sun is shining, and it’s Wednesday which means one thing - chill and chat upstairs The Wellington in Hereford. We will be joined by Hereford Men's Mental Health group and food available from Jerk Bay Ltd 🖤🤍.

Where? Upstairs at the Welly. 🫡

When? 6pm until 9pm. Drop in session, stay for 10 minutes or the duration - you are in control ⏰

Who for? Everyone is welcome - both male and females 🤌🏻

Atmosphere? A safe, non-judgmental environment for people to come and chill, and have a chat if they feel comfortable.

Refreshments? Soft drinks and hot drinks available from the bar downstairs ☕️

We look forward to welcoming you 💙