Men’s Therapy in Vancouver: When Sensitivity Is Strength

Many men in Vancouver grow up believing that sadness and strong emotions are weaknesses. They learn to push feelings down, distract themselves, or stay busy rather than face vulnerability. In my work providing men’s counselling in Vancouver, I often meet men who have been told they are “too sensitive” or “too emotional,” and who carry deep shame about that part of themselves.

Growing up, many of us were taught—directly or indirectly—that sadness and strong emotions weren’t good things. We learned to run from them. We hiked into the wilderness, jumped out of planes, turned to substances, or distracted ourselves in countless ways just to avoid the discomfort of sadness and emotional intensity.

As someone who’s always been called “emotional” or “highly sensitive,” I used to see that part of myself as a flaw. People would say, “You’re too sensitive for this world.” And for a long time, I believed them.

I remember once, while working as a dean at a school, I received some direct and powerful feedback. The words hit me hard, and I began to tear up. In that moment of vulnerability, I was told I wasn’t fit for the job—that people couldn’t see me like that. The shame I carried from that experience, and many others like it, stayed with me for years.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see my sadness and sensitivity in a new light. I’ve learned to embrace these emotions rather than run from them. My sadness is no longer something I hide from—it’s something I see as beautiful. Because my sadness means I’m alive. It means I’m experiencing life fully, not numbing myself to it.

What a gift it is to feel deeply.

So, to all those who’ve ever been called “too sensitive,” “overly emotional,” or a “wimp”—I want you to hear this: your emotions are beautiful. Your sensitivity is not a weakness. In fact, it means you are living life more fully.

Those who avoid their emotions or push them down miss out on one of the most stunningly beautiful and enriching parts of the human journey. I encourage you: don’t run from your feelings. Let them in. Let them show you the depth of your heart and the wonder of being human.

Get in Touch

If you’re a man who has been told you’re too emotional, too sensitive, or not strong enough, you are not alone. Therapy can be a space where your emotions are not judged but understood. I provide men’s counselling in Vancouver focused on connection, meaning, and building deeper relationships with yourself and others. If you’re ready to explore this work, feel free to reach out for a consultation.