Introduction to Therapy Bro Summer

The concept of "hot girl summer" and "sardine girl summer" has been making the rounds, but now it’s time for the boys to take center stage with "therapy bro summer." This summer, more men than ever are seeking help for their mental health, and therapists are weighing in on what’s driving this trend.

Therapy in 2025 — the Hottest Health Craze?

Therapy has undergone a significant rebranding in recent years, with celebrities and social media users being more open about their experiences with anxiety, depression, and addiction. This shift has helped destigmatize mental health discussions, inspiring more people to seek help. According to John Montagna, MHC-LP at Greenwich House’s Center for Resiliency and Wellness, "As the stigma associated with mental health treatment continues to lift, men are definitely more proactive about seeking help in a way that previous generations of men might not have been."

What’s Driving Men to Therapy?

While women have traditionally been more comfortable discussing their feelings, men have lagged behind. However, with world-class athletes like Michael Phelps, NBA Star DeMar DeRozan, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins speaking out about their struggles, the tide is changing. Dr. Rachel Ginsberg, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, notes, "The combination of social media, therapy becoming mainstream in TV and movies, evolving and exciting changes to gender roles, and the fierce courage of popular celebrities and athletes have created a perfect storm of onward momentum."

What Women Want

Women are also playing a significant role in encouraging men to seek therapy. Dr. Kathryn Smerling says, "Women want to be with men who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and good listeners, with the capacity to notice, feel, validate, and step outside of themselves to really see and care for the other." A survey by the dating app Hilly found that 55% of Gen Z women refuse to date a man if he’s not willing to go to therapy, and 45% find people who do therapy more attractive.

Happy Mood, Happy Dude

While improving romantic prospects is a significant motivator, men are seeking therapy for various reasons, including better family life and emotional regulation. Dr. Smerling notes, "People are now looking internally and intentionally trying to have a better work/life balance." Men are also becoming more involved with their children and seeking therapy to improve their relationships with them.

Ready for “Therapy Bro Summer”?

The experts agree that there’s no shame in seeking help to cope with emotions. John Montagna urges, "There is no shame in seeking help to cope with your emotions, just as there would be no shame in visiting an eye doctor if your vision was blurry!" Dr. Ginsberg advises doing therapy for the "right reasons" and setting concrete goals to "feel more tethered to a return on your investment."

Conclusion

The rise of "therapy bro summer" is a positive trend, indicating that men are becoming more comfortable seeking help for their mental health. With the stigma surrounding therapy lifting, men are taking proactive steps to improve their lives and relationships. As Dr. Smerling notes, "The more that men can become vulnerable and in touch with their emotions, the better their lives will be, and the healthier all of their relationships will be — not just romantically."

FAQs

• Q: What is "therapy bro summer"?
  A: "Therapy bro summer" refers to the increasing trend of men seeking help for their mental health, particularly through therapy.
• Q: What’s driving men to seek therapy?
  A: Men are seeking therapy for various reasons, including improving romantic prospects, better family life, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
• Q: Is there a stigma surrounding therapy for men?
  A: While there was once a stigma surrounding therapy for men, it is lifting as more men become open about seeking help for their mental health.
• Q: How can I get the most out of therapy?
  A: To get the most out of therapy, it’s essential to do it for the "right reasons" and set concrete goals to "feel more tethered to a return on your investment."