FCP E147. Opening the Conversation for Men's Mental Health on the Fertility Journey with John Shearer

Fertility Confidence Podcast

In this week’s episode I got to chat all about men's mental health with John Shearer, Registered Social Worker and owner of Kickstart Men's Therapy. His mission is to empower men to process their emotions, strengthen their relationships, and find resilience as they step into roles as partners and fathers. John shares his personal journey into therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing men's mental health, especially in the context of fertility. The conversation explores the stigma surrounding men's vulnerability, the role of partners in seeking help, and practical tips for navigating therapy. John highlights the significance of finding a therapist who resonates with men's experiences and the collective journey of couples facing fertility challenges.

Some of the topics covered:

00:00 Introduction to Men's Mental Health

02:59 The Journey to Therapy: Personal Experiences

06:13 Breaking the Stigma: Men's Vulnerability in Fertility

08:45 The Role of Partners in Seeking Help

11:59 Navigating Therapy: Tips for Men and Couples

14:53 Finding the Right Therapist: Importance of Connection

17:53 The Value of Men's Mental Health Support

22:37 Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Fit

25:09 Therapy's Role in the Fertility Journey

27:48 Mindfulness and Presence in Fertility

29:34 Emotional Regulation for Expecting Fathers

31:52 Generational Shifts in Fatherhood

34:59 Communication and Support in Relationships

40:51 Final Thoughts: Being Present in the Journey

Find more from John over on his website, https://www.kickstartmenstherapy.ca/, or check out his instagram page @kickstartmenstherapy

Ready to connect again on the fertility journey? Join our Conceive Together 7-day Challenge for just $9 and get started on your path to optimizing your chances while building a deeper connection as a couple through the process. Check out more at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/ctchallenge