changing gears.. what do men long for, agonise over, aspire to? why is it men are often silent in...
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Pastoral Care SymposiumMelbourne 2012
Working with older men-what makes men tick?
John EvansChanging Gears. Life Coaching and Counselling
Changing Gears
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WHAT DO MEN LONG FOR, AGONISE OVER, ASPIRE TO? WHY IS IT MEN ARE OFTEN SILENT IN DARK AND DANGEROUS, OR DIFFICULT SITUATIONS?
WHY DO SO MANY MEN FIND IT HARD TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH THEY CARE? WHAT DO THEY LOOK FOR IN WOMEN? WHAT DO THEY WANT FROM COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS, FROM FRIENDSHIPS? WHAT MOTIVATES THEM? WHAT DO THEY WORRY ABOUT? HOW DO THEY SEE THEIR BODIES, THEIR WORLD?
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE FOR THEM AS THEY AGE? WHY DO SO MANY RESORT TO SUICIDE? EVERY DAY WE READ ARTICLES ABOUT MEN - MEN AT HOME, MEN AT WORK, MEN IN BED - BUT STILL THE CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION BETWEEN THE SEXES REMAIN. CAN WE PUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN DOWN TO THE INFLUENCE OF VENUS AND MARS, OR ARE THERE MORE INTRICATE DYNAMICS AT PLAY? MAGGIE HAMILTON-WHAT MEN WON’T TALK ABOUT
When you think of menhow would you finish this sentence:
“Men are…………….?”
Incompetent Lazy Aggressive Unfeeling Un-necessary Unfit Uncaring Silent Sex mad ?
Men are…!
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and often die with the song still in them.
Henry David Thoreau Philosopher 1817-1862
Men seek close and warm relationships…..but..
Men often do not express emotions because….
Men desire a trusting and honest friend.
Men wish for someone to share things with.
Their story and stories; hopes, dreams, ideas and thoughts.
Factors that contribute to an older mans quality of life.*Independence
*social support and social interaction*Family
*Good or well managed health*Physical mobility and strength
*Life skills including ‘in house skills’*Warm home
*Control over their own lives especially after death of partner when life can feel out of
control*Female companionship
*(Age concern UK. 2006)
Fears in the heart of a man.
Fear of alone-ness.Fear of loveless-ness.Fear of being useless.
RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY TO MEN
Understand the man’s internal
frame of reference
“Problem-solver” may want information to make an informed decision rather than
understanding
Males may not be able to identify /
articulate feelings
Use gender appropriate, non-deficit language
Recognize male preference for “side-
by-side” relationships rather than “face-to-
face”
Understand that anger may be a
defensive response
Exclusive-Breaking News!Men and women think differently and see the world differently too.
Work Home leisure
Family Hobbies /mates etc ?
Someone’s idea of what a woman’s brain looks like
Differences….
A woman will talk out her troubles before she knows what she wants to talk about!
A man will withdraw and internalize his stuff and ‘stew’ in his shed!
A woman will take events ‘out there’ and internalize the blame.
A man will put the blame on to others ‘out there’, especially loved ones, because he struggles to know how to process the internal stuff.
BY STATE/TERRITORY
BY GENDER
BY AGE
BEHAVIOURAL
Finalising affairs
Organising a will
Unexplained cryingWithdrawal
Quitting activities that used to be important
Giving away prized possessions
Over or uncharacteristic use of drugs or alcohol
Lack of interest in future
Uncharacteristic risk taking or
recklessness (eg. driving recklessly)
PHYSICAL SIGNS
Loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance
Loss of physical energy
Sudden & extreme changes in eating habits; loss or gain
Major changes to sleeping patterns (too much or too little)
Loss of interest in sex
Loss of interest. Full stop.
Increase in minor illnesses
Withdrawing
Talking in ‘ending’ terms…ah well, it won’t be forever; it will not be a problem for much longer….etc
After death of partner
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
THE END
Thank you!
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