Tim Young, MA, LPC

INTRODUCTION I help men recognize and experience their feelings so they can build stronger connections with those they care about most. ---------- NUMBING EMOTIONS Throughout my 16 years of practice, I have consistently observed that many men tend to cope by numbing their emotions. This numbing can take shape in various behaviors, such as using marijuana, alcohol, pornography, gaming, TV, internet, phones, sports, and food. Beyond these activities, men may also avoid their feelings by engaging in over-thinking, over-working, or over-spending. At the heart of these patterns is the tendency to numb oneself; finding a way forward means learning to feel one's emotions. We often resort to numbing because experiencing pain is challenging. Many seek relief or comfort, lack alternative coping strategies, or simply do not have enough support in their lives. ---------- THE IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL UNAVAILABILITY ON RELATIONSHIPS When we are emotionally unavailable, it can create a sense of distance and separation from the most important people in our lives—our wives, children, and loved ones. Even when we are physically present, emotional disconnect can leave those closest to us feeling cut off and isolated. For example, a wife may experience profound sadness and a longing for deeper connection if her husband is emotionally distant. This emphasizes the essential role of emotional availability in building and maintaining strong, supportive relationships. ---------- THE FOUR-STEP EMOTIONAL AWARENESS PRACTICE To address these challenges, I use a structured approach called the Four-Step Emotional Awareness Practice. This process includes: 1. Discovering: The first step involves noticing and acknowledging feelings, as well as learning to accurately label them. 2. Processing: In this step, feelings are discussed openly during sessions. The emphasis is on slowing down and allowing ourselves to experience emotions as they arise. 3. Implementing: Once we become more attuned to our emotions, we can begin to deepen our connections with those we care about most. 4. Sustaining and Integrating: The final step focuses on practicing emotional awareness consistently across all areas of life, making these skills an ongoing part of daily living. ---------- CONCLUSION By following this practice, men can learn to feel their feelings, break the cycle of numbing, and foster deeper relationships and overall well-being. ---------- TAKE THE NEXT STEP If you are ready to begin your journey toward deeper connection and emotional well-being, I encourage you to reach out. Contact me today to schedule your first session and start building more meaningful relationships with those who matter most.