Men’s Therapy

Man looking into sunset horizon

Men’s Therapy in Huntington Beach

You may be struggling with feeling a sense of meaning, purpose, and value in your life. You may be feeling that it is difficult to connect to others, especially women, and you don’t understand what or how to change. You may be experiencing life as unfulfilling and you are uncertain about what is next. You may be experiencing some sort of addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, porn, work, working out, or female attention.

So many men find themselves feeling that they are missing something in their lives and don’t know where to look. So often, men don’t know where to begin to facilitate change in their lives to become a better partner, which is where therapy can really help.

Meet Brandon Pendergraft, Men’s Therapist in Huntington Beach

My name is Brandon Pendergraft, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist.

I help men to get connected, understand their place in the world, and to recognize the value they bring to the table. I help men to figure out what is preventing them from feeling a sense of value and purpose in their lives. I truly enjoy helping men to find meaning in their lives, to live for a purpose that is bigger than them, and to realize how they can add value to society.

I have worked with many men who have been able to overcome addictions and experience the freedom of living a life where they don’t need to depend on external sources to feel like they are living their best life.  The freedom that comes from releasing the dependence on those substances or experiences is life changing.

Reach out if you are ready to make lasting change in your life.

My Approach To Men’s Therapy

 I can help you by providing a fresh set of eyes to help you understand how others may be experiencing you. I also draw from decades of experience sitting with and listening to women in therapy, in order to understand what they are looking for in a partner, which I can pass along to you as well.   

I have helped many men work on including/excluding different elements into their lives, that help them to feel like they are moving in authentic direction that provides them a sense of fulfillment, passion and well-being as they move into a more hopeful future.

I recognize that as a man talking to another person about your feelings can seem intimidating, as we are taught that we need to an island, and most of us have never done it before. However, my candid and relaxed style will help you feel at ease along the way.  Know that you aren’t supposed to know how to do this work, and that I’m here to help.  Together we can get to a place where you can feel the freedom and sense of meaning and purpose you have been desiring in your life.

I focus on helping men to get in touch with their masculinity and to overcome the shame that so many men feel.  I can help you to get in touch with your emotions in healthy ways, in order to determine what you need, and ask for those needs to be met in a way that other people want to meet those needs.  I can also help you to understand the stuck places in your life, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, anger issues, lack of meaningful relationships, etc. and seek to get those needs met in healthy ways that lead to freedom from those difficulties. 

Our work together can help you experience the freedom of being yourself both in a congruent and authentic manner.  I can help you to alleviate the unwanted and unhelpful messages you have received from those outside of you and find ways of creating your vision for a life that is filled with meaning, passion, and value. 

If this sounds like something you want in your life, contact me for a complimentary consultation.

Men’s Therapy FAQs

Should a man see a male therapist?

Many men do better with a male therapist than a female therapist because they aren’t worried about offending the therapist.  Many men are taught to be hesitant to share with women because if they do it will upset them or be too much for them.  For this reason, many men find it more comfortable to talk toa man.  The bottom line for finding a good therapist is feeling like they are a good fit for you and what you are dealing with in your life.  I would suggest trying out or at least talking to multiple therapists to see who feels like they will be the best fit. 

Is therapy worth it for men?

I have worked with many men over the 20 years I have been in practice.  Some of the results that they have reported are feeling like they can finally understand what they need and ask for it from their partners, stating they have way healthier relationships with partners children parents’ friends co-workers etc.  Many men have experienced relief in feeling they understand themselves so much better and they won’t repeat the negative patterns in relationships that they engaged in and accepted from previous partners.  If therapy ceases to have value for you and you feel like you are not getting anything out of it, then I would suggest making sure you check in and are continuing to do the hard work necessary to change, and if you are and don’t feel like things are working out then talk with your therapist and potentially find something that would help you more. 

Is it normal for guys to go to therapy?

A lot of men feel like therapy is only for girls, but a lot of guys are really struggling and need help.  Most men feel wary of asking for help, even though we know it would probably be in our best interest to put our pride down and admit that we need help.  If your computer, plumbing, car breaks down you would get outside help more than likely, right?  If you wanted to learn a new skill like surfing, paragliding, guitar, etc. you would most likely hire a coach to help you navigate the waters and show you the way, correct?  Same thing for therapy.  Therapy is learning the skill of dealing with you, and you are one of a kind.  There is no book to teach you about why you do what you do, but therapy can help you.

What does a male therapist do?

A male therapist can listen from a male’s perspective and understand firsthand what you are going through, as well as help you to overcome the obstacles that you are facing in your life.  A male therapist can offer you tips and understanding on how to deal with the unique issues you face as a man as well as how to move through those issues in meaningful ways. 

What type of therapy is best for men?

The type of therapy that generally works best is very individual to the person seeking therapy.  Therapy isn’t a one size fits all type of modality.  Often it is best to meet with, or at least talk to several therapists to feel comfortable with them and with their style before committing to working with them.  Change is best when you feel like the fit between you and your therapist really works.  I would be happy to chat with you and determine if we would be a good fit.  I would also encourage you to keep looking until you find someone that understands you and where you feel like they can help you to achieve the transformation you are looking for in your work.

What are men’s issues therapy?

Men are struggling with a lot in today’s day and age.  Many men are not taught how to deal with their emotions.  We are taught that we can be happy, angry, or stoic.  People ask us to share our feelings but when we do it often leads to conflict, and people being upset with us.  Some common issues men struggle with are anxiety, depression, addiction to pornography and substances, guilt, like they don’t match up to other men, shame, feeling inadequate, feeling like a failure, loneliness, feeling a lack of value, meaning, and purpose.  Men are struggling to maintain relationships, going through a breakup or divorce, estrangement from children, parenting issues, lack of a male role model, among many other issues.  As you can see there are a host of issues men are facing.  Therapy can help you with these issues and more.  Let me know if you would like to schedule a time to talk about what specifically you are looking for and how I may be of service to you. 

Take charge of your life with the help of a men’s therapist in Huntington Beach

If you’re ready to talk, contact me for a free consultation.