Repressing emotions is abuse. 

Speaking with clinical psychologist Dr Nathan Baumann today we have a fascinating conversation about the psychology of emotions especially with men and boys.

He talks about how most emotions are not allowed and how that impacts society.

He also talks about what he feels about having no space for emotions like in a lot of boarding schools.

He feels it is emotional abuse.

A fascinating conversation. Very enlightening.

---

Dr. Nathan Baumann is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Colorado. He has advanced specialization in integrated health care, health psychology, sleep disorders, substance abuse, and sports psychology. His research efforts have focused on health behavior changes over the lifespan and has advanced training in the interplay between physical health, mental health, and environmental factors. 

Question for Nathan:

1. I would love for you to share some of your journey. How did you get into the work you now do?
2. The "boys will be boys" way of thinking about the behavior of young boys is holding them to a bar that is too low for them to grow. What needs to happen?
3. Processing and expressing emotions. What can we do to start processing and expressing in a healthier way?
    Learning how to process and express emotions is an important part of development - when we reduce boys to only a few emotions, this not only hurts their ability to get their needs met but also makes them less likely to be able to effectively participate in relationships and meet the needs of others. 
4. What if these children were told that no emotions were okay? 
5. What can we do as men to support boys?
    Men are often the worst offenders when it comes to setting and maintaining low expectations for boys - traditional masculine values do not include emotional intelligence or empathy as cornerstones of manhood, so they are often seen as a bonus rather than a requirement. 
6. How do we hold men to a higher standard?
    Holding men to a higher standard is not erasing masculinity - it is correcting it. It allows for a wider experience of emotions, fewer demonstrations of intimidating anger displays due to a higher tolerance for unpleasant emotions, and overall fewer instances of isolation and improved mental health. 
7. Other areas to talk about:
   1. Fathers
   2. PTSD and Complex PTSD
   3. Anxiety
   4. Stress management
   5. Depression
   6. Mood disturbances.

#mentalhealth #emotionalintelligence

For more information about Dr Baumann please visit: https://www.southpsychology.com/team/nathan-baumann%2C-phd

or email [email protected]

---

Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.

He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.

He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1

For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross

For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic

For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community

Many blessings,

Piers Cross

http://piers-cross.com/