Guest: Dr. Steven Lytle, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founding Partner of Sparrow House Counseling

Dr. Steven Lytle is a licensed psychologist with Sparrow House Counseling in Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a B.A. in Psychology. He later graduated with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Lytle acquired his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University.  Previously, Dr. Lytle worked as a therapist with Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas, Texas as well as counseling families through the juvenile probation department in Dallas County. Steven also served as clinical director of adolescent services at the Cedars Hospital in DeSoto, Texas. Additionally, Dr. Lytle was an adjunct professor of Psychology at Criswell College.

Therapy and counseling were for so long seen as a weakness, not a benefit, especially for men. Why is it so uncommon for men to seek help? Think about a guy in Home Depot - how often do men ask for assistance even with something simple like finding the right tool?

Men are more comfortable with the emotions of anger and stress. Stress is another way of saying “anxiety” but it is very different from anxiety. Stress is usually brought about by a “stressor” - a particular situation/event - and when that stressor is removed, then our stress level goes down. Anxiety can be brought about without an underlying situation. With anxiety, even when our situation is improved, we can feel anxious.

Guys - we need to consider how our “cup” is doing - are we filled too high and need to remove some things from our life - are there too many stressors or anxieties that are filling our cup?

Guys - important to consider how we train up guys to be the men that God has designed for them to be. Not to be carbon copies of their fathers, but to know and understand what God has designed for each individual.

Important to note that masculinity is a God-given concept, not limited to social constructs. Men can cook, sew, do laundry…and a host of things that many in our culture today do not view as things that “men do.”

Recent study had the astronomical number of men who live alone - isolated from community. Men in our culture value “independence,” but we are made for community and being alone and isolated is a difficult situation for an extended time period. Community - “your guys” - is not only valuable, it’s hard work to invest in relationships! Guys need “face-to-face” time, but it can be easier to start with “shoulder-to-shoulder” activities.

Train your boys how to have “face-to-face” conversations. It really is an important life skill - especially for building relationships. With the increasing use of mobile phones and technology, we all spend much less time with interpersonal communications.

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.