Frequently Asked Questions
How frequent are sessions and how long will therapy last?
The answer to those questions depends on many factors. Most commonly, therapy occurs once weekly for a 45-minute session. Therapy lasts for however long it is needed, which can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months. At MASC, we work collaboratively with our clients and you can discuss these treatment planning questions together with your therapist.
How confidential is therapy?
What is discussed in therapy is confidential and private. At MASC, we believe your confidentiality and privacy is extremely important; especially given how small Bermuda is. We will do all we can to protect it within the bounds of the law.
Shouldn't men keep their feelings to themselves?
This is a myth that has been instilled in male culture since the Jurassic Period, but that doesn't make it true. In reality, it's very important for guys to talk about their feelings, because keeping them bottled up only makes them worse. It's time men start sharing their feelings with their friends and loved ones.
Can't I just fix my problems by myself?
As you know, men are the ultimate do-it-themselvers. So, it's only natural that many of them believe they can fix their emotional, behavioral and mental health problems themselves. With mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, trying to fix them without professional assistance is like trying to heal a broken femur without a surgeon.
Is punching something or screaming at the top of your lungs a good way to release anger?
It's commonly believed that doing these activities (called catharsis) is a good way to prevent anger from boiling over. Unfortunately, it is not true. Studies show that people who release anger in this violent manner actually begin to associate anger with violence and become even more aggressive. If you are feeling angry, it's best to take a 5-minute timeout and let your anger pass.
How much will this cost me?
The cost of individual counselling at MASC is $200 per session. We accept BF&M Insurance and CG Insurance to offset the costs.
How do I know if I need therapy or if it will help me?
Choosing to enter therapy is always a personal decision. If you find that you’re going through a rough patch and the patch stays rough for a while you might want to consider seeking help. If you’re feeling stuck and notice that what you’re doing isn’t getting you any closer to where you want to be or what you want, therapy can help.
Is MASC an acronym? What does MASC stand for?
MASC is a play on words and is short for masculine: but is also a purposeful misspelling of mask where once removed a man can be his most authentic self.
When a person dies by suicide, is there something wrong with that person's character?
There's nothing inherently wrong with the personality or character of a person who dies by suicide. However, 90% of the time, there is an underlying sickness in the brain. And, like any organ, such as the heart, liver or kidneys, when the brain gets sick, too often it can lead to some life-threatening consequences.
Isn't there some kind of pill I can take to fix my depression?
Unfortunately, it's not that easy. While medication can play an important role in treating depression, it's important that you combine medication with treatment from a mental health professional.
Do people who abuse drugs and alcohol just suffer from a lack of willpower?
Unlike other temptations, such as chocolate cake and Internet porn, alcohol and drugs are different kinds of temptresses. They can actually cause significant changes in the brain that lead to dependency.
am i less of a man if i cry?
The notion that men don't, can't or shouldn't feel their feelings is just a result of a toxic society. This conveys the idea that men are not allowed to express their emotions except in drastic situations, like the loss of a loved one. Therefore, many men resort to alcohol, drugs or aggressive behaviour which encourage the masculine ideals of self reliance and denial of emotions.