A new counselling service dedicated to men’s mental health has been launched in Brighton, aiming to provide a safe and confidential space for men to address their mental health challenges.
The service, called MEN TALK TOO, was founded by Brighton-based counsellor John Creigan. It offers one-on-one therapy sessions for men in Brighton, Hove, and across Sussex, with the added flexibility of online sessions available throughout the UK.
MEN TALK TOO was created in response to the growing demand for mental health support that specifically addresses the unique pressures men face. The service is designed to provide a space where men can talk openly about their mental health struggles, an area often overlooked due to societal expectations surrounding masculinity.
John Creigan, who has worked with many men dealing with long-term stress, anxiety, and grief, explained the motivation behind the service. “I’ve worked with many men who have carried years of stress, anxiety, or grief without ever feeling able to talk about it,” he said. “MEN TALK TOO isn’t just about therapy – it’s about making it clear that men have a right to be heard, that their struggles are valid, and that talking is a strength, not a weakness.”
The service offers a tailored approach to therapy, drawing on various therapeutic models, including person-centred, Gestalt, and existential therapies, all framed within a humanistic approach. It caters to a wide range of issues, including low self-esteem, depression, relationship difficulties, and a general sense of feeling lost, with the aim of helping individuals explore their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Creigan hopes that the service will not only provide therapeutic support but also contribute to shifting outdated perceptions of masculinity, particularly the notion that men should suppress their emotions. He emphasized that while Brighton is known for its strong community and mental health awareness, many men still feel isolated in their struggles.
“Brighton has a strong sense of community and awareness around mental health, yet I still see many men who feel completely alone in what they’re going through. This needs to change,” Creigan said. “MEN TALK TOO is here to be part of that shift.”
The service is currently accepting new clients, with in-person sessions available in Brighton and Hove, as well as online support for individuals across the UK.
Recent statistics reveal that men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, but they are much less likely to seek psychological help. With mental health services often overstretched and stigma continuing to hinder many from reaching out, Creigan believes that there is a pressing need for focused, accessible support specifically tailored to men at every stage of life.
