Therapy for Men in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Evidence-Based Men’s Counseling for Stress, Anxiety, Anger, and Relationship Challenges
Men face unique pressures from career performance to financial leadership and family responsibilities, often along with the pressure to “figure it out alone.” At It Begins Within, our therapists offer specialized therapy for men in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, using practical, results-driven approaches that fit your life.
We specialize in providing depression therapy for men, managing anger and stress, relationship problems, addiction challenges, and porn and sex addiction
Therapy Specialized for Men
Anxiety and Depression Therapy for Men
Relationship Counseling for Men
Stress and Anger Management for Men
Addiction Counseling for Men
Career and Life Transition Counseling for Men
Therapists for Men in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota
-
![yler MacDonald, MA, LMHC, men’s therapist in St. Petersburg specializing in holistic therapy for business leaders, attorneys, and physicians.]()
Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC
Men’s therapist in St. Petersburg specializing in a holistic approach for business leaders, attorneys, and physicians.
-
![top mens therapist in tampa florida]()
Andrew “Drew” Decker, MSW
Therapist in Tampa specializing in men’s mental health, career stress, and identity challenges—helping men build resilience and stronger connections.
-
![Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC, marriage and men’s therapist in Tampa working with high-achieving entrepreneurs and couples.]()
Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Owner of IBW & a Tampa men’s therapist helping high-achieving entrepreneurs and couples navigate relationship challenges.
-
![Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC, men’s therapist in Tampa supporting professional and aspiring male athletes with therapy and performance counseling.]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Men’s therapist in Tampa focusing on professional and aspiring athletes, performance, and relationships.
-
![Sarasota mens therapist, Julia Loewi LCSW]()
Julia Loewi, MSW, LCSW
Men’s therapist in Sarasota supporting men navigating stress, relationships, and life transitions with practical tools and compassionate care.
Anxiety & Depression Therapy for Men
Men often experience anxiety and depression differently—sometimes as irritability, burnout, withdrawal, or feeling “checked out.” Our licensed therapists use CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies to help men:
Reduce overthinking and stress
Improve focus and motivation
Navigate career pressure
Build emotional resilience
signs of depression in men
Depression in men often looks different than most people expect. Instead of sadness, many men experience irritability, low motivation, or a growing sense of disconnection from work, family, or friends. Sleep changes, increased alcohol use, and feeling numb or “checked out” are also common. These symptoms can build slowly over time, especially for men balancing high pressure and responsibility, making it easy to overlook that something deeper is happening - which is often when depression therapy can make a meaningful difference.
anxiety symptoms in men
Anxiety in men frequently shows up as physical tension, overthinking, or a constant sense of being on-edge. Many men notice racing thoughts, trouble focusing, jaw clenching, restlessness, or persistent chest and stomach discomfort. Even after work or during downtime, it may feel difficult to relax or slow down. Because these signs often get mislabeled as “normal stress,” men may push through symptoms for months before realizing they’re experiencing anxiety - and this is often the point where anxiety therapy in Tampa can make a measurable difference.
How Emotional Struggles Often Show Up Differently in Men
Research shows that men often express emotional distress through behavioral and physical changes rather than through openly talking about sadness, fear, or overwhelm. Studies from the NIMH and APA highlight several common patterns: men frequently show irritability, anger, or withdrawal, and may rely more on avoidance or increased substance use to cope. Many also experience physical symptoms such as tension, restlessness, headaches, or changes in sleep and energy. These responses can mask underlying struggles, making emotional difficulties easy to mislabel as stress, overwork, or personality changes. Because these patterns differ from traditional signs of anxiety or depression, men are often underdiagnosed or wait longer to seek support.
Men’s Relationship Counseling
From communication breakdowns to intimacy issues, relationship stress is one of the most common reasons men seek therapy. We help with:
Conflict resolution
Rebuilding trust, especially after infidelity and betrayal
Improving emotional expression
Strengthening connection with partners
Marriage counseling in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Common Relationship Struggles Men Face in tampa, st. petersburg & Sarasota
Many men experience relationship stress in ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Research shows that men are more likely to struggle with communication breakdowns, difficulty expressing emotions, and feeling overwhelmed by work and family expectations. Conflicts may build when men shut down, become defensive, or withdraw during tension, while challenges with trust, intimacy, or feeling unappreciated often go unspoken. These patterns can create frustration for both partners and leave men unsure how to reconnect. Therapy helps men understand what’s happening beneath these reactions and gives them practical tools to improve communication, rebuild closeness, and strengthen the partnership.
If you are seeking relationship advice specifically for men, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our team today.
Therapy for Stress, Burnout & Overwhelm in Men
Many men carry heavy pressure from work, family, and daily responsibilities, and stress often builds until it becomes burnout or emotional overwhelm. Men commonly push through symptoms like exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or feeling mentally overloaded, assuming it’s “just part of life.” Our therapists help men identify the root causes of stress, understand early signs of burnout, and build practical strategies to stay grounded, focused, and balanced in high-pressure environments.
Anger Management for Men in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Anger often signals deeper stress, frustration, or emotional strain, but many men don’t recognize the early warning signs until it impacts relationships or work. We help men understand their triggers, develop healthier responses, and learn how to slow down emotional reactions before they escalate. Through evidence-based techniques, men gain tools to manage anger, communicate more effectively, and respond with clarity instead of anger or impulsivity.
Porn & Sex Addiction in Men
Porn and sex addiction often develop as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, performance pressure, or unresolved emotional pain. Over time, these behaviors can impact confidence, intimacy, and everyday functioning. Many men feel ashamed or stuck in a cycle they can’t break on their own. Our therapists help men understand the underlying triggers, rebuild healthy sexual and emotional patterns, and create a more secure and connected relationship with themselves and their partners.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can escalate quickly, especially for men who use risk-taking or escape behaviors to manage stress or emotional overload. What starts as a hobby can turn into a source of financial strain, secrecy, and relationship breakdowns. We help men identify the emotional drivers behind gambling, understand the cycle of compulsion, and develop practical tools to regain control, rebuild trust, and restore stability in their lives.
Emotional Addictions & Repeating Unhealthy Patterns
Many men find themselves repeating the same emotional patterns in friendships, work, romantic relationships, or even in fatherhood. These “emotional addictions” often show up as choosing the same unhealthy dynamics, overcommitting at work to feel valued, or staying in cycles of conflict or avoidance at home. These patterns are rarely intentional—they’re responses developed over years of stress, conditioning, or unmet emotional needs. Therapy helps men recognize these cycles, understand where they come from, and learn new ways to create healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, and more stable emotional foundations.
Career and Life Transition Counseling
Major life changes—like job loss, career shifts, or retirement—can be daunting. Our career and life transition counseling in Tampa and St. Petersburg supports men through these pivotal moments. We provide guidance to navigate uncertainty and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Why Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota Choose IBW
Local Expertise
We know the unique challenges men face in Tampa and St. Petersburg, from demanding careers to family responsibilities, and we tailor our services to fit your life.
Focused Care for Men
Our therapy is designed with men in mind, offering practical, action-oriented solutions that resonate with male experiences.
Qualified Therapists
Our team of licensed professionals brings years of experience in men’s mental health, using proven methods to deliver results.
Confidential & Safe Space
We create an environment where men feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly and working toward meaningful change.
Commonly Asked Questions
What type of therapy is best for men?
Through experience in working with thousands of men in therapy, including professional athletes, physicians, entrepreneurs and executives, I’ve found that the “best” therapy is highly depedent on individual goals. With that said, there are certain approaches that consistently tend to resonate more as a result of there practical, results-driven nature. These include:
Solution-Focused Therapy - This short-term approach focuses on quick and practical solutions over prolonged analysis, which can greatly benefit those in search of faster progress in addressing specific challenges.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT can help men accept difficult emotions while committing to meaningful actions aligned with their values.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT is a standout choice for men because it zeroes in on problem solving and transforming negative thought patterns into constructive behaviors. I’ve found men in Tampa often juggle demanding careers and family roles, and CBT provides actionable tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression effectively.
Should a male get a male therapist?
The simple answer is, it’s up to you. Based on numerous studies and trials, there is no clear evidence to suggest men benefit more or less from therapy based on the therapists gender. What these studies often do suggest though that the single greatest factor in achieving therapeutic goals is the therapeutic relationship (how well do you connect with your therapist). If you are seeking a male therapist in Tampa Bay, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Tyler MacDonald.
What does therapy do for men?
You may have heard that therapy can be critical during certain “seasons” of life or for specific “reasons”. We most often help men in Tampa & St. Petersburg, Florida with:
Strengthening emotional resilience (such as overcoming a job loss, relationship struggles or health issues).
Guiding life transitions
Redefining masculinity
Improving communication skills
Mental Health Services for Men in Florida
Mental health services for men in st. petersburg
Our St. Petersburg therapy office proudly supports men across Pinellas County—including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island. Whether you’re dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, anger, or anxiety, our licensed therapists offer confidential in-person and virtual men’s counseling tailored to your needs.
men’s therapy in tampa
Located near Westshore and South Tampa, our Tampa therapists provide men’s counseling for individuals across Hillsborough County, including Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach. We help men manage career stress, family responsibilities, depression, and performance pressures with proven approaches like CBT, EFT, and trauma-informed care.
therapy for men in sarasota
Our Sarasota therapy team serves men throughout the Suncoast region, including Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, coping with stress, or seeking healthier ways to connect with loved ones, our therapists provide personalized, evidence-based support to help you thrive.
Seeking Specialized Men’s Counseling in St. Petersburg or Tampa, Florida?
We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations for all of our skilled therapists. Our belief is that the strongest factor in your success through therapy is the relationship with your therapist - and we want to ensure that.