Therapy-Bro Summer: Why More Aussie Men Are Backing Their Mental Health – and Why You Should Too - by Gerry Bronn, Clinical Psychologist at In Health - Byron Bay Psychology
Not long ago, the idea of Aussie blokes talking openly about therapy was about as likely as wearing a scarf to the beach. Mental health was something you either ignored or kept quiet about. But that’s changing—fast.
We’re in the middle of a cultural shift. Across Australia, more men are not only stepping into therapy, they’re owning it. And it’s not just about coping with tough times—it’s about levelling up in every part of life. In fact, therapy is quickly becoming what the dating world calls a “green flag”: a sign of emotional maturity, self-awareness, and strength.
They’re calling it Therapy-Bro Summer—and it might just be the healthiest cultural movement Aussie men have ever been part of.
Why the Old-School “Harden Up” Approach is Dying Out
We all grew up with it—the unspoken rule that men should be tough, stoic, and keep their emotions in check. “Don’t be soft,” “She’ll be right,” “Push through” were the default mantras.
While resilience is important, this old-school model ignored one thing: humans aren’t robots. Bottling things up doesn’t make you stronger—it makes you burn out. Research from Beyond Blue shows that Aussie men are far less likely than women to seek help for mental health struggles, but far more likely to experience severe consequences when they don’t.
The truth? Being emotionally shut-off doesn’t protect you—it isolates you. And the blokes who are thriving now are the ones who have realised that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness.
The Rise of the Therapy Bro
The term “therapy bro” started as a bit of internet slang—men who not only go to therapy but talk about it proudly. But it’s now a badge of honour. Think of it like this:
In the ’80s, lifting weights was “weird” unless you were a bodybuilder. Now it’s mainstream.
In the ’00s, meditation was “hippy stuff.” Now CEOs, elite athletes, and military special forces swear by it.
In 2025, therapy for men is going through the same shift—it’s becoming the norm, not the exception.
More men are realising that investing in their emotional health isn’t just about “fixing problems”—it’s about becoming sharper, calmer, and more confident in life.
Therapy as a Green Flag in Dating
Here’s where it gets interesting—dating culture is taking notice. In Australia, women are openly calling therapy a “green flag” for men. Why?
Self-Awareness – It shows you’re willing to look at yourself honestly.
Communication Skills – Therapy teaches you how to express yourself clearly and listen better.
Emotional Regulation – Being able to manage stress, frustration, or anger is hugely attractive.
Commitment to Growth – It signals you’re invested in becoming a better partner.
In a 2024 survey by Hinge, more than 60% of women said they’re more likely to date a man who’s been to therapy. And 80% said emotional maturity is a must-have.
Translation? Therapy doesn’t just improve your mental health—it can improve your love life too.
What Therapy Actually Looks Like
If you’ve never been to therapy, you might imagine lying on a couch talking about your childhood while someone nods and scribbles notes. The reality is different—especially with modern approaches used in Australia today.
Here’s what it can look like:
Practical Tools – Strategies for handling stress, conflict, and decision-making.
Performance Coaching – Therapy for high performers looking to break through mental roadblocks.
Relationship Skills – Communication techniques that work in dating, marriage, and business.
Deep Work – Understanding the patterns that keep holding you back.
You don’t have to be “in crisis” to go. Many blokes use therapy like a gym membership for the mind—regular sessions to stay sharp and balanced.
Why Men Are Jumping In Now
Several cultural forces are driving this shift:
High-Profile Role Models – Aussie athletes, actors, and entrepreneurs are openly talking about their therapy journeys.
Changing Masculinity – The definition of “strong” now includes emotional intelligence.
Post-COVID Reflection – Lockdowns made men rethink their mental health priorities.
Performance Edge – More men see therapy as a tool to get ahead, not just “get through.”
How Therapy Can Boost Every Part of Your Life
Let’s break down the benefits for Aussie men:
1. Career Growth
Better focus, stress management, and communication skills can help you lead teams, negotiate deals, and make smarter decisions.
2. Physical Health
Chronic stress affects sleep, energy, and even hormone balance. Therapy helps reduce that stress so your body works better.
3. Relationships
From dating to marriage to fatherhood, therapy gives you tools to connect more deeply and handle conflict without blowing up.
4. Mental Clarity
Instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you start making decisions from a calm, clear headspace.
5. Identity and Purpose
Therapy can help you figure out who you really are and what you actually want in life—beyond other people’s expectations.
Getting Started – Without the Overwhelm
If you’re curious about therapy but not sure where to start, here’s a simple path:
Decide Your Focus – Is it stress, relationships, career, or just general life clarity?
Find the Right Fit – Search for psychologists or counsellors who specialise in men’s mental health. In Australia, you can check directories like APS Find a Psychologist.
Book One Session – You don’t need to commit long-term. Start with a single appointment to test the waters.
Go in Open-Minded – You’re not there to “pass or fail”—just to explore.
Treat It Like Training – Consistency is where the results come from, just like the gym.
Breaking the Myths
Myth 1: Therapy is for weak people
Reality: It takes guts to face your own patterns and work on them. That’s strength.
Myth 2: It’s all talk, no action
Reality: Good therapy is action-based—tools, habits, and mindset shifts you apply straight away.
Myth 3: It’s too expensive
Reality: Many therapists offer Medicare rebates if you have a mental health care plan from your GP. Some workplaces even cover sessions.
From Therapy Bro to Better Life
If you strip away the social media hype, Therapy-Bro Summer is about one thing: men taking ownership of their mental health.
It’s about realising that just like you wouldn’t skip the gym for a year and expect to stay fit, you can’t ignore your emotional fitness and expect to thrive.
It’s about being the kind of bloke who can handle stress, communicate well, and keep his head clear—whether it’s in the middle of a relationship challenge, a work deadline, or a personal setback.
And maybe most importantly—it’s about showing other men, including your mates and your kids, that it’s not only okay to get help—it’s smart.
Final Word:
This summer, more Aussie men than ever are stepping into therapy and stepping up in life. Whether you’re in your 20s building your career, in your 30s balancing work and family, or in your 40s and 50s looking to sharpen your edge, therapy can be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Don’t wait for a crisis. Make this your Therapy-Bro Summer—and see what happens when you train your mind as hard as you train your body.
By Gerry Bronn
Clinical and Coaching Psychologist