Empowering Men

Genna Marie • November 10, 2024

Embracing Coaching: How Men Can Strengthen Their Relationships with Themselves and Others


In today’s world, the idea of men seeking emotional support through coaching can feel like a new concept. For many men, opening up about personal struggles, whether daily stress, relationships, intimacy, dealing with loss, or navigating a divorce, isn’t always second nature. Coaching has emerged as a powerful tool that allows men to deepen their understanding of themselves and enhance their connections with others.


Breaking the Silence: Why Men in Coaching Matters

For generations, society has painted a picture of what it means to be a "strong man": one who is self-reliant, stoic, and unwavering. While these traits can be valuable, they can also isolate men, especially when facing challenging life events. Divorce, relationship conflicts, and loss often come with a whirlwind of emotions that men may feel pressured to hide. But repressing these emotions only distances them from the healing and personal growth they need.

Coaching gives men permission to break this silence and engage in self-discovery without judgment. Rather than being seen as a weakness, seeking support through coaching is a proactive way for men to take charge of their mental and emotional health.


Strengthening Self-Relationship

One of the most powerful aspects of coaching is how it strengthens a man’s relationship with himself. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are foundational to personal growth. Coaching encourages men to explore their values, beliefs, and emotional responses, helping them see patterns that may have influenced past relationships.

This process allows men to understand their own needs better, especially if they’ve gone through major transitions like a breakup or the loss of a loved one. When men take time to connect with their inner selves, they build resilience and clarity, which sets the stage for healthier connections with others.


Improving Relationships with Others

Many men initially seek coaching to work on their external relationships—whether with partners, children, friends, or family members. Through coaching, men learn to communicate openly and assertively, express vulnerability, and manage conflict more effectively. These skills not only improve relationships but also foster mutual respect and empathy.

Imagine a man navigating a divorce. He’s carrying not only the stress of separation but also the potential guilt, shame, or sadness that often accompanies it. Coaching can guide him through this, helping him to process his emotions constructively and communicate his needs with clarity

and compassion. This, in turn, sets a healthier example for future relationships and even for how he interacts with family and friends.


Acknowledging the Discomfort

Starting this journey isn’t always easy. Many men feel uncomfortable at the idea of opening up. They may think, “Why should I need coaching? I can handle things myself.” But embracing the discomfort is part of the growth process.

Coaches create a safe, non-judgmental environment where men can explore difficult emotions at their own pace. The discomfort eventually fades as they begin to see the benefits of their work. Talking about their challenges openly becomes more natural, and they realize that seeking support was not a sign of weakness but a step toward a stronger, healthier self.


The Takeaways

Coaching can be a transformative experience, offering men tools to understand themselves deeply and strengthen their relationships with others. By choosing to work through their struggles, they empower themselves to make changes that foster a fulfilling life.

If you’re a man who has considered coaching, know that taking this step is a testament to your resilience and courage. Coaching isn’t about fixing weaknesses; it’s about embracing growth and building a meaningful connection with yourself and those around you. Embrace the journey, and watch as the relationships in your life—starting with the one you have with yourself—become more connected and fulfilling.

Visit my website to learn more about the benefits of coaching, and all the services I offer.





By Genna Marie July 27, 2025
How to hold onto yourself when things get tense Uncomfortable conversations are a part of life. Whether it’s a disagreement with a partner, an awkward talk with a family member, or confronting a friend who crossed a line — tough moments will find us. And when they do, it’s easy to lose your footing. You might find yourself going silent to avoid conflict, saying things you don’t mean, or walking away feeling drained and unsettled. But what if you could stay grounded, clear, and true to yourself — even when the conversation feels messy or hard? ⸻ 1. Anchor Yourself Before You Speak Before the conversation even starts, check in with yourself: • What am I feeling right now? • What do I hope will come from this conversation? • What do I want to make sure I don’t compromise on? Example Practice: Take 3 minutes to write in your notes app: • “I feel frustrated because I haven’t felt heard.” • “I want more understanding — not just to be ‘right.’” • “I don’t want to leave this conversation doubting my worth.” Even this brief prep work can shift your entire approach. ——— 2. Lead With Curiosity, Not Defense It’s natural to feel defensive when something lands the wrong way. But instead of jumping in with: “That’s not true.” Try: “Can you say more about what you mean?” “I hear you — but I’m not sure I understand yet.” This keeps the conversation from spiraling and helps you stay present without needing to agree. Example Practice: Pause for just 5 seconds before replying — and choose a “curious opener” instead of a rebuttal. Write a few go-to lines you can use when your emotions rise: • “I want to understand your point, but I’m having a reaction right now.” • “Let’s slow this down — this matters to me.” ⸻ 3. Listen to Hear — Not Just to Respond In uncomfortable conversations, it’s easy to listen while preparing your defense. But when we do that, we miss the actual message — and conversations become battles instead of bridges. Example Practice: Try this during your next tough conversation: • When they finish speaking, repeat back what you heard: “What I’m hearing is that you felt left out when I didn’t include you in that decision. Is that right?” • Let them clarify if needed. Only then — after they feel heard — share your perspective. This doesn’t mean you have to agree. It means you’re choosing connection over combat. ⸻ 4. Protect Your Calm Without Playing Small You can be calm and firm. You can hold your boundary without raising your voice. Example Practice: Practice a few lines aloud before the conversation — just like you’d rehearse a presentation: • “I want to continue this conversation, but not like this.” • “It’s important to me that we both feel respected — and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now.” • “Let’s pause. I want to respond with care, not defensiveness.” ______ How I Can Help If you’re facing a conversation that feels overwhelming, emotional, or uncomfortable — you don’t have to go in alone. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions to help you: • Sort through your thoughts and emotions beforehand • Understand your needs and how to express them • Prepare your language with confidence and care • Stay regulated and grounded — no matter the outcome Together, we’ll practice clarity without defensiveness. Boundaries without shutdown. Truth without fear. Message me to book a session. You deserve support that honors your voice — and your peace.
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