Abstract
I want to start by assuming that there are qualities with which more men than women identify, and vice versa. Individuals will develop and maintain a balance of these qualities which is unique. I am also assuming that some of these gendered qualities are rooted in biology, i.e. the shape of our bodies, balance of hormones etc, some are societal and some are the complex result of our up-bringing. It is certainly important for us, as psychotherapists and counsellors, to spend time thinking, as Reich did, about the complex interaction between biology, the family and society (Reich 1973 pp 186–188), particularly its consequences for us as individuals. However, this is not my focus here. I'm interested in looking at the role of what are commonly perceived to be masculine qualities in counselling and psychotherapy, regardless of the biological gender of the therapist, and how these qualities could be more positively valued.