The conversation explores the societal expectations placed on men regarding emotional expression and vulnerability, particularly in the context of therapy. Harrison Crawford discusses the challenges men face when asked to show emotions, be vulnerable, and relinquish control, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these difficulties in the therapeutic process.
Takeaways
- Things like don’t cry, don’t show your emotions, don’t be vulnerable, always be in control, never ask for help.
- We ask them to show emotions.
- It’s okay to cry.
- We want them to be vulnerable.
- Sometimes they have to relinquish a little control to the therapist.
- Recognizing that that’s a big ask for a lot of men.
- I’m here to meet you wherever you’re at in that process.
- Acknowledging that it’s hard for you.
- Therapy requires emotional expression.
- Societal norms impact men’s mental health.
Chapter Listing
1. Introduction (00:28) • Eli Williams welcomes Harrison Crawford to the Fathering Strong podcast
2. Growing Up with Dad (01:34) • Harrison reflects on his childhood and relationship with his father • Discusses his dad’s career and family dynamics
3. Becoming a Father (05:28) • Harrison’s journey to fatherhood • Overcoming fears about parenting • Introduction to his two children
4. Parenting a Son and Daughter (07:21) • Challenges of raising children • Being intentional about gender messages • Encouraging emotional openness and leadership
5. Finding His Passion for Father Work (11:05) • Meeting Dan Griffin • Attending the “Engaging Fathers More Effectively” conference • Experiencing a professional epiphany
6. Current Therapy Practice (13:31) • Virtual counseling approach • Referral processes • Being the “go-to guy” for fathers in therapy
7. Why Men Don’t Seek Help (15:56) • Exploring the “man rules” • Barriers preventing men from seeking therapy • Emotional vulnerability challenges
8. Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword (18:05) • Internet’s impact on fatherhood • Positive and negative aspects of online communities • Masculine anger and echo chambers
9. Supporting Fathers Facing System Barriers (21:11) • Validating fathers’ experiences • Navigating resistance and emotional safety • Helping alienated fathers reconnect
10. Creating Virtual Support for Dads (24:35) • Discussing potential platforms for father support • Importance of peer-to-peer connections
11. The Amazing Dads Curriculum (31:37) • Overview of the passion project • Unique aspects of the curriculum • Trauma-informed approach to fatherhood
12. Partnership with Dan Griffin (37:01) • How Harrison and Dan met • Developing a collaborative relationship • Shared vision for father support
13. Upstream Work with Young Men (39:15) • Preparing the next generation of fathers • Addressing generational shifts in masculinity • Holistic approach to gender understanding
14. Vision for the Future (42:58) • Dreams for Amazing Dads curriculum • Breaking cycles of trauma • Raising a more emotionally intelligent generation of fathers
To reach Harrison Crawford, contact him through email at: harrison@griffinrecoveryenterprises.com
The Fathering Strong Podcast is a production of Urban Light Ministries. To support the podcast, the Fathering Strong App, and the work to help more fathers, please go to www.urbanlight.org.