🎧 Episode 33: Men, Relationships, and The Necessary Inner Journey with Jack Lafleur
📝 Episode Summary:
It's Men's Mental Health Month, so let's focus in on men's experiences in relationship. Jack Lafleur has spent the last few decades doing impactful work with men in his private practice — helping them on the journey of self-discovery, expanding their hearts, and learning to be relational. It's no secret that patriarchy has written some pretty rigid narratives about what it is to be a "man." Today, we debunk many of the myths we hear as clinicians and coaches about why men are the way they are, and the systemic changes we are working toward to create a generation of men with open hearts and intentional skills to be in healthy relationships.
💬 Episode Notes:
Men are often not conditioned to be relational, but with awareness and effort, they can absolutely learn.
What is learned can also be unlearned — growth requires conscious reprogramming.
Patriarchal conditioning disconnects men from themselves and from emotional intimacy.
Healthy, egalitarian relationships promote longevity and overall well-being.
Many men carry unhealed shame from childhood, fueling a lifelong “not good enough” narrative.
Toxic masculinity is real and limits emotional freedom for men and their partners.
Overcompensation often stems from a lack of self-worth or emotional disconnection.
Most human struggles trace back to issues of self-worth.
Cultural fear discourages men from embracing vulnerability or nontraditional expressions of masculinity.
True wholeness comes from reclaiming disowned parts of oneself and integrating them.
Every human has the innate capacity to look inward, grow, and evolve emotionally.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Reach Jack via email: jacklaf@magma.ca
Follow Jack on Facebook for more insights.
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @millenniallifecounseling
Facebook: Millennial Life Counseling
Website: www.millenniallifecounseling.com