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Your marriage is struggling. You feel like you’re failing as a mom, and despite your best efforts, your husband refuses to join you in therapy. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and there’s more to this resistance than meets the eye. Let’s break down why men avoid therapy, the dangers of waiting too long, and how you can take the lead in creating a healthier, more connected relationship—even if he’s not on board yet.
Summary
- You’re not alone in feeling like you’re the only one trying to save your marriage.
- Men often resist therapy due to fear of judgment and vulnerability.
- Reframing therapy as an opportunity can change the conversation.
- Change can start with you, even if your partner isn’t ready.
- Empower X helps women reclaim their power and improve their relationships.
Why Do Men Avoid Therapy?
Many women I work with say the same thing: “I feel like I’m the only one trying to save this marriage.” For many men, therapy feels like walking into an ambush. One woman told me her husband said, “Why should we pay someone to tell me I’m the problem?” That resistance often comes from a deep-seated fear of being judged or blamed.
Men are often conditioned from a young age to suppress their emotions. They’re told to “tough it out” or “shake it off.” Therapy, which requires vulnerability and emotional honesty, feels like the ultimate exposure—like admitting failure. Unfortunately, this mindset keeps many couples stuck.
Here’s the thing: therapy isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about creating a space where both partners can feel heard and understood. If therapy feels like a punishment or an attack, no wonder he’s shutting down. Reframing therapy as an opportunity for growth, rather than a consequence, is critical.
“Therapy isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about creating a space where both partners feel heard and understood.” – Veronica Cisneros, LMFT
The Cost of Waiting
The reality is, avoiding therapy only delays the inevitable. Resentment grows, emotional distance deepens, and before long, couples find themselves living parallel lives. One woman told me, “I dread coming home because I know it’s going to be the same thing.”
When couples stop sharing the little things, emotional intimacy fades. The invisible load—juggling chores, managing schedules, carrying the mental burden—feels heavier. You resent him for not stepping up, and he resents feeling like he’s constantly criticized. This cycle is exhausting and dangerous.
Resentment and disconnection often pave the way for infidelity, whether physical or emotional. These issues are symptoms of deeper problems that could have been addressed earlier with therapy. Don’t wait until your relationship reaches the breaking point to take action.
“Resentment grows, connection fades, and before you know it, you’re living parallel lives.” – Veronica Cisneros, LMFT
Change Starts with You
So, he won’t go to therapy. Does that mean you’re stuck? Absolutely not. Change can start with you. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” him—it’s about understanding yourself and how you contribute to the dynamic.
One woman in my Empower X program said, “I realized I needed to work on how I expressed my feelings without blowing up or shutting down.” By focusing on her own growth, she shifted the energy in her relationship. This kind of transformation doesn’t require both partners to be in the room.
Here’s a game-changing question to ask yourself: Are you showing up to conversations with walls already built? If you approach every discussion as a battle, it’s impossible to truly connect. Lowering those walls and expressing your needs clearly and calmly can open the door to real change.
“Your marriage doesn’t have to end here, but it also can’t stay where it is.” – Veronica Cisneros
How Empower X Can Help
High-achieving women often carry an enormous invisible load, managing work, home, and family. That’s why I created Empower X. It’s not therapy—it’s a program designed to help you take back your power while navigating the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and career.
In Empower X, we tackle the invisible load, teach you how to delegate effectively, and help you set boundaries that stick. You’ll learn to express your needs without blame, regulate your emotions, and rebuild trust and intimacy. It’s about integrating your personal and professional life in a way that feels balanced and fulfilling.
One participant came to the program feeling like her marriage was beyond saving. By the end, she shared, “I’ve learned to set boundaries and show up differently. My husband is finally stepping up too.” That’s the power of doing the work.
Take the First Step
This week, I challenge you to ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do to shift this dynamic today? Maybe it’s setting a boundary, expressing a need, or scheduling a session with a therapist for yourself. Whatever it is, take that step.
Your marriage doesn’t have to end here, but it also can’t stay where it is. The change starts with you—your willingness to show up, to lead by example, and to believe that things can be different.
If this resonates with you, consider joining Empower X. Together, we can create a movement of empowered, unapologetic women who refuse to settle for less. Ladies, it’s time. You know it, and I know it. Let’s do this. Empower each other to create the lives—and marriages—we deserve. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone. It’s time to bet on yourself and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality—messy bun and all.
Starting February 19, this transformational mastermind group, led by award-winning therapist Veronica Cisneros, LMFT, is designed for entrepreneurs, executives, and ambitious women who are ready to master marriage, motherhood, and career—without sacrificing any part of themselves.
Whether you’re balancing career growth with family life, seeking to overcome guilt and stress, or determined to break free from the cycle of frustration in your relationship, Empower X offers the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive. Together, we’ll redefine success on your terms and create a life where your relationships and ambitions flourish side by side.
Don’t wait. Join the movement and take the first step toward your breakthrough today.
Want to join me on this journey? Visit https://veronicacisneros.org/empowerx to get started. Together, we’ll rewrite your story.
Useful links:
- Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
- Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
- Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
- 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org
Meet Veronica Cisneros
As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.
But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.
Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop, you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!
Thanks for listening!
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