The Paradox of Power and Vulnerability: The Hidden Suffering of Boys and Men
Conversations about men’s mental health often reach a paradox - how can a group with so much social, political, and economic privilege also be deeply vulnerable? Men face alarming rates of depression, addiction, loneliness, health crises and disconnection, yet they also bring strengths such as resilience, loyalty, problem-solving, and a desire to protect and provide. In this current political climate where even attempting to understand men can spark backlash, how do we address men and boys' challenges before they ripple outward and impact us all? This dual reality, privilege alongside fragility, makes the topic both urgent and complex.
In this workshop, Dr. Erica Liebman will begin with an overview of the current state of men and boys, highlighting shifting gender norms, changing views of masculinity, boys’ academic performance, and broader mental health trends. She will then facilitate a reflective, discussion-based exploration of men’s experiences, with particular attention to differences across race, class, and sexual orientation. The session will create space to examine how cultural expectations, gender norms, and intersecting identities shape both the power and vulnerability of men. Rather than offering prescriptive strategies, the focus will be on conversation considering the challenges men face, the strengths they embody, and the societal shifts that could foster healthier, more connected lives. The ultimate aim is for participants to leave with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of men’s place in a rapidly changing world, while reckoning with the complexity of shaping a new path forward for men and boys.
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Dr. Erica Liebman is a Philadelphia-based clinical psychologist specializing in individual and couples therapy, with a focus on men’s mental health, a population often overlooked in mental health settings. She is the founder of The Therapy Practice Philly, where she and her team provide integrative care tailored to diverse client needs. Separately, she works with veterans assessing for mental health disabilities.
She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Widener University and holds both an M.Ed. and a BA in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She serves on the boards of the American Psychological Association’s Division on Men and Masculinities and the Philadelphia Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology, and contributes to the Men and Boys Compassion Initiative.
A national presenter on men’s psychology and the role women play in supporting men’s growth, she was recently featured on CNN Headline News’ Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid. Her newest endeavor is the podcast, Therapy with Men and Boys: A Guide for Clinicians.