There are many types of self-help for men. Many of the methods and techniques are not unique to men but, because of the prevalence of some men’s issues, certain techniques can be used more often by men. The types of self-help for men can range from books targeted to a certain problem to support groups to personal coaches who provide individualized programs for improvement. Motivational speakers and commercially available products can provide unique techniques or ways of thinking and acting to encourage self-improvement. The issues that confront men seeking self-help could include substance abuse, anxiety, health problems or even just a desire to be more financially independent.
By far, books are the most prevalent type of self-help for both men and women. Books that are written especially for men are available on a wide range of topics. There are self-help books that cover everything from hair loss to dating to dealing with cancer. These can be a popular self-help medium because they are readily available and do not initially require a large financial or emotional commitment.
Support groups that encourage self-help for men with common goals or problems also are popular. These can be groups that espouse a specific life philosophy to treat issues such as substance abuse, or they can be purely motivational, encouraging members to take steps toward their goals by sharing stories and advice. A number of support groups are formed around books, videos or independent philosophies that ask their members to follow a defined structure during the group meetings and in their daily lives.
Motivational speakers provide a type of self-help for men by giving lectures, sometimes accompanied by books or tapes. The concept is that men will listen to the speaker, who will provide a thought-out method of achieving a goal, and then provide motivation outside of the lectures through other media. Some speakers focus on overcoming undesirable traits, while others might espouse ways to increase wealth, happiness or health.
Another form of self-help for men is the use of subliminal audio and video. This involves listening to or watching something that appears on the surface to be normal music or images, while underneath exposing the brain to specific embedded messages. This form of self-help is popular for quitting smoking or raising self-esteem, although there is no hard evidence that it actually works for everyone.
Of the many types of self-help for men, it is important to note that all people are different. Various techniques and approaches exist because they do not consistently work for everyone. What is a successful treatment for one man might not work at all for another.