Obari: June is Men’s Health Month. Before you began your Man-Cave movement, in your practice as a therapist, did you have a lot of men who came into your office? Do you have a sense of what some of the barriers are for men seeking therapy?
Tytannie: Yes, before I created TMH MANCAVE I was already working with young boys and men within my practice.  Well, there are several barriers. I think the first thing is to acknowledge that a lot of black men have not grown up believing that how they feel matters. There’s the fear of judgment that black men face when seeking mental health services. Society hasn’t made it safe for black men to express themselves in healthy ways. Misdiagnoses, lack of cultural competency, and inadequate treatment also contribute to the barriers black men face when seeking services.
Obari: What was the moment of inspiration for TMH MAN-CAVE? Did you initially have more support or resistance for the idea?  

There wasn’t necessarily a moment. In my work as a Psychotherapist, I realized men needed more than the hour I was providing to them on a weekly basis. They were often struggling with some of the same issues. So, I thought why not create a brave space where men could feel empowered and encouraged to talk about their feelings. Also as a daughter, whose own father has and still admits to not understanding the true essence of what it means to be a dad, l knew it had to be done.  Initially, there was a lot of support for what I was creating and there still is. However, there was some push back from both men and women who often asked “ Why men?” Why me”? To that I just say. “Why not?” 

Obari: How long have you been doing TMH MANCAVE? How has it evolved over time? Can you share one of your favorite moments? 

Tytannie: TMH MANCAVE will be celebrating two years