Navigating Gender Bias: Male Provider Myths
Episode 196
September 3, 2025
Sep 3, 2025
LifeStance therapists Wojciech Seweryn, Ricky Esposito Jr and Jasper Waite join us on this episode to tackle some of the most common myths about male providers in mental health.
The conversation explores unconscious biases that often influence a preference for female therapists, along with stereotypes that male therapists may be less empathetic or warm. Wojciech, Ricky, and Jasper share how they build strong therapeutic relationships, the unique strengths they bring to their work, and how they address hesitations from clients who are unsure about seeing a male therapist.
They also reflect on the importance of modeling healthy masculinity and emphasize that every therapist—regardless of gender—offers their own individual strengths.
MEET THE GUEST
Wojciech Seweryn, MSW, LCSW
“One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” — Albert Camus
Has life become too much to bear?
What is your purpose?
Do you have meaning in life?
Shall we explore together?
My name is Wojtek Seweryn and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of clinical experience. Without answers to some of these most pressing questions we turn our creative energy into depression, neurosis, anxiety, and obsession. Ignored and unexplored, our relationship to these symptoms are exacerbated into physical and emotional expressions such as, but not limited to, Substance dependence, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relational difficulties, Identity struggles, and many more.
In session my primary goal is understanding the effect of our past experiences on our present perceptions and emotions which can lead to healing and growth.
Utilizing various clinical modalities, our time together is spent in curiosity, discovery, gentleness, and empathic connection while navigating your phenomenological experience.
A bit about me: avid reader. chess. outdoor enthusiast. husband. cyclist. podcast lover. and all things snow.
MEET THE GUEST
Ricky Esposito Jr, MA, LPCC
Ricky Esposito is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Colorado who has been practicing since 2023. He has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Who Ricky is and what he’s all about is to help you figure out who you are and what you’re all about. Ricky’s specialization is in identity formation and career decision. But within identity, there are many factors that go into that - sometimes past trauma can hijack identity. Sometimes interpersonal challenges, anxiety, or neurological conditions such as ADHD can all make finding yourself difficult. That’s where Ricky comes in to help you by equipping you with the skills and tools to help you sort all that stuff out. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And you have taken your first step in finding a therapist that is right for you. Ricky is here to walk beside you along your journey. So let’s get to work! In everything Ricky does, he aims to help communicate that which is difficult to communicate. And sometimes, words fail. That is why he loves composing and playing music. For him, music is the true expression of his soul where words cannot quite grasp it. In addition to music, he enjoys spending his time with his wonderful wife and sweet son. And, when time allows, he enjoys playing games with friends and family and finding a metaphorical dragon to slay.
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