Breaking the Silence: Healing Male Trauma

After Peter Pan: Growing Up to Purpose

Why do so many male survivors of childhood trauma and sexual abuse stay silent? In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, Pat Tenneriello sits down with Mason Shell, Executive Director and Education Coordinator at the British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA). Together, they explore the cultural barriers that keep men from seeking help, the impact of trauma on masculinity and relationships, and the transformative journey of healing and its impact on personal growth and finding purpose. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, this episode sheds light on the invisible struggles many men face—and the pathways to reclaiming their lives.

What You'll Learn:

• Why so many men stay silent about childhood trauma and sexual abuse
• How trauma impacts masculinity, relationships, and personal growth
• The concept of “The Talons of Trauma” and how it keeps survivors stuck
• The difference between guilt and shame—and why shame is so difficult to overcome
• How structured therapy programs help men with healing and personal growth
• Why many survivors struggle with commitment, intimacy, and self-worth
• How to find the right therapist or support system for your healing journey
• The power of group therapy and connecting with other survivors
• How childhood trauma shapes personal identity and decision-making
• The role of self-awareness, integrity, and “love for future self” in personal growth

Referenced Resources:

• British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
• Website 1in6.org
• Powerful video that highlights the barriers of male sexual abuse
• Men in Healing Psychotherapy program that Pat references

Social Media:

• After Peter Pan Podcast:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
• Mason Shell:
  • https://bc-malesurvivors.com/about-us/contact-us/

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Chapters

1. Breaking the Silence: Healing Male Trauma (00:00:00)

2. Personal Growth and Healing Journeys (00:01:18)

3. Hook & Intro (00:01:18)

4. Eclectic Approaches to Therapy (00:04:38)

5. Understanding Male Trauma (00:08:14)

6. Cultural Perspectives on Male Trauma (00:11:49)

7. Statistics and Underreporting of Male Abuse (00:15:43)

8. The BC Male Sexual Abuse Organization (00:18:33)

9. Program Structure and Group Therapy Benefits (00:21:27)

10. Navigating Group Therapy Dynamics (00:22:14)

11. Impact Stories: Transformations Through Support (00:24:24)

12. Personal Growth: Aligning Actions with Values (00:26:52)

13. Taking the First Step: Resources for Healing (00:29:39)

14. Childhood Trauma: The Path to Self-Discovery (00:34:16)

15. Masculinity: Redefining Strength and Vulnerability (00:40:55)

16. The Peter Pan Syndrome: Adulting and Responsibility (00:43:17)

17. Mindset Matters: Keys to Successful Therapy (00:45:56)

18. Therapy as a Lifelong Journey: When to Seek Help (00:51:59)

19. The Role of Therapy in Personal Growth (00:53:31)

20. Exploring Alternative Therapies and Life Coaching (00:54:44)

21. Finding the Right Therapist: Resources and Trust (00:56:23)

22. Understanding Shame and Guilt in Therapy (00:59:15)

23. The Importance of Playfulness in Therapy (01:04:00)

24. Navigating Therapist Burnout and Vicarious Trauma (01:08:20)

25. The Balance of Personality and Professionalism in Therapy (01:11:00)

26. When to Seek Therapy: Guidance and Considerations (01:13:26)

27. First Steps to Seeking Help (01:16:12)

28. Defining Growing Up: Personal Reflections (01:19:37)

29. Outro (01:24:40)