How to Work with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse with Jeremy Sachs

Jeremy Sachs joins me to explore how identity, masculinity, and shame shape male survivors’ healing — and what therapists need to know.In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m speaking with therapist and author Jeremy Sachs about his upcoming book, An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and their Allies: Masculinity Reconnected (Routledge, July 2025).Drawing on years of experience running recovery groups for men, boys, and trans survivors, Jeremy brings a deeply compassionate and intersectional lens to a subject often left in the shadows.We talk about how myths about masculinity, cultural shame, and systemic failure can all affect whether survivors seek help — and how they experience it. Jeremy also shares practical reflections for therapists and allies who want to work more effectively with male clients.⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, trauma, and the failings of healthcare and justice systems. Please listen with care.Takeaways:Why Jeremy wrote this book — and how male survivors shaped each chapterWhat we mean by masculinity, and how cultural expectations harm survivorsThe role of shame, silence, and developmental trauma in male experiencesHow Black men and trans men may face unique stigma and barriers to careWhat “intersectionality” looks like in real therapeutic workWhy disclosure is complex — and how therapists can respond with empathyThe idea of “sexual selves” and how Western norms disconnect men from their bodiesWhat transformative justice is — and why some survivors seek it outside systemsThe essential role of allyship and community in recoveryYou can find Jeremy and order his book here: https://jeremysachs.comSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.com