Initially, I thought, “Couples therapy? That’s for people who are on the brink of divorce after decades of marriage!” I felt that if we needed therapy, maybe we shouldn’t even be together. However, I didn’t want to lose what we had. So, in 2021, I decided to give it a shot. This opened the door for me to become receptive to therapy—talking to someone, self-reflection, and embracing the humility of being wrong. In a lovely, unexpected way, love was my gateway to therapy and inner work.

Couples therapy primarily focuses on the relationship itself, without delving deeply into personal history. When I started working with a therapist in 2022, I began to peel back the layers and confront my deeper issues. It was a completely different experience.

That same year, I faced the loss of my childhood dog, who had been with me throughout my high school years and every home my family lived in while in Georgia. Her passing hit me harder than I expected. My nervous system felt completely out of sync. Therapy helped me understand the weight of this loss. I had rushed through my twenties, experiencing rapid success and taking on the role of caretaker for my family, without any transition back to being just a son or brother. When our dog died, it felt like losing a significant part of my childhood, and I struggled to process it alone.

Recognizing my need for professional support, I reached out to Dr. Nicole LePera, who connected me with a therapist specializing in working with successful men. I had concerns that a therapist might not grasp the unique challenges that come with fame, but finding someone who understood made a tremendous difference.

First Up: Finding Awareness, Humility, Hope, and Empathy

THE FIRST STEP IN taking control of my mental health was learning to pause before reacting. This simple act allowed me to observe my own emotional responses. By taking just a moment to have a brief internal conversation, I found I could engage in calmer, more articulate discussions with others. It sounds straightforward, but this practice has fundamentally changed my interactions.

The immediate impact of therapy for me was the development of humility and hope. I quickly came to realize that I didn’t have all the answers, and that was perfectly acceptable. I had always prided myself on having life figured out—even writing a book on the topic. But the truth is, no one has it all figured out. Each therapy session was an eye-opener, leaving me more self-aware than I had been the day before.

Over time, I developed a deeper sense of empathy, an area where I had always struggled. I had been unable to show compassion to myself, making it difficult to extend that understanding to others. Therapy introduced me to the idea that I needed to care about my own experiences, which has transformed me into a better person. I now recognize that when someone is not at their best, it’s often because they are fighting their own battles, just as I have.

Therapy and Manhood

MY BROTHER FRANK is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, serving as both my trainer and chef. His presence in my life has been pivotal. Beyond being my brother, his commitment to health helped me recognize that a healthy lifestyle is achievable. Early in 2022, feeling dissatisfied with myself, I decided to commit fully. I tracked my food intake, drank a gallon of water daily, eliminated alcohol, and worked out every day with Frank. I successfully lost 30 pounds in six months. Physically, I felt the best I ever had, yet I still grappled with feelings of depression—emotionally and spiritually.

At that point, I realized the notion that “going to the gym is the cure for depression” was misguided.

You can’t simply lift weights to erase the memories of traumatic experiences. For many men, the idea of seeking therapy can feel like a blow to their masculinity. I used to think that needing therapy was a sign of weakness. However, once I embraced therapy and committed to the process, my views on manhood evolved.

My therapist pointed out that society tends to evaluate men based on their ability to cope independently. While challenging this perspective during therapy can be tough, it ultimately allows for greater self-discovery and personal growth. Many men feel isolated in their struggles, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We need more communities and mentors to provide guidance.

Now, I’m dedicated to building a support network among men, facilitating meaningful conversations and connections. Therapy has been a significant influence on my music and writing, including my book and album, “It Was You All Along,” which explores themes of self-regulation and boundary-setting. While music serves as an outlet for my thoughts, therapy is where I confront the deeper work.

I am still navigating my journey of self-discovery and growth. Learning to trust the unknown and welcome a new version of myself is an ongoing challenge. It’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers; by continuing my self-improvement efforts, I am evolving into a better man. My upcoming album reflects this journey of stepping into the unknown with humility, optimism, and faith. I acknowledge there will be ups and downs along the way, but I trust that everything will ultimately fall into place.