In this heartfelt episode of No Man’s an Island, Chris Hemmings speaks with Stephen Hall, founder of Stand Tall, a therapy practice helping men reconnect with emotion, body and self through outdoor therapy.
Stephen’s journey from teacher to therapist was born from personal trauma, recovery and the realisation that traditional therapy spaces often don’t meet men where they are. He shares how a lack of access to male therapists during his own mental health struggles led him to create the kind of support he wished had existed for him.
The conversation dives into the importance of male representation in therapy, the benefits of walk-and-talk sessions, and how embodying rather than suppressing emotion can transform men’s wellbeing. Together, Chris and Stephen explore how men can “stand tall” – finding strength through vulnerability, self-awareness and connection.
What we cover
- How Stephen’s time as a teacher shaped his ability to listen rather than fix
- Why rejecting compliments can actually block connection
- The importance of male therapists and representation in men’s mental health
- How childhood trauma can influence trust and openness in therapy
- The power of somatic awareness and physical presence in emotional healing
- Walk-and-talk therapy and how movement helps men open up
- Rethinking masculinity and the value of “taking up space”
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding courage through vulnerability
- Stephen’s vision for emotionally literate boys and male mentors in schools
Listen and watch
🎧 Listen to all episodes here: No Man’s an Island
🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://menstherapyhub.co.uk/no-mans-an-island-episode-9-with-stephen-hall/
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/
Takeaways for men
- Listening without fixing can be the deepest act of compassion.
- Accepting praise allows connection rather than distance.
- Safe spaces with male therapists can be transformative for some men.
- Movement and nature can help unlock emotional expression.
- Courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s showing up despite it.
- Teaching emotional literacy to boys builds stronger, kinder men.
Quotes to share
“You allowed me to make human mistakes and work out how to get out of them.” – Stephen Hall
“Rejecting a compliment takes something away from the person offering it.” – Stephen Hall
“Taking up space as a man isn’t arrogance – it’s healing.” – Stephen Hall
“If not you, then who?” – Stephen Hall
Resources and links
- Stand Tall Therapy – Stephen Hall
- Men’s Therapy Hub – Directory of Male Therapists
- Episode 8 – Ben West: Turning Grief into Action
- M-Path – Workshops on Masculinity and Empathy
Episode credits
Host: Chris Hemmings
Guest: Stephen Hall, founder of Stand Tall
Produced by: Men’s Therapy Hub
Original music: Raindear
