About Alejandro Sandoval
Alejandro Sandoval, LMFT (he/him) is a psychotherapist and founder of Sandoval Therapy, a private practice in Pasadena, California, specializing in men's mental health, trauma recovery, and emotional intimacy. With over 15 years of experience, he uses evidence-based practices like EMDR and Structural Family Therapy to provide culturally attuned, bilingual therapy in English and Spanish.
A dedicated mental health advocate, Alejandro delivers keynotes for organizations and has been featured in initiatives such as the 'Entre Hermanos, Love Your Mind' campaign. His expertise focuses on dismantling stigmas in the Latino community and fostering vulnerability and connection, particularly among men.
What unique pressures do men face when acknowledging emotions and seeking help?
Men often face cultural and societal pressures to "man up" or suppress emotions. For many, this is compounded by machismo, which discourages vulnerability and promotes stoicism. I think there’s often a fear that acknowledging unpleasant emotions might lead to feeling stuck in them or being perceived as "weak" for experiencing them. Balancing these expectations while navigating family and cultural roles can feel overwhelming.
What was your personal journey in acknowledging your feelings and seeking support?
Growing up, I didn’t even realize I believed vulnerability was weakness—it was so normalized within my family and community that it just felt like the way things were. It wasn’t until I started my graduate program and began my own therapy journey that I developed the skill of self-reflection. Through this process, I learned to challenge those beliefs, embrace emotional openness as a strength, and let go of the generational trauma so many men silently carry. Therapy and community helped me reframe vulnerability as a powerful tool for connection, growth, and healing.
Why is there still stigma around men expressing vulnerability or seeking help?
Society continues to equate masculinity with toughness, stoicism, and self-reliance, leaving little space for emotional expression or seeking help. In many Latino communities, survival and generational trauma have normalized silence around mental health, making it harder for men to open up without fear of judgment or rejection. This silence perpetuates the idea that asking for help or expressing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. However, we need to redefine strength—true strength lies in emotional awareness, openness, and the courage to seek support when needed. Rewriting this narrative is essential for fostering healthier, more connected men and communities.
What do you say to men who think asking for help is a sign of weakness?
Asking for help is courage in action. It’s not weakness—it’s leadership. When we seek support, we’re not only helping ourselves but also breaking cycles for the people who look up to us. It helps us connect to the people we love.
How can men build emotional awareness in environments where they don’t feel safe being vulnerable?
Start small. Journal, reflect, or talk with someone you trust. Ask yourself, what where the messages I was taught growing up about what it means to be a man, and what it means to be vulnerable? Understand that everyone is on their own journey of vulnerability, and they might not be able to embrace it just yet. Therapy is a great space to practice this in a safe environment. Emotional awareness starts within, and as you grow, you’ll create safer spaces around you.
What would you like to see change in the conversation around men’s mental health?
I want to see men celebrated for their emotional strength and resilience. For Latino men, it’s crucial that we challenge machismo and cultivate a culture where vulnerability is seen as an act of love—for ourselves and our families. I also want people to understand that men deeply desire connection with the ones they love. They want to experience love and the warmth of their closest relationships. It’s easy to overlook, but men—like all of us—need that support. Let’s work together to redefine masculinity and make space for emotional connection.
