A Woman's Work?

For the first time, female doctors now outnumber male doctors in the UK, with 164,440 women compared to 164,195 men registered as of February 2025.

This milestone reflects significant progress in a field traditionally dominated by men.

It may not matter to you whether your doctor is male or female, it shouldn't really matter, as long as they're good at their job.

However, many women feel happier talking to a female doctor, who may be more likely to be more understanding around menstrual health, gynaecological issues, menopause and more.

When it comes to the fields of mental health, did you know counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK are predominantly female?

According to a survey by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), 84% of counsellors were female, with only 16% male.

Similarly, a survey by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) found that 74% of psychotherapists were female, while 24% were male.

This gender imbalance is echoed across various branches of psychological therapies.

The trend continues in related professions; for instance, 80% of clinical and educational psychologists are women.

This disparity has been attributed to the association of applied psychology with the more feminine 'caring' aspects of human nature, which may deter men from pursuing it as a profession.

Does this mean we need more male therapists - especially as men are less likely to seek counselling?

In the run up to International Women's Day 2025 I want to celebrate the achievements of women in my field of health care and look at how we can reach the young men who fall through the cracks of therapy.

In every sense, inclusivity is key.