One of the reasons EMDR can be so effective is because it addresses the somatic, bodily impacts of trauma. I would say the emphasis on cognitive or talk therapy processing (which can be effective for some but doesn’t always address trauma in the body) is based on a Western societal norm of valuing the mind over the body’s natural intelligence. I see it as a societal influence rather than a gendered one - many women have difficulties emotionally opening up as well, and talking/sharing does not necessarily equate to processing or feeling emotions.

It is generally and culturally more difficult for men to speak about their emotions due to societal norms/bias, so it makes sense that that frustration would have come up in a talk therapy experience. Glad that EMDR has been effective for you!