Men's Groups: Unlocking Emotional Connection & Practicing Vulnerability

Contents:

• Why have a men’s group?

• Who’s included?

• What topics are covered?

• What have other guys said about the group?

• What times are offered?

• What's straight-leaning and queer-leaning?

• How much are the groups?

• Where are the sessions held?

• What’s the commitment?

• Are the groups confidential?

• What are the next steps?

We continue recruiting for our Anxiously Intimate online men's group in our straight-leaning and queer-learning cohorts. We’ve received a lot of interest and intrigue in our groups and different questions about how the groups are run. So, to help you with your decision to join the group or share with a friend or client, we’ve created this FAQ for more details.

Why have a men’s group? 

To help men:

• feel less alone in their anxiety about sex and relationships

• experience supporting and being supported by others

• practice vulnerability in front of men, and not just women

• stop relying on their partner as their sole emotional support

• learn new approaches to address your anxiety

For more details on the group, check out our blog post “Why Men’s Groups?”

Who is included?

• Male-identified

• Reside in California

• Over the age of 30

• Committed to weekly attendance while engaging in the group

• Open to giving and receiving support from others

• Ready for change

• LGBTQIA+, kinky and poly-affirming

• Prepared to work in an anti-racist environment

• Consistent internet access for video conferencing

What topics are covered?

• Dating anxiety

• Apps or in person?

• Calming your nerves on the first date

• How to know if you want a second date

• Openly discussing sexual health and interests

• Coping with rejection sensitivity

• Sex anxiety

• Erectile difficulties 

• Orgasm difficulties 

• Pain during sex 

• Masculinity and sex

• Exploring same-sex or trans attraction

• Talking about sex

• Avoidance 

• Sex as coping/“sex addiction”

• Relationship anxiety

• Communication challenges

• Attraction loss 

• Avoidance 

• Breakups and divorce

• Parenthood

• Family of origin issues

• Attachment styles

What have other guys said about the group?

Participants have shared that not only do they learn more about how anxiety impacts their sex and relationships, but they also have noted that these groups help them feel less alone in their struggles. Furthermore, men have pointed out that it’s been a challenging but positive experience to work towards supporting and receiving support from other men.

So many men rely on their partners, women, or queer folks for social support. Come find out what it’s like to be vulnerable and open with other men.

What times are offered?

Queer-leaning: Thursdays 11:10 am to 12:30 pm or 5:30-6:50 pm

Straight-leaning: TBD next month, likely weekdays early to late morning. The current evening group is closed.

What's straight-leaning and queer-leaning?

We heard from numerous clients that they desired this familiarity within the group. While many guys are open to being in a sexually diverse group, some queer men want the safety of the shared identity and lived experience. 

There are no strict guidelines, and we're happy to answer any questions in a consult or via email. The queer-leaning group welcomes men who are questioning their sexual identity. Trans and transmasculine men are openly included in all cohorts.

What if I can’t commit to a weekly group?

While groups are a powerful healing experience, our schedules may make it difficult or impossible to commit to weekly sessions. In these instances, men’s retreats can be an excellent and resourceful healing experience to hold you over. These can be a great way to offer yourself deep and dedicated time to work on yourself, and learn more about your needs. On my other blog I wrote an article “3 Reasons Why You Should Join a Men’s Retreat.”

To learn more about retreats through Rouse Relational Wellness, check out our Anxiously Intimate Men’s Retreat is coming up with a special focus on attachment styles and self-love.

How much are the groups?

• Group sessions are $80-90/session, depending on the group. 

• The two intake sessions are set at a reduced price of $100/50 min session

• You will be charged at the beginning of the month for all sessions within the month

Where are the sessions held?

For convenience and accessibility, the groups will be held online on our HIPAA-compliant and encrypted video platform.  

What’s the commitment?

• Given the vulnerable nature of the group, we want to keep attendance and the familiar faces as consistent as possible. Therefore, we ask that you review your schedule to ensure you can attend most sessions within six months. 

• If you miss three sessions in a row, we will discuss continued attendance in the group.

Are the groups confidential?

• One of our first rules in the group is to keep detailed information private from our sessions.

• You are welcome and encouraged to discuss your own experience with others, but please respect the vulnerability of others by not sharing others experiences.

• Because of the nature of the group, we cannot 100% guarantee confidentiality.

What are the next steps?

• Reach out for a free phone consult

• During the consult, we'll share more about the group and answer any questions you may have

• If it feels like a good fit, we'll schedule your two one-hour intakes (reduced price $100/50 min intake) and get you started in the group!

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