Dad2Dad is a men’s process group that meets with a licensed, professional counselor weekly for six months. This group is for men who have completed both the Basic (AM) and Advanced (PM) 24-7 Dad® classes. Dad2Dad is for men who want to continue their healing, growth and development.
During Dad2Dad, you will:
- acquire more tools to develop a positive, supportive and enduring relationship with your children;
- strengthen emotional regulation and resilience through increased self-awareness and self-worth;
- become better at being an involved, responsible and committed father;
- make habits out of the powerful lessons you learned in 24-7 Dad® classes.
Focus Topics for Dad2Dad
What is a Men’s Process Group?
The gist…
A men’s process group is a type of therapy group specifically for men, offering a safe space to discuss personal issues and challenges related to masculinity, emotions, and societal expectations. Led by a trained therapist, these groups encourage open expression and provide support, helping men to confront and overcome societal stigma about seeking emotional help, reduce feelings of isolation, and gain diverse perspectives. The focus is on personal growth, understanding, and challenging traditional norms of masculinity.
A men’s process group, often referred to as a men’s support group or therapy group, is a form of group therapy specifically designed for men. These groups provide a safe and confidential space where men can explore and discuss personal issues, challenges, and emotions that they might not feel comfortable sharing in other settings. The concept behind these groups is rooted in the understanding that men often face societal pressures to conform to certain norms regarding masculinity, emotional expression, and vulnerability.
Key Characteristics
- Facilitation: Men’s process groups are typically led by a trained therapist or counselor. This professional guides the group, ensuring a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment. They help facilitate discussions, offer insights, and sometimes provide therapeutic exercises.
- Composition: These groups are exclusively for men, which can include individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. The commonality is their gender and the unique societal expectations associated with it.
- Focus on Process: As the name suggests, the emphasis is on the “process” of sharing and reflecting on personal experiences. Members are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and reactions both to their own experiences and to the stories shared by others in the group.
- Themes: Common topics include masculinity, relationships, fatherhood, career challenges, mental health, emotional expression, and personal growth. Discussions often revolve around how societal norms and expectations about masculinity affect these areas.
- Benefits: Participants may find a sense of camaraderie, understanding, and support that they may not experience elsewhere. It helps in normalizing feelings and experiences, reducing isolation, and providing different perspectives on shared issues.
- Confidentiality: Privacy is a cornerstone of these groups. What is shared in the group stays in the group, fostering trust and openness.
Summary
Men’s process groups are an important resource for mental and emotional health. They offer a unique space for men to explore and articulate their experiences in a way that challenges traditional norms of masculinity, fostering greater emotional intelligence, empathy, and well-being. As societal attitudes towards men’s mental health continue to evolve, these groups play a crucial role in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by men.