New Men’s groups. These are groups that are in the process of forming, and may or may not have a specific orientation at the time the listing was placed. Please notify us of any groups that are no longer seeking new members.
SF Bay Area — Bay Area Fathers Group
Orientation: Fatherhood is a life-defining experience where one’s past is brought to bear on the development of the next generation. The act of raising children continuously points the way inward to a past which, left unexamined, can limit a man’s ability to think, act, and love in the present day. The role is especially challenging for men who’ve had minimal or inconsistent paternal role modeling. The Bay Area Fathers Group is a weekly, online group aimed at helping men understand themselves and their fathering through interactions with fellow group members and their shared vs. disparate life narratives. Through a free form group process we will explore each individual’s developmental path and how it animates their present day relational dynamics. Themes of discussion will include notions of masculinity, isolation, neglect, anger, rigid character structure, forgiveness, life transitions, play, bonding, and earnest sentimentality. Who: Fathers (including expectant fathers) in their 20s to late 50s.
When and Where: Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM. The group is just forming and will begin meeting in late September or early October of 2024. Where: Online by Zoom. Cost: $75.00 per session ($300.00/month). The group is a 6 month commitment paid monthly, with the option to continue thereafter. Please call 707-504-9982 or email Lance at psychMD@lancemiddleton.com.
McMinnville, Oregon — An Open Men’s Circle
Orientation: This is an open circle for men to come together in a non-judgemental, trusting, vulnerable way. Our primary focus is on supporting each other on our path to becoming men of integrity, honor, and courage. We focus on a monthly topic, such as: Honor, Courage, the Distance Between Us, relationships, wounds from our childhood, or-got a suggestion? We recognize there are a variety of spiritual paths and open the door for all who come with a sincere desire to connect with a community of men who seek to better understand themselves, each other, their emotions, community, family, and the world around us. We make agreements regarding a safe way to halt any discussion for any reason, so that any man can express fear, anger, pain, grief, or frustration to help us better understand each other and then move forward in a positive way.
When and Where: Tuesdays 6:15-8:00pm in McMinnville, Oregon. Contact Daryll Alt at harmony_haven@hotmail.com or 971 241-1529.
Sonoma County — Disconnection, Isolation
Orientation: This group is for men who experience, and wish to do something about any or all of the following concerns:
• I feel isolated from myself, my partner, family, friends, and community.
• I feel disconnected from my hopes, desires and passions.
• I find myself avoiding conflicts that are important to me.
• It is difficult for me to notice, identify and express what I feel.
• It is difficult for me to trust others.
• I wish to have more energy, enthusiasm and vitality in my life.
• I want to be a better father, son, partner, brother, friend.
In weekly small group sessions, we will share our experiences with these concerns, while exploring and developing our human capacities for interest and enthusiasm; enjoyment and joy; humor; compassion; courage; resilience and fierceness; integrity; intimacy and connection. This is facilitated group process format, which allows men to explore their vulnerabilities and concerns in a safe, confidential, compassionate and contained environment with other similarly concerned and focused men.
When and Where: The group meets the first three Tuesdays of the month, from 6:30 to 8:00pm at 501 2nd Street (corner of 2nd and G), Petaluma. Cost is $35 per meeting. This is an on-going group with an initial three month commitment required. A Wednesday group is also possible if enough people express interest in it.
Contact: Don Waxman, MFT at 707-585-2334. To learn more about Don, visit his website at www.donwaxman.com
Sonoma County — Men Soulfully Connecting
Orientation: Drop into powerful and provocative interpersonal exercises, revealing your unique inner resources and strengths. It’s my intention to support you in:
• Expanding access to your passion.
• Up-leveling your authentic expression.
• Experiencing the depth of song and primal rhythm.
We’ll deepen our connection and have a little fun through drumming and song. You’ll learn rhythms, each with its own “rhythmic medicine.”
When and Where: This 6 week series will be held in Sebastopol on Mondays from 7-9pm, February 25th – April 8th, 2019, skipping March 18th. This group is limited to 6 men. Contact Sahar for an exploratory 15 minute interview: (707) 331-5460. Cost: $150. Sahar Eric Pinkham, CHT, has facilitated support groups for over 29 years and has been in practice as a hypnotherapist, counselor, and reiki practitioner for 20+ years while also teaching hand drumming as a tool for well-being.
Marin County — Get Real Men’s Group
Orientation: Men experience success in their lives when they are powerful, present, and clear. Conscious presence makes a man accomplished, attractive, and trustworthy. The world responds openly to clear masculine presence. Masculinity is deepened through compassionate feedback and challenge of men. This group provides the necessary structure to make decisions, stay on task and overcome obstacles.
When and Where: Bi-weekly meetings in San Rafael, Mondays 6:30-9:00pm. 12 week commitment. New monthly 2nd Saturday group forming — call for details. Contact: Richard Platt, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Professional Coach. For over 15 years Richard has facilitated personal transformation. He founded Passion & Purpose, a practice dedicated to creating conscious partnerships. Richard guides clients to individuate and develop personal power while creating intimacy. Call 415-760-8541 or visit www.passionpurpose.org/men.html.
Sonoma County — Fathering a Child
Orientation: Open to all men who have a fathering/mentoring relationship with children in their lives, either biological, step or friendship. Raising a son or daughter in these times is an awesome undertaking and a huge opportunity. As fathers/mentors we live with important questions about our roles. How am I guiding this child? What is a mentor? What am I passing on to my son/daughter/ friend that I am aware of? What am I passing on that I am unaware of. In the company of other men, we will explore these and other questions. We will brew a collective alchemy from which to draw strength and inspiration. By speaking our truth and going deeply, we will support and learn from each other.
When and Where: Once a week, weekday evenings in Sebastopol. Contact: Russell Sutter’s office at 707-547-3737