April 6 - June 1
Location: Virtual
Total Cost for 8 Weeks + Assessment:
$450 (Sliding Scale Available)
Deconstructing Masculinity Group
Purpose
As men, we are often taught to project strength at all times, at the cost of expressing our authentic emotions. We can often make this strategy work for some time, though we often cause pain for ourselves and those we love.
This group provides an opportunity to reflect on what we have been taught it means to “Be a Man.” We will develop awareness of our emotions, methods of communication, approach to relationships and more. Together, we can reconstruct and redefine for ourselves the meaning of Masculinity.
Topics
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Identify messages we have been taught about masculinity throughout our lives.
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Identify a wide range of emotions and how they show up uniquely for yourself.
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Recognize the inherent value you possess and identify sources of shame and self-criticism in order to reduce their power.
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Identify your approaches to building connections and closeness with others: romantic partners, friends, colleagues and more.
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Explore any scripts connecting vulnerability with weakness. Develop new scripts identifying vulnerability as strength.
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Discuss the kind of person you want to be and what you hope to leave behind.
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Each group is uniquely developed to fit the needs of participants. Other topics will be explored that are not on this list.
Group Facilitators
Hey there, I’m Ben (He/Him)! So glad you found us here. I am an educator, musician and clinical intern finishing up a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Seattle University.
For the past 5+ years, I have worked as a teacher, helping students not only learn core subjects, but develop into the fullest, most confident versions of themselves. I wholeheartedly believe that experiential learning can be one of the most powerful tools we have.
My approach blends direct communication and challenges with a lighthearted sense of humor. I believe it’s important to take growth seriously—but we can still have fun while doing that.
It takes courage to be where you are right now, and I’m so glad you’re considering exploring these topics with our group. There is no better time to live a life that is authentic to who you are and what you believe. It can be scary to make these changes, but you won’t have to do it alone!
Areas of Interest:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Relationships
Sex and Sexuality
Non-Monogamy
Neurodiverse Individuals
Teens
Clinical Intern
benjosie@equilibriumtherapygroup.com
Hello, my name is Sam Stephens (he/him). I am a graduate student at Seattle University, working on obtaining a master’s degree in Education, with a focus on counseling psychology. I have spent the past few years volunteering and then working as a staff member for a regional crisis line. Through my work there, I have had the opportunity to walk alongside community members navigating difficult times in their life. Though these interactions are brief, they have revealed to me the value of empathy and community. They have also shown me that work in the mental health field is work towards social justice.
As I step into the deeper work possible in therapy, I plan to continue to embrace the profession’s values of empathy, diversity, and authenticity. Showing up to the crisis line with these values has made the work meaningful and I expect the same will be true of therapy.
I am originally from Eastern Washington and now call Seattle home. I enjoy making the 4 hour drive to my hometown to visit family. The drive through the changing landscape always becomes a good opportunity to reflect on the beautiful ways my life is unfolding.
Areas of Interest:
Depression and Anxiety
PTSD and Trauma
Identity Exploration
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Substance Use
Narrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Clinical Intern
stephe28@seattleu.edu
Who Can Join?
The group is open to anyone 21+ who identifies as “masculine.” Trans- and non-binary folks are welcomed. All sexual identities are welcomed.
Participating in individual therapy is encouraged, though not required.
Reach out to Ben or Sam to get the ball rolling!
benjosie@equilibriumtherapygroup.com
stephe28@seattleu.edu
When inquiring to join the group, you will be asked to complete a 50-minute screening to ensure this group is the right fit for you and to understand your unique needs.
Individuals experiencing active crisis and/or suicidal ideation will be referred out to appropriate resources.
Reach out Today
Interested to learn more about this fully-remote, virtual group? Fill out this form to find a time to meet with Sam or Ben. Add a few pieces of information about yourself as well as some times you are available for a 50-minute telehealth assessment.
We will get back to you within 48-hours!