This facilitated weekly group will utilize a combination of psychoeducation, group process/discussion and experiential activities (mindfulness, trauma-release, expressive arts,etc) to explore our diverse experience as men of color. Part of our work as self-identified men of color is to unlearn and heal from the violence of systemic oppression, especially the toxic masculinity perpetuated by patriarchy. 'Toxic masculinity' is an inherently narrow and restrictive band of behavior, belief and appearance that often perpetuates harm to all genders. We will explore and re-define our relationship to healthy masculinity. Participants will need to have an initial interview for acceptance into this group.
Hosted by Sarwang Parikh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
I support my clients to cultivate awareness and capacity to unwind from unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. I do this by drawing on their innate strengths and resilience. Collaboratively we learn to navigate challenging emotions and life transitions to rediscover aliveness, power, joy, purpose, care and a sense of connection. I bring dynamic qualities including curiosity, creativity and warmth into sessions for growth towards wholeness. My approach is guided by mindful awareness, honest inquiry and deep compassion. I am grounded in social justice, recognizing how social-historical factors impact well-being. I believe healing is a journey towards liberation.
The impact of bringing a child into the world can be challenging to navigate, but as fathers we can strengthen one another. In this group we will be looking at our own experiences in childhood and what was modeled by our parents to better understand how to move towards being the fathers and partners we want to be. This is a small, in person group of four to six dads that will meet weekly for six weeks.
Hosted by Scott Silverstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94606
Seeking support can be difficult, especially if we become so accustomed to facing life's challenges alone. If we are able to reach out for support, taking that step can lead to real opportunities for growth and acceptance.
This group is an opportunity for men to cultivate more fulfilling relationships with themselves, loved ones, and other men. Through self-exploration and receiving the support of others, participants have the opportunity to find a deeper strength within. This strength can be used to overcome the fear of change, become more emotionally engaged, and connect more deeply to participants' own inner wisdom. Topics include relationship, masculinity, commitment ambivalence, confidence, sex and intimacy, anger, and emotional awareness. The environment is confidential and non-judgmental so participants feel free to share their authentic selves.
Hosted by Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
Do you want to be a dad someday, already are a dad, step-dad, supportive adult, or soon-to-be dad? This group will be launching on 1/15/2024 for male-identified individuals interested in talking about fatherhood and the roles we play as men. The plan is to form an ongoing group with 8 men. Reach out to join the list. Deadline to join the first group of 8 is 12/16/2023.
Hosted by Erik Vincent Kahn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
I bring forth a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychotherapy. My practice is rooted in embodiment and practicality, aiming to foster profound insights and sustainable growth. Through a collaborative journey marked by playfulness and genuine curiosity, you will embark on a transformative exploration of your inner world. Together, we will uncover the intricacies of your psyche, guiding you towards a deeper connection with your core self and a heightened sense of resilience.
[Meeting via Zoom} Becoming a new parent is a joy beyond words. It is also challenging in ways most of us can’t anticipate until we’re in it. This group is here to support new dads as they navigate the amazing and overwhelming experience of becoming a father. Topics include processing this big life adjustment, maintaining a healthy partnership through a time of significant change, self-care, perfectionism, understanding how our past shows up in our parenting, and celebrating the joys of being a dad with other dads.
Hosted by Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
More Groups Nearby
Do you want more freedom and ease in your relationships? IRL Men runs weekly 90-minute Men's Support groups. Join our ongoing, 16 week at a time, closed (same men every week) groups to increase your communication skill, share your truth, hear honest stories from others and have a community of support. My groups are both supportive and challenging, so you can face your fears and get unique authentic feedback that is hard to find. Limited space available. Learn more @ Irlmen.com
Hosted by Brian Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Are you ready to up-level your self understanding? Wow, navigating life and relationships can get confusing and overwhelming so quickly! It is my pleasure to help turn the tensions and pain you're experiencing into opportunities for growth and expansion. If you're ready to make changes and welcome in new ways of being, now is the time. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. We will find the nourishment within the pain while not losing track of what feels good...laughter is not uncommon in my office. If you are interested in working in a group, check out IRL Men below.
This is an interpersonal psychotherapy process group available to all who identify as men, including trans men. / Men can struggle with many parts of life: emotionally, in relationships, at the workplace, socially. The struggle is all the more difficult when they don't have enough support and connection with others. / By engaging in real, honest and open relationship with one another, it's possible for men to both receive and give support that can create profound change for themselves in many parts of life.
Hosted by David Thanos Heliotis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94703
I believe great therapy is all about us finding a strong connection together. As your therapist, it’s my goal to co-create an environment where we can be direct and real with one another, and where we can use concrete tools—like mindfulness and body awareness—to talk about what’s happening between us. Like two musicians playing a duet, therapy works best when we’re deeply in sync. I’m really responding to you, and you’re going to feel that.
For those who learn by doing, you will get immense value and satisfaction from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Process Group. You will learn about your relationship patterns and change the ones that don't work, all while offering both support and challenge, where members hold each other accountable. The majority of the men in my groups stay once they join as they continue to get deep connection and value from them. There are currently two In-Person groups on Thursdays. 515-715pm, 730-900pm. These are hybrid groups meaning they are in-person while a handful of times in the year meeting on zoom.
Hosted by Berne Fitzpatrick
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
Suffering can come in many forms. It is personal and distressing and can also be overwhelming, paralyzing, and lonely. But you do not have to face it alone. Many have come to me for help with what makes them unhappy and out of balance. I take satisfaction when my clients accept their own complexity and uniqueness and have successful outcomes in their lives due to therapy.
*CURRENTLY 2 OPENINGS* In our culture, men are taught to solve problems, not to find out how we’re feeling. While we are told to “suck it up” when we fall, we're seldom taught to reach out for help when we really need it. IRL Men's Groups offer a space where you can practice new ways of being with fellow men. If you're up for the challenge, come join us in an edge-of-your-seat journey to greater fulfillment! This group meets online 3x/month, in-person 1x/month. It includes an annual retreat every spring.
Hosted by Troy Piwowarski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
You might be asking yourself “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships, my career, and my life?” In my 17 years of practice, I have helped hundreds of people clear the roadblocks to living more authentic, healthy lives. My ability to guide people on this path comes from two decades of deep self-work because I can only take someone to places I’ve gone myself. If you feel ready to take a closer look at the parts of you that have been silently running your life from the backseat, I'll meet you there to help you take the first step toward the life you've always imagined.
This therapy group for male survivors of sexual abuse, began in Spring of 2015 and accepts new members as space opens up. I meet on-going with anyone interested in being considered for membership and willing to join a waitlist. Please contact me -without obligation- if you are interested. The first of several preliminary meetings is free of charge to assess the suitability and fit of this group for your healing needs.
NOTE: This group has one opening as of Dec. 2018
Hosted by Bill Burmester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94710
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist in Berkeley since 1994, working with adults and teens individually and with couples and groups, on recovering from relationship and betrayal trauma. This trauma may manifest as recurring intrusive reminders of overwhelming and unresolved past experiences and as emotional / somatic distress in your present life. Or it may result from inadequate nurture and protection in childhood (attachment trauma). Often, both contribute to the need and desire for relief and a better life beyond trauma. Individualized trauma therapy addresses the need for a new relationship with your past.
**3 OPENINGS** Are you struggling to get to the bottom of your relationship struggles in individual therapy? Are you missing the intimacy you crave in friendships and romantic relationships? It's time to look deeper. IRL Men's Groups offer a space where, week after week, you get to lean into authentic connection to yourself in a group of men who are equally committed to growth. If you're up for the challenge, come join us in an edge-of-your-seat journey to greater fulfillment! This group meets in person weekly; includes a three-day annual retreat every spring.
Hosted by Troy Piwowarski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
You might be asking yourself “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships, my career, and my life?” In my 17 years of practice, I have helped hundreds of people clear the roadblocks to living more authentic, healthy lives. My ability to guide people on this path comes from two decades of deep self-work because I can only take someone to places I’ve gone myself. If you feel ready to take a closer look at the parts of you that have been silently running your life from the backseat, I'll meet you there to help you take the first step toward the life you've always imagined.
Gay from the Ground Up: Rebuild and evolve in 2021! In this 10-week, inclusive therapy group, we’ll explore and embody what it is to live more fully as gay men - from the ground up! Using body-based, mindfulness, and experiential practices, you’ll have the opportunity to uncover outdated patterns and beliefs, and open up new ways of relating to: Belonging and acceptance; Boundaries and consent; Sex and pleasure; Body image and self-esteem; Power, privilege, and status; Intimacy and vulnerability; Shame and internalized homophobia; Queer resilience; and more! Contact Miles for application interview.
Hosted by Miles Murch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships! It’s not easy to walk your own path and find safety, belonging, and purpose in this world. If you identify as LGBTQIA, you didn’t grow up with good models for queer relationships. Even if your life is "perfect on paper," it might be a challenge to find trust, deepen intimacy, set boundaries, stay centered, and go after the life you want.
This therapy group for male survivors of sexual abuse, began late 2016 and accepts new members as space opens up. I meet on-going with anyone interested in being considered for membership and willing to join a waitlist. Please contact me -without obligation- if you are interested. The first of several preliminary meetings is free of charge to assess the suitability and fit of this group for your healing needs. NOTE: This group has several openings as of Dec. 2018
Hosted by Bill Burmester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94710
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist in Berkeley since 1994, working with adults and teens individually and with couples and groups, on recovering from relationship and betrayal trauma. This trauma may manifest as recurring intrusive reminders of overwhelming and unresolved past experiences and as emotional / somatic distress in your present life. Or it may result from inadequate nurture and protection in childhood (attachment trauma). Often, both contribute to the need and desire for relief and a better life beyond trauma. Individualized trauma therapy addresses the need for a new relationship with your past.
A group for men to connect, share about personal topics and support one another. Topics may include: intimate relationships, expressing emotions, work & career, and examining the ways men are socialized in society, all with the goal of fostering more authenticity, healing and connection.
Hosted by Woody Wu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
What do you want of this life? Are you living in alignment? What is being called to change? I'm here to help you heal, transform, and connect with your life force. This includes navigating difficult emotions, relationships, life transitions, and illuminating the most important things in your life; to free yourself from outdated patterns and become an active creator of your narrative.
Sex/porn addiction group therapy provides a safe and effective place for men to address the multi-layered aspects of their addiction: relationships, family, work, friends, self-esteem, finances, etc. The group provides the opportunity to connect with a social group in which men can explore and develop safe and healthy male-to-male relationships. In this group, the men grow and heal as a result of the therapeutic interventions, the shared sense of accountability, and the transparent and supportive relationships. Call 510.343-7391 for more information or email: robert@innerwisdomnow.com
Hosted by Robert Schnitzius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CSAT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
I specialize in helping individuals and couples transform obsessive thoughts, harmful/addictive behaviors (especially sex addiction and/or porn addiction), and unhealthy patterns into a serene, fulfilling life with repaired, satisfying relationships. Therapy can actually be fun! Especially as one establishes more fulfilling ways of being with oneself and others, and learns to hear, trust and act upon one's own inner guidance. Changing old, limiting patterns takes courage, and having a therapist with the right blend of compassion, insight and humor can be a valuable ally on the road to transformation.
Men are socialized to solve problems, not to feel our feelings. We’re taught to "suck it up," but we can struggle with taking responsibility. And when we fall, we're seldom taught to reach out for help when we really need it. We offer a space you can count on week after week, as you practice new ways of being with fellow group members. In our groups, we provide both support and challenge, because both are necessary to help you grow. Our groups are open to anyone that identifies as male, including cis and trans men.
Hosted by Josh Freund
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
If you are feeling stuck in your life, if you want to try something radically different from typical talk therapy, with the possibility of profound and rapid results, I can offer you Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). KAP is used effectively for treatment of depression, addiction, PTSD, chronic pain, and other psychiatric diagnoses as well as for existential, psychological and spiritual crises and growth. Working with KAP, you may experience shifts in your sense of self, a decrease in negative/repetitive ways of thinking, greater hope, self esteem, and self-compassion. Let's chat and find out if I can be the therapist for you.
This group is for men who want to learn opening up and navigating better their emotions. Even for men, men can be scary, especially when considering opening up to our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This is a trauma aware, somatically focus processing group where we will practice giving and receiving support. For more info, email me or check jadotnicolastherapy.com/mens-work
Hosted by Nicolas Jadot
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
I work with couples on communication issues, intimacy issues and infidelity. I work with individuals struggling with cPTSD and neurodivergent folks (ADHD, HSP) seeking emotional regulation and executive functioning support. I am offering you supportive, non judgmental yet direct and clear feedback on what you are thinking and doing that keeps you from moving forward. I use parts work (IFS, gestalt) and last discoveries on nervous system regulation (somatic) to help you move forward and gain agency in your life.
*CURRENTLY 3 OPENINGS* Are you struggling to get to the bottom of your relationship struggles in individual therapy? Are you missing the intimacy you crave in friendships and romantic relationships? It's time to look deeper. IRL Men's Groups offer a space where, week after week, you get to lean into authentic connection to yourself in a group of men who are equally committed to growth. If you're up for the challenge, come join us in an edge-of-your-seat journey to greater fulfillment! This group meets online every week.
Hosted by Troy Piwowarski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
You might be asking yourself “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships, my career, and my life?” In my 17 years of practice, I have helped hundreds of people clear the roadblocks to living more authentic, healthy lives. My ability to guide people on this path comes from two decades of deep self-work because I can only take someone to places I’ve gone myself. If you feel ready to take a closer look at the parts of you that have been silently running your life from the backseat, I'll meet you there to help you take the first step toward the life you've always imagined.
A weekly process group for men to connect more fully with themselves and with others. Together we share and learn to work with our anger, shame, loneliness, fear, grief and sense of agency in the world. We embrace men from all diverse backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations.
Hosted by Shanon Sitkin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Francisco, CA 94102
As someone who’s intellectually and/or emotionally brilliant, you likely excel in many areas of your life—whether as a high-achiever, leader, or visionary, yet you have a hard time saying no. You have become so good at helping others that you don't know how to turn it off or down. In fact, when someone asks you what you need, you have no idea how to answer that question. The idea that you need anything makes you feel confused and sometimes nauseous. You’d welcome help, but you don't have any faith or trust in people. You wish you could have relationships with others where you are able to say what you think and feel.
Feeling angry and cannot understand why? Feeling misunderstood? Unheard? Are others telling you that you get angry easily? Unable to fit in or make friends? Unable to talk with others about how you feel? Perhaps you could benefit from participating in a group for teenage self identified male. Come be part of a group that emphasizes support through addressing issues of anger, depression, self-esteem, fitting in a group, &anxiety. Receive psychoeducation and safe, new strategies for coping with anger. The meetings are led by Dr. N Joseph, who is skilled in working with teens experiencing stressors and life transitions. Some Saturday groups available seasonally.
Hosted by Ojuri Psychology Practices
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I'm qualified to care for individuals who may be facing life stressors, such as discrimination, gender identity issues, sexuality issues, loss of relationships, or life transitions. I also treat those who may be facing painful or severe psychiatric symptoms related to borderline personality traits, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I provide clinical intervention through evidenced based psychotherapy practices, provide diagnoses counseling or second opinions.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Men's Issues Support Groups
Is therapy for men different than it is for women?
Therapeutic treatments and types are the same for men as they are for women, with the same protocols followed and the same strategies employed. Discussing one’s feelings and emotions is an integral part of most therapies, and some men find doing so more challenging. Therapists can help clients through the process; some specialize in treating men for this reason.
How do you encourage a man to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love for the person while framing therapy as a tool for improving their life. Offering specific examples of how an individual’s behavior affected either himself or others should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to devise a game plan—breaking the process down into parts, such as finding a therapist, making appointments, and looking into insurance coverage.
How can men prepare for therapy?
Men can prepare for therapy by approaching the process with an open mind, being willing to talk about their challenges, and giving treatment the time to work. Before a session, an individual may want to reflect on how they’ve felt since the last session and what’s happened in their lives. It can be useful for men who struggle to recall their emotional states to write down notes between sessions about their response to a given event or how they were feeling at a particular time.
What should men know about the process of therapy?
One of the most common reasons men don’t seek therapy is the notion that there’s something wrong with them if they do. Men should know that just because they’re seeking therapy doesn’t mean they’re mentally ill or damaged in some way. In the same way people work on their bodies through exercise or a craft through practice, therapy can be a way to improve the mental and emotional skills needed to be productive and effective partners, employees, and people in all realms of life.