Men’s Interpersonal Therapy Group
Sitting Well Counseling is offering a weekly Interpersonal Men’s Group specifically designed for men seeking greater self-understanding, enhanced self-esteem as a man in today’s world, and as a result, more satisfying personal relationships. We will currently be offering one group this fall reserved for 10 men starting Monday, October 10th and will continue Monday nights at 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. New members can join at any time if there is an opening.
WHEN: Mondays 5:30 – 7:00 pm (First group on October 10th)
WHERE: Sitting Well Counseling
2811 Linkhorne Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24503
How To Sign Up: Email info@sittingwellatthewell.com or call 434-582-9061
Facilitators: Nathan Roberts, Resident In Counseling & Jason Kent, Resident In Counseling
Cost: $100/month (4 groups) – 1 month commitment, 3 month recommendation
The format includes clinical guidance from mental health professionals, education and discussion about men’s issues within the context of mutual support and interpersonal process (ie, what is happening right here and right now in this immediate moment).
What is an interpersonal men’s therapy group?
An interpersonal therapy group is a group of people (usually 6 – 10 people) who meet together weekly with a therapist (our group will have two men’s facilitators) to work through relational issues and issues specific to men in today’s world that lead to psychological symptoms or dissatisfaction in relationships. Each group session lasts for 90 minutes.
In this confidential, safe and supportive environment, men can find understanding and encouragement. Through therapeutically guided interactions amongst group members, as well as intensive self-exploration, introspection and reflection, participants have an opportunity to develop the tools to better manage the areas in their lives that are “stuck” or in “crisis.”
What are some reasons why a person may join an interpersonal therapy group?
Men who join an interpersonal therapy group usually want to be able to relate better with others and to feel better about themselves. Reasons for joining group include:
- Often feeling angry, frustrated, or dissatisfied in relationships
- Having difficulty trusting others
- Struggling to forge close (or meaningful) relationships
- Confusion about how to be a man, a husband, and a father in today’s cultural climate
- Feeling that one often has to please others
- Relying on alcohol or drugs to socialize
- Struggling to communicate one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs directly
- Being controlling (or easily controlled) in relationships
- Feeling that one’s relationships are shallow
- Experiencing anxiety in social situations
- Frequently experiencing loneliness
- Manipulating others to get one’s needs met
- Having trouble with self-esteem
While not exhaustive, this list is intended to capture the broad range of issues that might lead one to join an interpersonal group.
Do I need to be in individual therapy to be in an interpersonal group?
This depends. Some people benefit from continuing to see their individual therapist, and they participate in group because it provides the opportunity to try out what they may be working on in individual therapy. Being in a group can also help stimulate things to work on in individual therapy. That said, a person does not have to be in individual therapy to be in a therapy group.
Will I be forced to share or give feedback?
No. You will not have to do anything you do not want to do. Like a lot of things, though, the amount of effort you exert in group will be reflected in the outcome you obtain. Everyone is encouraged to be as present as possible and to be engaged in the process. By being present and engaged you not only help yourself but you also help other group members.
How do I know things will remain confidential?
Members in the group make an agreement to keep what is said in group completely confidential. Members are allowed to talk about their own experience in group with whomever they like but agree to refrain from talking about other group members. The group therapist is required to keep everything said in group confidential as he or she would with things discussed in individual therapy. Some interpersonal groups are time-limited which makes the ending of the group obvious. When a group is ongoing, members discuss openly with one another if they are thinking about leaving. Often this brings up important material for the group to process.
How long do I need to be in the group?
As a general rule, we encourage people to be part of the group for at least three months, though people usually want to continue for longer. Depending on the situation, a person might spend a year or more in a group to experience the full benefit of their participation. You can always leave the group. All I ask is that you let the other group members know about your intent to leave and give the group enough time (preferably at least several sessions) to process your departure.