Begin the Journey is a program that introduces men to meeting and sitting in circle, and with facilitation, establishes a safe container/space where men connect with other men and explore their self, without judgement and criticism.

 

Begin the Journey is 9 weekly meetings/circles lasting 2.5 hours for a group of 8 to 10 men. The program introduces men to meeting and sitting in circle, to what is commonly referred to as ‘men’s work’, where in a safe and confidential group they work together to support, learn, encourage, and challenge each other.

 

Men explore and develop an understanding of their self, who they are, why they are the way they are and how they have come to be who they are.

 

Men learn communication and relating skills they take beyond the circle into family, friend, and work relationships. Men learn to be challenged by each other in a healthy way and to be held accountable for what they say they will or will not do. They experience the rich gift of being witnessed in their learning and growth.

 

Begin the Journey equips men with the tools and experiences to continue as an ongoing sustainable men's circle.

 

Each of the 9 meetings/circles has a theme, experiential learning and personal sharing. 

 

Men in circle may at times touch life experiences that will be challenging and this should not exclude the participation of men in the program.

 

Whilst a men’s circle is a supportive and therapeutic structure, it is not a ‘support group’ or ‘therapy session’ as such. Similarly, if men only ever want to be listened to and not ever be challenged or shift what’s going on in their life, then a men’s circle may not be the best for them.

 

Underpinning all the work in the program is:

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• A compassion based trauma informed approach with acknowledgement and recognition that we all have traumas and events in our past that have shaped the way we think, feel and behave, and

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• Kindness, gratitude and compassion

 

A Men’s Circle is not a substitute for professional support

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A men’s circle is not a substitute for professional support. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to seek a trained professional, whether they be a therapist, psychologist, or a coach; in most cases men simultaneously seek professional guidance whilst also participating in a men’s circle.

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