Nothing has felt “normal” in 2020. I’ve compromised in a number of ways here at Portland Mental Wellness to adapt to the times, one of which being that our regularly scheduled Modern Man cohorts were put on pause as I’ve shifted to a practice completely online.
Modern Man is a 10-week program designed to facilitate a group of eight men in addressing numerous issues involving the masculine experience, including emotional restriction, gender role expectations, toxic masculinity, vulnerability, privilege and relationships. This effort is critical work and 2020 has shown how urgent it is.
The men who have participated previously have shared that their participation in Modern Man has provided the following benefits:
Healing from isolation and the punishment they’ve felt for deviating from traditional masculine norms
Learning how other men are enjoying their masculinity without oppression of other genders by being accountable for their own emotional labor
Navigating cultural and political dialogue with an informed perspective and sensitivity
These themes continue to surface as necessary to address, global pandemic or not. However, given the impacts of COVID-19 I’m seeing ways in which the curriculum needs to shift further. I’ve spent time this summer re-designing that experience for our current times to address the following in addition to our usual Modern Man programming:
Isolation is an increasing concern for everyone
Most are facing grief and loss of varying degrees
There is great need in how to advocate for social justice with integrity
Nurturing our primary relationships and navigating shame with accountability and respect for ourselves and loved ones
While I’ve historically eagerly anticipated our weekly meetings around the group table at the Portland Mental Wellness space, that will not be the case this fall.
Meetings will be held online through encrypted clinical software each Tuesday evening beginning October 6 for 90 minutes starting at 7pm.
Click the button below to schedule your initial 60-minute screening consultation and orientation. The cost of this consultation is $125 (no fee will be assessed for current individual or relationship therapy clients). Each of the 10 sessions are $35 but a 10% discount will be applied if the full 10-week course is paid up front.
Are you or a loved one a good fit for the next cohort? I hope so.
Until then, be well.
Ryan