Enhancing Relationships Men’s groups
Enhancing Relationships: BUILDING a life of emotional & relational thriving.
Philly mens Group
In this hybrid day long intensive, and 5 evening in-person series, participants are guided in the completion of several parts of the Building Emotional and Relational Thriving (BERT) curriculum.
The facets of this curriculum and the skill development therein are essential in all kinds of relationships: to self, to friends, family, workmates, romantic and beyond.
We will use group dynamics as a learning platform. In addition, group members will be assigned another member of the group on a rotating basis, to reach out to during the in between week to continue developing relationships within the group and as a form of support and accountability for the work participants will be doing outside of the group.
Foci’s of the BERT curriculum include:
Developing supportive friendships.
Learning to listen more effectively and meet others emotional needs without compromising sense of self.
Developing a healthy and important sense of power.
Body awareness and positive relationship to our body.
Navigating through conflict.
Positive psychology exercises.
Because being outdoors and movement can be important ingredients in health and relationships, every group will begin with a walk along forbidden drive in the Wissahickon. For participants interested in more of a hike, there will be a couple extended hike options prior to meeting. This group is suited for people of a variety of physical skill levels. Please consult with your doctor if needed.
Details:
Dates and time: starting mid-late May with a weekend day long intensive and 5 biweekly meetings. Dates and times tbd on participant availability.
Cost: $400- 600 sliding scale (two partial scholarships available)
Location: 191 Presidential Blvd Bala Cynwyd PA. Location of daylong intensive will also involve nature based activities.
Requirements: 1. Beginner level of emotional and relational competence (eg ability to recognize several feelings and maintain attention on others during conversation and sharing). 2. Ability to walk on flat ground for at least a half hour. Please consult with doctor if needed.
**Note: 1. this is not a psychotherapy group. Group member are expected to have ample emotional and mental health support outside of the group for the issues that may arise during the course of this group. 2. Participants will have the opportunity to continue in an ongoing group beyond the eight sessions.
For more information please call me at 215-366-0184 or email isaac@therapyig.com
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PAST GROUPS
Enhancing Relationships: BUILDING a life of emotional & relational thriving.
Philly mens Group
In this biweekly, 8-session series participants are guided in the completion of several parts of the Building Emotional and Relational Thriving (BERT) curriculum.
The facets of this curriculum and the skill development therein are essential in all kinds of relationships: to self, to friends, family, workmates, romantic and beyond.
We will use group dynamics as a learning platform. In addition, group members will be assigned another member of the group on a rotating basis, to reach out to during the in between week to continue developing relationships within the group and as a form of support and accountability for the work participants will be doing outside of the group.
Foci’s of the BERT curriculum include:
Developing supportive friendships.
Learning to listen more effectively and meet others emotional needs without compromising sense of self.
Developing a healthy and important sense of power.
Body awareness and positive relationship to our body.
Navigating through conflict.
Positive psychology exercises.
Because being outdoors and movement can be important ingredients in health and relationships, every group will begin with a walk along forbidden drive in the Wissahickon. For participants interested in more of a hike, there will be a couple extended hike options prior to meeting. This group is suited for people of a variety of physical skill levels. Please consult with your doctor if needed.
This program also includes a day long meditation workshop. Date TBD based on participant availability.
Details:
Dates and time: starting Wednesday February 21, 2024 from 5:30-7:30pm running biweekly for eight sessions. (3/6/24, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29).
Cost: $400- 600 sliding scale (2 partial scholarships available)
Location: The Cedar House 200 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Requirements: 1. Beginner level of emotional and relational competence (eg ability to recognize several feelings and maintain attention on others during conversation and sharing). 2. Ability to walk on flat ground for at least a half hour. Please consult with doctor if needed.
**Note: 1. this is not a psychotherapy group. Group member are expected to have ample emotional and mental health support outside of the group for the issues that may arise during the course of this group. 2. Participants will have the opportunity to continue in an ongoing group beyond the eight sessions.
For more information please call me at 215-366-0184 or email isaac@therapyig.com
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Enhancing Relationships Men’s Group Fall 2023
*Enhancing relationship to self and other*
In this semester of enhancing relationships men’s group we will take a deep look at the metrics for what we consider to be the qualities of an emotionally intelligent and relationally healthy man (recognizing that these are elements of health and wellness in all humans). These metrics will range from qualities and quantities of friendships and social supports, an awareness of and ability to consistently meet a breadth of physical and emotional needs, an enhanced ability to deeply listen to and care for others, a sense of power and purpose, and an ability to find joy and pleasure in the mundane.
We will focus specifically on relationships within the group as a means for support and developing the skills to enhance our relationship to self and others outside of the group and will take turns spotlighting each member of the group.
Midway through the semester we will go on a half-day hike using elements of nature therapy for the sake of having fun and increasing connections within the group.
We will meet on
Mondays from 7:15 to 8:45
in Bala-Cynwyd,
Starting October 2, 2023
Exact address offered upon acceptance to the group.
The cost is $575 for eight biweekly sessions.
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Bi-wEekly, 8 Sessions, Fall 2022
I’m excited to announce another Enhancing Relationships Men’s Group this coming fall. Enhancing Relationships is a combination skill based and process group. In a supportive and confidential environment we present themes that many men wrestle with, consciously and unconsciously. These themes include building trust and safety, emotional and relational self care, intimacy vs isolation and working through conflict. Through the course of each group we allow for topics to evolve organically based on the individual and shared issues group members are struggling with. In addition we incorporate communication and conflict resolution skills that complement both the themes and individual topics.
Men in other enhancing relationship groups find it to be an invaluable experience; to learn about themselves and create a supportive community where they can be truly open, challenge each other and grow together.
The group runs
biweekly for 8 sessions
on Tuesday evenings from 715-845pm
in person in Bala Cynwyd
starting Tbd late 2022 or early 2023
(with an additional/optional 3 hour mediation workshop time/date tbd.)
Cost: $440 (which can be paid in two installments. Please inquire about financial assistance)
*participants will have the opportunity to continue in this men’s group beyond the 8-week series
For questions and/or referrals please contact me at isaac@therapyig.com, or 215-366-0184
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Past Groups
Enhancing Relationships- 6-week Summer Mens Group
In this summer series of Enhancing Relationships participants will be guided in skill building exercises and discuss topics (eg Masculinity/male identity, self-esteem and confidence, sex) to help them identify where they get stuck in their ability to communicate and interact with others in a way that feels more relaxed, confident and satisfying. Over the course of the group participants may identify and determine how elements of shame, anxiety and isolation influence habitual patterns of relating and work on breaking these patterns through our group work. Ultimately the intention of this work is to develop stronger, more meaningful, supportive and enjoyable relationships, whether they are friendships, romantic relationships, work and/or family relationships.
To increase the the strength and power of connection within the group, participants pair off in rotating order to contact each other outside of the group as a form of support and accountability for pursuing personal relationship goals.
About the group facilitator:
Isaac Garfield has been running mens groups for the last 8 years both in outpatient and partial hospital settings.
In addition to his clinical experience he has co-led nationally representative research on emotional connection in men’s friendships, and has lead several local and national workshops and conferences on a breadth of issues relevant to the struggles many men face.
Logistics:
This group will run weekly for 6 weeks starting Tuesday June 21, 2022 from 715-845pm in Bala Cynwyd.
The office is conveniently located right off I76 and has free parking.
Cost: $350 (please inquire about a sliding scale if needed)
To find out more about the group or discuss the possibility of joining please contact Isaac at isaac@therapyig.com or 215-366-0184
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Enhancing Relationships Philadelphia Men’s Group, fall 2021:
In this fall series of Enhancing Relationships participants will be guided in skill building exercises and discuss topics (eg Masculinity/male identity, self-esteem and confidence, sex) to help them identify where they get stuck in their ability to communicate and interact with others in a way that feels more relaxed, confident and satisfying. Over the course of the group participants may identify and determine how elements of shame, anxiety and isolation influence habitual patterns of relating and work on breaking these patterns through our group work. Ultimately the intention of this work is to develop stronger, more meaningful, supportive and enjoyable relationships, whether they are friendships, romantic relationships, work and/or family relationships.
In addition to the work inside the group we ask that participants engage in activity outside as a learning opportunity and platform for utilizing the skills learned. In this effort, each participant will choose a relationship outside of the group that they want to focus on and apply what they are learning in this relationship.
Because we meet biweekly, participants pair off in rotating order to contact each other outside of the group as a form of accountability for applying the skills and maintaining the connection within the group.
In addition to the biweekly meetings that alternate between zoom and in person (outdoors in a heated tent) we include a 3-hour outdoor mindfulness and wilderness therapy immersion in the Wissahickon. Dates TBD
Logistics:
Date/Time: 715-845pm Monday 10/18/2021, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 11/1, 1/3/2022
Outdoor Mindfulness Intensive date: A weekend, TBD based on participants availability
Cost: $550 (can be paid in half or full, please contact us about scholarship needs)
Location: Mount airy location, and given upon registration, and zoom
Covid related information: all participants are expected to be vaccinated. We will be meeting outside in a tent. Mask wearing is requested
For more information or to register contact Isaac Garfield lcsw at 215-366-0184, isaac@therapyig.com or Nate Schlingmann 277-277-2412, nate@walkyourpath.org or visit www.walkyourpath.org , www.therapyig.com
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ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS Philadelphia Men's Group
In this skill and relational based therapy group participants will be guided in working through the challenges they are having in romantic, friend, family, and work relationships.
The group will be 6-7 members and two experienced group leaders Isaac Garfield LCSW and Nate Schlingmann LPC.
We will meet Bi-Weekly for 90 Minutes. Once per month on Zoom and Once per month in a covered outdoor space in Mount Airy. All participants must be vaccinated.
Group participants will develop their skills in:
COMMUNICATION: learning to identify and ask for what you want in a way that is effective and empowering
LISTENING: Learning to be fully present with others on an emotional level while maintaining boundaries so as to not get emotionally overwhelmed.
COMMITMENT: Creating agreements that help build and grow your relationship. Learning how to acknowledge when you make a mistake and restore what you’re committed to.
MINDFULNESS: learning to manage intense feelings in your relationships (e.g. anger, fear, sadness, jealousy)
Date: Starts Monday June 7th from 7:15-8:45 The group will be an 8 -week series
For more information or to register contact Isaac Garfield lcsw at 215-366-0184, isaac@therapyig.com or Nate Schlingmann 277-277-2412, nate@walkyourpath.org or visit www.walkyourpath.org , www.therapyig.com
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Enhancing Relationships: Mindfulness-Based Men’s Group. Fall 2021
Over the course of my work as a therapist I’ve watched client’s progress accelerate remarkably with the inclusion of a regular meditation practice. Whether working with me individually or as a member of one of my men’s groups, mindfulness meditation has served to increase personal awareness; supporting the development of insight and a host of other benefits. From my clinical experience and research, these benefits include:
◦ Increased energy, focus and clarity
◦ Improved professional and academic performance
◦ Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional regulation (eg: anger, fear, sadness), develop communication and listening skills
◦ Enhanced sexual experiences
◦ Developed ability to manage stress/relax
◦ More gratifying romantic, friend and work relationships
In this eight-week zoom-based group participants learn multiple mindfulness techniques with an emphasis on sitting practice. After each meditation, members reflect on what they noticed emotionally, mentally and physically during their practice and are asked to share in the group. Experiences in meditation are reflections of our experience outside of meditation and can serve as a rich source of learning and growth. The group is coached in effective processing of emotions and in the practice of mindful listening and communication. In a safe and confidential environment group members have the opportunity to develop the skill of vulnerability and emotional processing which is a core factor in the benefits listed above. We will use the Applied Mindfulness Process Scale to measure progress among various benefits associated with mindfulness practice.
This group is designed for participants with all levels of mindfulness meditation experience. Participants are asked to practice meditation together, remotely, outside of group. (This is not a requirement but strongly encouraged.)
Logistics:
1) 8 Sunday evenings March 21 - May 9 from 8:00-9:15pm. 4-hour meditation intensive date tbd. Cost: $325 (scholarships available) 2) 8 Wednesday evenings March 24 - May 12 from 8-9:15pm. 4-hour meditation intensive date tbd. Cost: $325 (scholarships available)
For more information or to join the group please email me at isaac@therapyig.com, or phone, at 215-366-0184. I conduct a brief screening to ensure that group is a good fit for each prospective member and that they have adequate stability and emotional support outside of the group. Collaborations with individual therapists are encouraged and very welcome.
Why a mindfulness based group just for men? For a variety of reasons: 1) Men often feel more comfortable addressing certain uncomfortable topics with other men, and 2) Simultaneously/conversely men, especially heterosexual men, tend to rely on women for their emotional support and are closed off emotionally from other men. This can cause a host of issues including over reliance on women/female romantic partners for emotional needs, causing destructive patterns in these relationships and limiting the quality and depth of relationships with men (be they friendships, family, or colleagues) which can effect physical and mental health.
The group format is inspired and informed by the following therapeutic model, article, book, and teaching: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 5 Reasons Why Men Should Start Practicing Mindfulness, Breaking the Male Code: Unlocking the Power of Friendship, and Surrender Yourself to the Present Moment (Thich Nhat Hanh’s talk from my 10-week residential practice in 2004)