Sometimes men find themselves struggling to fully express their thoughts and feelings when attending couples therapy with their wives or romantic partners for several reasons. First, there’s often a fear of vulnerability. This is understandable. Many men are socialized to appear strong and in control which can make it difficult for them to express emotions or admit struggles in front of their partners. Men sometimes worry about consequences. For example, sharing certain thoughts or feelings that could hurt their wife’s feelings, damage the relationship, or be used against them in future disagreements. Third, some men have limited practice with emotional expression. They may lack the vocabulary or comfort to articulate complex feelings effectively, especially under the perceived pressure of a therapeutic setting. For these reasons, I’ve decided to launch a Transformation Group for Men.
This transformation group for men can be helpful because it offers a unique, judgement-free environment for addressing some of the challenges men face with shared understanding. Being among other men who experience similar struggles creates an inherent sense of validation and normalized vulnerability. It removes relationship dynamics. Without their partners present, men can explore thoughts and feelings without the immediate concern of how their words might affect their relationship. Third, men’s groups provide role models. Seeing other men express emotions and communicate openly demonstrates that vulnerability is possible and even valuable. Fourth, groups build communication skills gradually. Men can practice articulating feelings and experiences in a lower-stakes environment before bringing these skills back to their relationships. Last, men’s groups create accountability between peers rather than from authority figures or partners, which many men respond to more effectively. This supportive environment can help men develop the confidence and skills to communicate more authentically with their wives and relationships overall.
Men’s Group – Individual Therapy: What is the Difference?
A men’s group often provides unique benefits that individual therapy alone can’t match. First, it offers authentic peer validation – hearing other men share similar struggles creates a powerful “I’m not alone” realization that’s difficult to achieve in individual therapy. Men’s groups also provide real-time social feedback, allowing participants to see how their communication affects others in a way that mirrors daily life more closely than the one-on-one therapeutic relationship. Groups create accountability through peer relationships. Additionally, a men’s group offers multiple perspectives simultaneously instead of one professional viewpoint, giving men diverse feedback from others with varied life experiences and communication styles. Finally, the group setting naturally addresses isolation – many men’s emotional struggles are compounded by loneliness, and the community aspect of a group directly counteracts this in ways individual therapy cannot. While individual therapy remains valuable, these unique elements often make men’s groups particularly effective for helping men develop communication skills and emotional awareness.
Group Details:
Date: Weekly – Tuesdays or Wednesdays, beginning early to mid-May 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm for 8 weeks
Cost: 50.00 per session (must attend all sessions)
Facilitator: Dr. Paula Smith
Location: Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket RI
Join Us
The group will meet onTuesday OR Wednesdays evenings (depending on availability) from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Hope Artiste Village. Registration is open now. Space is limited to 6 men to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
For more information or to register, contact Dr. Paula Smith at (401) 782-7899 or email dr.paulamsmith@gmail.com Taking the step to join a men’s group can feel challenging, but it’s also a powerful move toward a more connected, balanced life. I look forward to welcoming you.
