men's groups

The Men's Centre from time to time offers men's groups, providing a place for men who wish to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences in an informal, safe and confidential environment. Groups are led by CMC counsellors and usually meet after hours on an evening suitable to members. Refreshments are provided.

Approach

Group members decide themselves what they need to have in a group which is safe for them and meets their needs; for example, agreements about confidentiality, punctuality, giving one another space to talk and listen. Using a participatory, non-directive and strengths-based approach, group leaders encourage the men to 'own' the group, take the initiative to respond to each other's experiences and explore ideas, suggestions and solutions. 'Strengths-based' simply means that people have strengths, abilities and interests which are resources they can use with the issues and problems that have brought them to the group.

Costs

Depending on the particular group and range of members, provision may be made for contributions by members with capacity to pay. Where this is the case, members will be asked to consider making a contribution using a sliding scale based on income, but fees will always be negotiable.

Admission criteria

No specific criteria.

Vacancies and Waiting Lists

Groups are usually limited to around eight permanent members. Once the group is full, men may be put on a waiting list, and entry to the group will then be considered on a needs basis by the group leader. For information about vacancies and waiting lists, please contact the Counselling Services Manager, Alistair Jones by email or on (02) 6230 6999 during office hours.

Referral process

Contact the Men's Centre by email or on (02) 6230 6999. Requests will be considered by the group leader, subject to existing waiting lists and the needs of all involved. At this point, any man interested in joining the group will have a meeting with one of the group leaders, and together they will decide whether the group is suitable for him.

For more information on our Counselling Services click here.