Introduction: What Happens When Men Stop Going It Alone
You don’t have to carry it all by yourself.
That sounds simple—but for many men, it’s revolutionary.
When was the last time you spoke openly about what really matters—your stress, your relationships, your energy, your sense of self—with a group of other men who genuinely listened and supported you?
Most of us haven’t had that space since childhood, if ever. And yet, the need for connection, honesty, and support doesn’t fade with age. It deepens.
That’s why I created Building Brotherhood, a weekly small-group experience for men (4–6 members)—part of my THRIVEWAYS program at The Relationship Place. It’s a place for men to reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with the life they truly want to live. “You don't have to carry it all alone.”
• This is often the first message that lands—like water in the desert—when a man enters the sacred container of a men's group. It’s not spoken as advice, but felt through presence. Through the knowing nod of another man who’s walked through fire, and is still walking.
• At Building Brotherhood, we say: healing begins when a man is truly seen. In my years guiding spiritual retreats with the Men’s Center Los Angeles, I witnessed how transformational it is when men gather with intention—to drop the mask, shed the armor, and speak the truth of their lives. In our fast-paced, performance-driven world, that kind of space is rare. But it’s also essential.
This isn’t a support group. It’s not a lecture.
It’s a space for real conversations, shared growth, and meaningful change.
The Problem: Men Are Isolated, Stressed, and Disconnected
Men today face enormous pressure—from work, family, finances, health, and the silent expectation to “just handle it.”
We’re trained to solve problems. Push through. Stay in control.
And while that mindset might serve us professionally, it can slowly erode our emotional, relational, and physical well-being.
Consider this:
• Men are less likely to seek help for anxiety, depression, or burnout.
• Chronic stress in men often shows up as irritability, disconnection, or physical symptoms—like fatigue, heart issues, or sleep trouble.
• Many men report feeling isolated, especially in midlife, even if they’re surrounded by people.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Power of the Small Group: Why 4–6 Men Is the Sweet Spot
In my work as a licensed therapist and group facilitator, I’ve seen the power of group therapy firsthand. But not just any group—small groups, where real trust can be built. Here’s why small groups (4–6 members) are uniquely effective for men’s mental wellness:
1. Deeper Trust
With a smaller circle, men get to know each other quickly. There’s time to share, reflect, and follow up. You’re not a face in the crowd. You’re part of something intimate and consistent.
2. Safe, Structured Space
We create clear agreements for how we communicate and support each other. This structure builds safety, even when emotions run deep.
3. Personal Attention + Group Wisdom
You benefit from being seen and heard each week, and you also learn from what others are navigating. You realize: I’m not the only one going through this.
4. Accountability Without Judgment
Growth happens when we feel supported and challenged. In a small group, you can be honest about your patterns—and receive support to change them.
What We Talk About: Real-Life, Real-Talk
Each week, our group meets for 75 minutes— in person. The structure is steady, but the content is dynamic, shaped by what’s alive in the room. Topics often include:
• Stress, anxiety, and burnout
• Relationship issues (marriage, divorce, fatherhood, dating)
• Work-life balance and purpose
• Emotional awareness and regulation
• Loneliness, connection, and male friendship
• Boundaries, anger, and assertiveness
• Self-worth, shame, and perfectionism
• Communication and intimacy
You don’t need to come in with a perfect answer. You don’t need to perform or fix anyone. You just need to show up as you are.
This Isn’t Therapy Lite. It’s a Pathway to Change.
Many men are skeptical of therapy—or think it means “something’s wrong.” But men’s group work isn’t about what’s broken. It’s about what’s possible.
You might come in feeling:
• Numb, overwhelmed, or disconnected
• Like your relationships are stuck in a loop
• Successful on the outside but flat inside
• Tired of carrying everything without a place to exhale
And you leave with:
• Clarity about what matters to you
• Tools for managing stress, emotion, and conflict
• A sense of belonging and connection
• Renewed energy, perspective, and hope
The group isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you reconnect to your own inner compass—what I call the THRIVEWAYS mindset:
Your path. Your pace. Your growth.
How THRIVEWAYS Fits In: A Whole-Person Approach
THRIVEWAYS: Find Your Path to Men’s Mental Wellness is my integrative program for helping men move from coping to thriving. It blends evidence-based therapy (like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Method, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy) with group work and individual support.
The weekly men’s group is a core part of this model, because community accelerates personal growth. We change faster—and more sustainably—when we’re witnessed, supported, and encouraged.
Whether you’re already in therapy or just starting your wellness journey, this group meets you where you are.
Why Now? Because Waiting Doesn’t Help
Most men wait until something breaks: a relationship, a job, a health scare. But what if you didn’t wait for the wake-up call?
What if the small discomfort of showing up now could prevent the big rupture later?
What if investing in your wellness today could unlock more connection with your partner, more patience with your kids, more focus at work—and more peace inside?
That’s not hype. It’s what I’ve seen, over and over, when men choose to stop going it alone.
What Men Are Saying
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I started. Just hearing other men say out loud what I’d been carrying—it cracked something open in me.”
“I thought group therapy would be soft. It’s not. It’s solid. Real talk, real support, and I’m walking out every week lighter and more clear.”
“My partner told me she’s never seen me this grounded. I thought this was just about stress, but it’s changing everything.”
These stories aren’t rare. They’re what happen when you give yourself permission to grow.
How to Join the Group
Our group is small on purpose.
We meet weekly. We commit to consistency. And we build trust over time.
Here’s what to expect:
• Group size: 4–6 members
• Meeting time: 75 minutes weekly (day/time provided after intake)
• Location: In-person at The Relationship Place 2729 Fourth Ave Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92103
• Commitment: 12-week cycles with the option to continue
Next Steps:
1. Fill out the interest form [bottom of page].
2. Schedule a 15-minute call with me.
3. If it’s a good fit, you’ll reserve your spot for the next cycle.
It’s confidential. It’s affordable. And it may be the most impactful decision you make this year.
Final Words: Your Seat In the Circle
You don’t have to do this alone.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You just have to be willing to show up—and take your seat.
In our small men’s group, you’ll find not only support, but momentum. Not only insight, but action. Not only community, but the courage to live more fully, more honestly, and more intentionally.
If you're ready to move beyond just coping—and step into your own version of thriving—this is your invitation.
Your seat is waiting.
In brotherhood,
Jeffrey