Men’s circle – a personal growth group for men

Statistically, men have the fewest close friendships, are the least likely to seek psychological help and are the most likely to be left alone with their difficulties – the cultural message “deal with it yourself” still holds sway. Conversations between men often stop at work, sport and jokes; there is usually no room for what really matters – a crisis in the relationship, exhaustion, fear about the future, difficult fatherhood, the feeling of being stuck.

A men’s circle means regular meetings with the same group, led by a psychologist, with simple rules: we speak honestly, we listen without interrupting or pushing advice, and what is said in the circle stays in the circle. The topics come from the participants: relationships and break-ups, fatherhood (and being a son), work and money, health, anger, loneliness, meaning. The facilitator looks after the depth and safety of the conversation.

It is a space for personal growth, not group therapy – although for many men it becomes the first place where they talk about themselves out loud at all. And often the first step towards further work on themselves.