It’s no real surprise that men are largely not big fans of counseling, therapy or anything that sniffs of potential feeling dialogue. You might even say men don’t even like to talk much in general- though that’s more debatable. But according to Bryon Remo, M.Ed, LMFT, when men are willing to venture into the arena of a support group they are often quite surprised that it doesn’t look the way Hollywood portrays it- as a stuffy, uncomfortable, often body-twisting weirdness of men trying to speak a language they’ve only just discovered. In reality, a support group isn’t designed to expose or force grown men into pouring out their feelings and then trying to put the lid back on. It’s much more relaxed and organic. According to Remo, “When men come together around a common purpose such as supporting their children, they instantly have a common starting point that makes them far more comfortable than they expect.

A fathers divorce support group is an opportunity for men to connect around something bigger than football or beers. It’s a chance for men to have a space where they can express the challenges that accompany a divorce dynamic and their efforts to stay connected to their kids. It’s also an opportunity to share more complicated issues that may need a bit of creativity in trying to navigate. Some divorcees have an easier path in dealing with a friendly ex-spouse where fairness and flexibility seem to exist. But for many others, there is often an ongoing struggle to communicate and coordinate well with the ex-partner of one’s children and to minimize negative impact on the kids.

Having an opportunity to talk about the various challenges that face fathers within a divorce support group allows participants to feel they are not losing their minds. And if they do feel a bit unhinged they at least they have others dealing with the madness they can turn to. Men are often by nature problem-solvers and it can be incredibly helpful when men are able to listen to one another and provide useful coping strategies for one another.

When thinking about joining a father’s divorce support group it’s always useful when the group leader is not only a dad but also a licensed therapist as it gives an added level of expertise to the group dynamic. CT Family Counseling, LLC offers group counseling support for fathers in and around West Hartford, Connecticut. Group sessions are conducted in the office and are capped at 7 participants per group to ensure all members are able to feel adequately understood and supported.

Click HERE to learn more and pre-register for the Dads Divorce Support Group and share any questions you may have.