Self Discovery Men's Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Self Discovery Men’s Group?

Over the long term, trust deepens within a group of men who meet weekly to share what is true for them. This trust allows men to explore, discover, and develop their unique selves in a way that is rarely possible in other environments.

Why do men join a group?

It is a place for men to explore how they honestly feel about their lives. Many men want to share their deeper thoughts and feelings with other men but do not have friends or a place where this is possible. They are looking for a supportive environment where they can explore and discover their most essential selves—the struggles, longings, and truths that make them who they are—and to receive feedback from other men.

Many men realize something is missing in their lives when they encounter separation, divorce, infidelities, career issues, burn out, and other painful and traumatic events.  This is time when the right support can make the difference between a strong and successful recovery and repeating mistakes all over again.

What kinds of men join a group?

The men who join a group range in age from their thirties to sixties. Race, religion, occupation, marital status and sexual orientation all vary.

What the men have in common is a desire to explore their lives in the presence of other men and a willingness to accept other men who may have different experiences and beliefs.

The diversity of a group of men adds to the wisdom that is available to each member of the group as they explore the questions that are important to them.

What topics are discussed in men’s groups?

Discussion topics are determined by what each man wants to explore. Thus, the topics vary with the men in each group and evolve as the men’s interests evolve. Any topic that is important to a member of the group is appropriate.

Oftentimes, a man raises an issue, thinking it only concerns him, and finds that others resonate with that issue, so it becomes a theme that the group develops over time.

Here is a partial list of topics that men discuss in groups: families, relationships, divorce, fathers, friendship, trust, love, fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, generosity, ambition, success, burnout, failure, money, dreams, soul-work, longings, sexuality, goals, life-stories, spirituality, fantasies, personalities, authenticity, integrity, journeys, grief, healing, nature, and acceptance.

What if my issue is very specific?

Of course, each man's issue or issues are very specific to them.  Each person and each relationship is different, so even if you find a group about your specific issue, the members are going to grieve and recover differently from you. 

Some men think that if they are going through a divorce, they should be in a divorce group, or if grieving the death of a child, in a group for grieving parents, or working father, mother, relationship issues, they should be in a group to support their specific issue.  For some people, that works.  At the same time, I've seen men bring their individual issues to a general men's group and find the support and feedback they need to respond and recover from their experience. 

For many, a general group is a better support system, because they receive perspective and feedback from men who are having different experiences.  The added benefit is that once you recovery, you can continue in the group and receive support while pursuing you new life.

Do I have to give up my individuality to join a group?

No. These Self Discovery men’s groups support and encourage the uniqueness of each member. Each member determines what he wants to explore and each decides for himself the pace and direction of that exploration. A group member may pass on discussing any topic or participating in any activity that does not feel right to them.

Are these men’s groups affiliated with any religion?

No. At times, men may talk about their own spirituality or religious beliefs.

Who facilitates Self Discovery Men’s Group?

Antoine Amiri facilitates the groups. Antoine practices Self Discovery Coaching using the Hakomi Method to enable individual and group clients to have more freedom in responding to longings, stress, change and life situations.

Antoine has over 15 years experience as a student and teacher of the Enneagram, a highly regarded personality profiling system.  He has held Enneagram workshops, has worked with clients as an Enneagram Coach, and  is a graduate of the Hakomi Institute of San Francisco (Now the Hakomi Institute of California). He is currently in supervision for  certification in the Hakomi Method.

Antoine also trained in group facilitation with Matrix Leadership Foundation and trained in grief counseling with the Centre for Living with Dying where he volunteered as group facilitator for several years.

Where We Meet