II. Blog Articles and Podcast Recordings |
|
|
|
IV. Virtual Seminars on Saturday, April 3, 2021* |
|
|
|
The Men's Group Seminar: Men and Loneliness
One consequence of the pandemic is that it has shed light on existing problems and issues previously unacknowledged. Indeed, male loneliness is one of these issues. Research suggests that men are increasingly contending with loneliness more so than ever before, both in terms of prevalence and severity, and these rates seem to have catapulted during the pandemic. In a recent podcast, the popular website “The Art of Manliness” characterized male loneliness “a hidden tragedy” and others have called it “an epidemic.” With the pandemic’s limiting the primary way men relate and connect, i.e., through “opportunistic socialization” (i.e., casually engaging in ready-made contexts like the workplace or in situations arranged for other purposes such as sporting events or religious/communal activities), men are largely disconnected. Middle age is a developmental period when men are especially at risk for loneliness, as Billy Baker described in his widely acclaimed article in the Boston Globe. For these men, decades of investment in career, financial success, and family gradually eroded quality bonds that simply were not nurtured. Other perspectives on male loneliness suggest that with the perseverance of the “Man Box” and the negative impact of toxic masculinity, men are not socialized to value intimacy and emotional expression, especially in the realm of friendship. In the next virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar on Saturday, April 3, 2021 (10:15 AM to 11:30 AM), we will explore male loneliness and consider the suggestions of experts as to how men can create, maintain, and find value in friendship and social connection.
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
|
|
|
|
The Relationship Group Seminar: "Scar Tissue": Healing the Wounds of Previous Relationships
Failed relationships leave behind scars or, what one writer has called, "love marks." This scar tissue amounts to an intricate array of memories, regrets, confusion, and residual areas of unresolved emotional pain. There seem to be two major components of this scar tissue: an inability to resolve the ending of the previous relationship, and, secondly, a lingering hesitation to love again and risk being hurt. Old wounds are at play whether we like to believe it or not, resulting in an often unconscious anxiety/fear about the very thing we desire: relational intimacy. Taking a "victim stance" to the prospect of new love, or simultaneously being available to potential partners while also pushing them away, are just a few of the psychological defense mechanisms employed by people who have been hurt. In her comprehensive academic thesis “Shadowed Scar Tissue: An In-Depth Literature Review of Interpersonal Hurt in Romantic Relationships," Janet Dickey summarizes scientific data indicating that a majority of people can recall a time when they felt "deeply hurt" by their partner. She argues that there are many different types and degrees of hurt suffered in relationships. According to Dickey, a key determinant of how readily a person heals from this pain centers on how the transgression or failed relationship is appraised and, ultimately, understood. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, April 3, 2021 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), we will explore the psychological and emotional residue of previous failed relationships and discuss what is known about pathways toward resolution.
To register for this upcoming virtual seminar, please see the directions below.
|
|
|
|
The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group
This therapy group utilizes the emerging dynamics among group members, and between the group members and facilitator, as a basis from which to examine one's characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. Our next virtual group session will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 (1:15 to 2:30 PM). The Dynamic Psychotherapy Process Group is a therapeutic experience and entry occurs only after a pre-group screening interview.
|
|
|
|
* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the virtual meeting of the Men's Group Seminar and/or the Relationship Group Seminar on April 3, 2021, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com on or before Thursday, April 1, 2021. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminars. Please note that the Men's Group Seminar and the Relationship Group Seminar are psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and do not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
