The Men’s Connection Project
Boulder Area men’s group
The Men’s Connection Project is an in-person men’s therapy group in the Boulder area facilitated by D.J. Bishop, a Licensed Professional Counselor. The group will comprise 6-8 men coming together to share their stories, heal from painful life experiences, and empower each other to build the lives they want.
A new therapy group for men starts at my Boulder practice every 2-3 months and meets for 8 sessions over the span of 8 weeks. Each session runs roughly 2 hours.
Why join a men’s group
The name - The Men’s Connection Project - says it all. This men’s group is about helping you deepen your connection with yourself, so that you can build healthy and sustainable relationships with friends, coworkers, and family.
Many of us have experienced different types of trauma in our lives - unwanted, painful life experiences through which we lost our ability to choose and exercise our power. These traumas influence how we relate to others. As Brene Brown says, “we are hardwired for connection,” and when we lose our ability to connect due to trauma and shame we suffer in isolation.
Learning how to cultivate nourishing connections is a skill that everyone benefits from, especially men, who have been conditioned by our culture to disconnect from themselves and their emotions. Because of this, our men's group in Boulder addresses trauma and PTSD in therapy sessions designed to forge connections.
“The best part about being with a group is that you don’t have to do everything alone. ”
This is why it’s so important for us to do our healing work in a group setting. Being seen, heard and supported by other men who understand what we’re going through is the best salve for our emotional wounds.
It’s impossible to heal relationship issues in isolation. Many of us go to therapy because we aren’t happy with ourselves and our relationships, and the best way to learn to create better relationships is to practice in a safe space with others who value connection.
What to expect from the men’s therapy group in Boulder
In the men’s group, each participant will travel through the healing arc - the framework trauma therapy uses to help people process and repair painful life experiences.
We’ll begin our group hero’s journey by building rapport and identifying resources and strengths.
Once we’ve built a safe container and group cohesion, we’ll combine the power of narrative (telling our stories) with action methods, such as empty chair work, art therapy, and (re)enactment.
This will help us climb up and over the healing arc into meaning making and integration, enabling us to find a state of calm and peace. It’s this final phase that allows our nervous systems to transform the painful life experience from one of shame and isolation into one of strength, connection, and community.
Who is a good fit for the men’s group?
The group is therapy for men in the Boulder area who want to grow and develop self-awareness and agency for change. Growing means nourishing the parts of ourselves that heal and connect us, over the parts that isolate and harm us. If you’re curious and open to learning new concepts and practicing new tools, reach out to learn more.
Requirements to join
Engaging in experiential group therapy is a transformational bonding process that creates movement of recent or historical inner obstacles. To ensure safety within the group the following must be met by each participant:
Regular individual therapy (weekly to biweekly) with myself or another therapist of your choosing
Attendance at each session - the consistent presence of the members helps create a safe space - one person’s work is everyone’s work
Note: if you suffer from substance abuse disorder, you must have at least 6 months of sobriety with an active 12-step program - a sponsor, meetings, and step work.
How to Join
Signing up starts with a free 20 minute phone call for me to answer your questions about the group, and get to know you.
The second step is a one hour in-person therapy session with me, during which we’ll assess mutual fit. This process is important for us to better get to know each other, identify expectations, answer questions, set your goals for the group experience, and ensure you feel comfortable with me as a therapist.
The one-hour session does not guarantee entrance into the group. Group dynamics play an important role in the efficacy of the group and each candidate will be screened to ensure fit.
Testimonials
“D.J.’s therapy groups have led me to experience some of my deepest and most profound therapy work I have ever done. His care of clients is the most sincere I have experienced in my years of therapy work. He has the ability to listen closely, comprehend fully, and give a perspective that is extremely considerate.”
— Stephen H.
“Working with DJ, both individually and in a group, helped me develop the tools and resources to become a functioning adult in society. DJ helped me find happiness and contentment internally, rather than looking to others for it. Because of him and the tools he shared with me, I am approaching four years sober and have built a fulfilling and happy life.”
- Ryan K.
“Having worked directly with D.J. and having co-facilitated numerous group therapy sessions with him, I can confidently say that D.J. is an incredibly skilled and gifted clinician. He is warm and empathetic, quick-witted and charismatic. D.J. doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations – he will always tell a client what they need to hear (even if it’s not what they want to hear) and does so in a direct yet gentle way in which the client feels supported and empowered.”
— Pat Young, MA, LAC, Landing Program Supervisor at Jaywalker Lodge
“DJ brings knowledge , compassion and care to his groups. His ability to connect with the guys and foster connection amongst others is a true gift. He is a kind, caring , funny guy that makes getting vulnerable a bit less scary. I love when I get the chance to be in a group with him.”
- Jill Krush MS, LPC, NCC, CAC III, Chief Clinical Officer at Choice HouseWhen does the next group start?
Email DJ at dj@djbtherapy.com to find out the next start date and join the waitlist.
“One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to listen to each other’s stories.”
Reach out to learn more
If you’d like more information about The Men’s Connection project, click the button below and fill out the form. I’ll be in touch to schedule your free 20 minute intro call.