GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPYFor men healing from sexual abuse
Who the group supports
I have worked with survivors of sexual abuse in individual and group therapy since 1987 and have a special interest in helping you heal from experiences of victimization that challenge restrictive stereotypes of masculinity.
This ongoing weekly therapy group, which runs in successive 12-week cycles, is for men ready to expand their recovery into healing with other men surviving, healing, and thriving after sexual abuse.
It provides the safety and support needed to challenge the secrecy, shame, isolation, and other costly coping strategies common in the aftermath of being sexually exploited. The group also appreciates and benefits from the personal strengths men develop in coping with and surviving their abuse histories.
Bill is a gifted therapist and a genuine mensch. He's intuitive, open-minded, non-judgmental and extremely kind and empathetic. He helped me through a horrific bout of PTSD and panic disorder. I highly recommend him for anyone struggling with anxiety or depression.
- Anonymous
How to join
After an initial phone consultation to assess whether this group fits what you need, I meet with you for several sessions, as appropriate, to:
Address your questions and concerns
Gauge and support your readiness to join
Orient you to the group in preparation for joining
Find additional resources for you
Pre-requisites
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Concurrent individual therapy (or its ready availability) is required.
I ask that new members have engaged in at least 6 months of individual therapy significantly focused on their history of sexual victimization and its consequences for their current life.
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If you are coping with an active addiction, you will need to be in recovery, so the growth challenges of group therapy can help heal rather than trigger you into old, addictive modes of coping.
12-Step or other recovery work provides the basis for continuing to address and heal in group therapy from some of the following:
Trauma triggers
Blocks to healthy self-assertion, trust, and intimacy
Shame and misplaced guilt
Unhealthy expressions of anger
Sexual difficulties
Confusion & distress over gender identity and/or sexual orientation
Male social conditioning that equates vulnerability with weakness
Stigma and social alienation
Vulnerability to addictive and other self-defeating behaviors
Despite these prerequisites for prospering in group therapy, I am open to consulting with you to offer resources regardless of where you are in your healing process.
If you are interested in this group, I am available to orient you to what it offers and, as appropriate, help prepare you for membership.
Contact me for a free initial consultation
If you want to discuss whether this group is the right fit for you, get in touch for a free initial consultation.
Group details
As of June 5, 2024, when the latest 12-week cycle of this group began, I am forming a wait list for future group openings. The tentative start date for the next cycle is Sept. 4, 2024, but I am always meeting with survivors interested in this group, so contact me as soon as you are ready to learn more.
Where
Emeryville, California
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
When
$60 / week, due at the beginning of the month
Cost
Continued support
After you complete your initial 12-week commitment, you may opt to remain in the group. Although there is no obligation, members have almost always gained enough from their initial 12-week experience to want to continue on.
