Men's Circle/Group

Men's circles and groups, often called men's support groups, I-Groups, or peer-led gatherings, provide spaces for men to connect, share vulnerabilities, and address personal growth amid societal pressures like emotional isolation. These emerged from indigenous traditions, the men's movement of the 1970s-80s, and modern wellness trends, with roots in organizations like the ManKind Project (MKP). They typically involve 6-15 men in confidential, non-judgmental settings, focusing on themes like relationships, health, emotions, work, and fatherhood. While formats vary (e.g., weekly check-ins, rituals, or topic-driven discussions), research shows they reduce isolation, boost wellbeing, and improve interpersonal skills.

Below is a breakdown of the styles of popular Men's Groups/Circles
Category
Facilitator
Style
Organization
Mythopoetic
Mythopoetic
Peer-facilitated MKP graduates
Post-training integration: accountability, emotional literacy, mythopoetic men's work; rituals and challenges for authenticity
ManKind Project (MKP)
Open
Experienced peer facilitators
Peer support for life transitions: relationships, career, fatherhood; open to newcomers for skill-building
ManKind Project UK/Ireland
Therapeutic
Licensed psychotherapists
Trauma processing, anxiety/depression management; evidence-based tools like CBT in a male-focused space
HeadsUpGuys, NAMI
Self-Help Recovery
Peer leaders (recovering members)
Addiction recovery (substances, sex, porn, work); step-based coping and accountability
AA-style
General Support
Community facilitators (e.g. coaches)
Life challenges: divorce, relationships, grief; reciprocal sharing on health/wealth/emotions
Various
Personal Growth
Group-led (feminist-influenced)
Feel-good exploration: self-awareness, wounds, bonding; offshoots of therapy/religious movements
Various
Topic-Specific
Rotating experts
Mental health themes: stress, anger, illness; psychoeducation + tools
Various (i.e. Kings Corner)
Holistic Wellness
Peer/support coaches
Breathwork, meditation, yoga; emotional/spiritual development
Sacred Sons
Fatherhood
Fatherhood
Peer fathers
Parenting, family roles; impact of upbringing on manhood
Various
Grief/Loss
Trained facilitators
Bereavement, prostate cancer, loved ones' loss; coping strategies
Brothers in Arms

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