VIEW News

Lifeline’s ten week group for men on Dealing with Anger starts on the 8th February 2010. the course is open to men who would like to learn alternate responses when under stress, become more aware of their emotions, understand where their anger is coming from and learn new ways to channel it productively.

The groups are designed to allow men to explore the issues of how better to regulate the experiences of life without resorting to anger. We take a non deficit approach to men’s issues in that we look to motivate by recognising the real need in most blokes to be a loving and giving partner and father. We explore the kind of behaviours that block this need being met. However the groups are not intended as a treatment for violent behaviour or an alternative to legal processes.

A recent participant said: “I came to the group because people in my family were saying that I scared them when I was angry. I am disappointed and ashamed of that. I really want to be a better man. But what I realised, talking with the other men in the group, is that I have experienced many disappointments and I’m really more sad and a little fearful than angry.”

“When I feel powerless and I don’t know what to do about things going pear shaped, I can take the time to notice how scared I am. Best of all, I know I can talk it through with other men and know that I’m not alone in this “

Group facilitator Ross Gilbert says that when men express anger in destructive ways the effect is usually devastating , resulting in isolation, relationship breakdown, feelings of shame and guilt, abuse, addictions, physical harm, criminality, violence, depressive illness and suicidal thoughts or actions.

Ross said: “We welcome into our groups men who have used aggressive means in attempting to resolve their issues and the men who want to find alternatives to those responses when trying to solve the problems of living.

“Working together, with facilitation by experienced counsellors in men’s processes, the groups offer opportunities for support and development of social networks, as well as exploration of issues all men face and sharing of strategies to develop new ways

Men who want to register for the February group or to learn more about it are invited to phone Ross on 5452 9795 or email ross.gilbert@lccq.org .au. Courses will be conducted at Level 1/43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore, QLD 4558 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There is a cost of $120.00 for the 10 week course with all materials and meals included.