Power in Numbers: How Group Therapy Helps Men

R&B legend Bill Withers wrote his hit song ‘Lean on Me’ after leaving his hometown and tight-knit community of Slab Fork, Virginia:

Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I’ve seen many men achieve significant mental health benefits by leaning on each other during the men’s group therapy and the education/tools they’re introduced to in the sessions I facilitate.

Research suggests that half of Canadians will experience a mental illness by age 40, while suicide deaths are three times higher among Canadian men than women. Taking care of our mental health has never been more vital. 

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

We all have negative thoughts now and then. But if you always find yourself putting a negative spin on events and situations, you are more likely to experience anxiety and/or depression.

For many, CBT helps break that negative cycle. It provides accurate, realistic, and practical ways to think about your challenges and tools to overcome them.

This form of psychological treatment is proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety and depression. Research also shows that people are less likely to relapse when treated with CBT: They tend to get better and stay better.

The power of ‘group magic’

In group sessions, I often hear from men raised to keep their emotions bottled up. For them, there is stigma and shame associated with sharing their feelings and being vulnerable.

Sessions often produce what many therapists refer to as “group magic.” Men frequently feel alone in their struggles with anxiety and depression. In a group, it’s the exact opposite: participants facing similar struggles get to share their experiences, allowing them to feel less isolated and alone while learning from others.

Everyone gains valuable insights from the feedback and perspectives of others. Working with other men in similar situations or experiencing the same struggles can be less intimidating than working with a therapist one-on-one.

3 benefits of group therapy for men

1. Find your voice

Men are encouraged to express and openly discuss their emotions. Practicing this with the group can help boost confidence and help you communicate better with your partner, friends, and family.

2. Lean on each other

I’m always inspired by the encouragement and support group members offer. Being part of these sessions allows guys to listen to the experiences of others, which creates a sense of belonging and provides hope for personal improvement. The emphasis is on seeking feedback, connection, and support from each other rather than solely relying on the facilitator. 

3. Learn from other guys

The challenges of daily existence are discussed in CBT groups. This allows other men to relate and practice real-life coping skills with others in similar situations.

What to expect in a group session

While some initial discomfort is not unusual, most men share that this goes away and gets easier within the first two to three sessions. Facilitators guide the discussion among the group, and members are free to decide what and how much information they wish to share.

Joining group therapy may seem intimidating to some men, especially since personal and vulnerable topics are discussed. Rest assured that information is kept private and confidential. 

And as Bill Withers sang:

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on…