A Complete Men Night and the Importance of the Protocols

The Complete Men Podcast

May 30 2023 • 26 mins

In this episode, Paul will talk about what is involved in a typical night at Complete Men, the structure of the session and the importance of the group protocols which are read out and adhered to at each session. The aim is to make it more comfortable for any man that is thinking about attending Complete Men. In this episode, Paul will discuss
- the importance of men's groups and how they are growing in western society.
- the benefits men receive when they attend a men's group and what they take away and transform into their everyday lives.
- the reasons why men attend a men's group such as Complete Men eg, relationship issues, seperation, divorce, anxiety and depression, mid-life crisis.
- the many benefits Paul has obtained from attending men's groups over the past 10 years and why he attends on a regular basis eg, being accountable, be a better man.

In talking about the structure of the session, Paul will talk about the following
-  Meet and greet and introduction
-  The importance of sitting in a circle.
-  Why men come to a men's group
-  short process eg, breathwork, meditation, a poem/story with a powerful meaning.

In regards to the 9 Group Protocols, Paul will discuss and talk more in depth about
1. "I" language and only speaking for oneself and the power of using "I" language.
2. Confidentiality
3. Safety and Respect
4. The talking stick
5. Feedback and advice
6. Feelings
7. Passing- and how it is ok for a man to pass.
8. Presence
9. Facilitation

Paul will then discuss in depth  the
- Check in which is where men talk to the group about their week, what's happening in their life and getting to the emotional content of their experience. Men talk about what is on their mind, issues, challenges, feelings.
- opportunity for clarification and feedback.
- short break to connect with other men in the group
- process which involves focusing on a particular topic and engaging in great discussion where men can explore themselves further. Men are also provided with the opportunity to go into a smaller group for a longer share.
- short check out ie, what men are taking away from the meeting and what they will take into their week.
- general information eg, upcoming seminars, programs, social events.
-Buddy system where new men are matched with an experienced man in the group who checks in on them throughout the week.

References

  1. https://dealingwithdifficultpeople.org/i-language-2/
  2. https://completemen.org.au/about-us

Intro music-Thrive by All Good Folks from Album Music Vine
Outro music- Revelations by Richard Smithson, Album 'Upbeat'.

References for Anger episode
1.American psychological association “anger”, 2023

2. Mainstream corporate training “the anger process and how it affects our thinking”. 2023.

3. YLC Your life counts “dealing with anger. Types of anger”, n.d.

4. Dr Gabor Mate on “How to process anger and rage”, the Tim Ferris show 2022.
Intro music-Thrive by All Good Folks from Album Music Vine
Outro music- Revelations by Richard Smithson, Album 'Upbeat'.