Men as nurturers conference/workshop
The majority of caring professions are populated by women. For many men this environment is very positive, safe, caring and fulfilling. Some men however, may feel that they have to adapt to a certain way of being and may feel lonely, misunderstood, excluded and isolated. Due to the ‘man rules’ men have typically become self-reliant which has often left them physically and emotionally isolated. Within society in general and specifically with men, isolation and loneliness is a growing issue impacting the ‘nurturers’ as well. For example much of my working day is spent being alone, in a room with a client or with female colleagues and generally little time spent with other men.
Many men have some good friends outside of their work, but these can sometimes feel unsatisfactory due to a lack of a deeper connection.
I have been a therapist for 14 years and worked in an education setting for five years previous to that and for all those years I have been in a gender minority. This has brought me a sense of pride as well as feeling that I would like more contact with other men in this kind of work. Additionally all of the training I have been on since qualifying as a therapist is mainly populated by females.
12 years ago I established a Men’s group. My journey with this group has generated edgy and sometimes conflictual growth and has been a wonderful experience in developing intimacy, connection and normalisation. Part of the birthing of this conference has come from my experience of my mens group alongside talking to male therapists who have attended my training. My hope in creating this space, is to provide a supportive, encouraging and safe space for male nurturers to connect and network.
What will the day look like?
The day will be experiential and organic but will include some or all of the following depending on how many people sign up!
- Story telling - share your stories about being a nurturing man and learn from others about developing our nurturing capacity and skills.
- A forum to connect, make contact and network.
- Safe therapeutic spaces to talk freely.
- Input via workshops/ talks/ stories/ group work.
- Connect with other men outside of the ‘masculinity box’.
- Questioning male ‘self-reliance’ and its impact on us!