MAIL BONDING We Want to Hear from You! Write us! Please send
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double-spaced letters to: VOICE MALE MRC 236 North Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002 or FAX (413) 253-4881 E-mail: voicemale@mensresourcecenter.01g Please include address and phone. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. , Deadline for the Wmter 2004 Issue is january 16, 2004.
New Texas Men's Center The Men's Resource Center of Central Texas is up and running. We've got a couple of things going-a drop-in support group and a pending grant fo r a domes tic violence community action program . We're incorporated, and have a small interim board. My compatrio t Rick Webster and I are taking things pretty slowwe both have other commitments-but the response to the support group has been pretty good so far We've connected with a local church, and they are willing to give us referrals. So, we'll see how it all plays out! ' Sorry to hear about the 54K cut in the MOVE program-it's a sign of the times, and quite unforrunate. Texas has taken a huge hit in social service offerings as well. Our web site may be found at www.mrc-tx.org, or interested readers may also contact us at Men's Resource Center of Central Texas, P.O. Box 2683, Fredericksburg, 1X 78624. Phone: (830) 99229 11 ; (830) 997-7745. E-mail: info@mrc-tx.org. josh Abrams Fredericksburg, Texas
TGIF
Believe in Men
When I went for the first time to the men's group that meets on Friday nights (the Men's Resource Center's group in Amherst for men who suffered childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect] 1 found it enlightening and inspiring. 1 have not felt this good in a very long time. My therapist had been trying for several years to get me to attend one of the groups, but 1had much trepidation. He actually brought me there once after one of our sessions to help alleviate my fears, but still I didn't come. Well, I went and it was wonderful. Intellectually I've known that this was a place where one could be completely safe in expressing themselves, but still certain fears existed. 1 no longer feel that way and know now emotionally that 1 can be safe and free to express my feelings. I have much work to do and need to go to one of the other groups as well, but 1 feel now that there is the possibility for me to confront myself on certain issues and finally admit them to myself and to others . Dotng that in a group such as the MRC provides is an excellent way fo r me to start that process. The facilitators , Tom and Darren, were excellent, especially Thm, who helped to draw me out and helped me to relax and open up more. These groups are a tremendous resource for men. I know 1will continue to use these groups. 1 appreciate the fact that it takes a lot of time and attention on the pan of many, and a lot of love to accomplish what the Men's Resource Center accomplishes. Your efforts are well worth it. Tony Gregory Springfield, Mass.
I have been facilitating a men's support group here in South Texas for the last six months . We meet weekly at the local domestic violence and sexual assault center. For two weeks recently, men were not coming to group and I was getting concerned. Perhaps I would have to start from scratch or swjtch the location, time, or day. My wife Cynthia and I prayed that men would join me for group. Our prayers were answered. Seven men came to the next group, five for the firs t time. 1 was truly moved by the men in our circle: Encourage the men in your life to attend such groups! Emiliano Diaz de Leon Men's Resource Center of South Texas Harlingen, Texas Editor's Note: The Men's Resource Center of South Texas now has a web presence. To visit it go to www. mensresource.org; their link is at the bottom.
·Take the e·Train·
Overcoming Depression I was reading a copy of Voice Male and loved the article about men recovering from depression ('~ N ew Journey, a New Spiritual Home, " by Bob Sternberg, Voice Male Summer 2003). What amazing courage it must have taken to tell his story. lt was fascinating and very moving. It always is when men open up. Being around a gentle man who has never really done it I am grateful for any insights into the male psyche. j anice Doyama Amherst, Mass.
Internal Mediation -Life Beyond Therapy "Internal Mediation" is based on "The Work of Byron Katie" and Thorn Herman is a certified Practitioner of the Work. Internal Mediation is a simple and radical process that fundamentally alters our relationship to our thoughts. Thorn can be invited to present Internal Mediation to groups in a workshop setting. When invited Thorn works by donation. He also works with clients individually through his psychotherapy practice in Northampton and Greenfield, MA.
For more infonnation check out Thorn's web site at: u.J
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hom Beerman, ~h.D. 413 :374.1330 · · ·e-mail: thomherman@t#Jl.com
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