New Fathers Psychotherapy Group:

The transition into fatherhood can be a challenging adjustment. Over my time providing therapy in the community, I have worked with many individuals who were struggling with the impact of taking on this new role and needed support in managing the emergence of the unique set of responsibilities that accompany becoming a parent. As someone who has run groups in various professional settings, I’ve found this format to offer a valuable opportunity for individuals to make sense of their everyday challenges in a collaborative, empathic, and mutually supportive setting.

The structure of this group will be what is known as a "process group", meaning the content will largely be driven by the participants in the group and will be a space to explore personal challenges in parenting, coparenting, and adapting to these changes. However, I anticipate a number of relevant topics to emerge, including:

• Adjusting to new role/identity

• Anxiety and insecurities around parenting

• Depression/grief

• Managing frustration/anger and other emotions

• Challenges in co-parenting and communication

• Societal, cultural, and intergenerational influences on gender roles, norms, and expectations

• Navigating boundaries with extended family/friends

• Work/life balance

The group is meant to be inclusive. I invite anyone who identifies as or has adopted the moniker of “father” to inquire about the group. Additionally the label "new father" can apply to any of the means by which one might find themselves in this role, including but not limited to being a biological parent, adoption, surrogacy, or through marriage/partnership, though it would be best if participants were generally within the first several months of having made this transition.

This group will be held virtually and will meet Saturday Mornings on a biweekly basis from 10:00am-11:15am EST. Cost is $75 a session. If interested, please inquire here or email me directly at bretschermerhornlmhc@gmail.com.