One of the questions we sometimes get asked from our prospective students is if we have a specific group for certain genders, sexual preferences, diagnosis, or even life experiences. At TheraHive, we have long held the view that having diverse students in our group learning setting will lead to better outcomes. And, dialectically, we want to do whatever we can to make our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs accessible to as many students as possible. We recognize that some barriers can limit access to DBT for specific communities. That is why we’re launching an experimental small group for male-identifying students.
Ready to enroll? Scroll down for the full application 👇
Why Start With a Men’s Small Group?
Our enrollment patterns from the past years tell a striking story: significantly more women enroll in our programs than men. This imbalance has been consistent, and it raises important questions. One might be tempted to assume that men experience less emotional dysregulation or don’t need as much support with emotional regulation. However, evidence tells a different story.
Mental Health Statistics for Men
- Mental health issues are pervasive among men: Studies show that men are just as likely as women to experience mental health struggles, yet they are far less likely to seek help. For example, men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women, highlighting the severity of untreated mental health issues. (Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
- Emotion regulation is a critical skill for men, too: Research indicates that men face unique societal pressures to suppress emotions, which can exacerbate challenges like anxiety, depression, and anger.
Barriers to Seeking Mental Healthcare
Men are often socialized to view emotional expression and seeking help as signs of weakness, which can discourage them from pursuing therapy. According to the American Psychological Association, traditional notions of masculinity, such as self-reliance and emotional stoicism, contribute to lower rates of men seeking mental health support. This cultural stigma represents a significant barrier that programs like DBT aim to overcome.
The Opportunity of a Men’s Small Group
Beyond reducing barriers, creating a men’s group presents a unique opportunity: it allows us to adapt the DBT program to address issues that are particularly relevant to men.
While DBT’s foundational skills—mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—apply universally, the context in which these skills are practiced can vary. A men’s group enables us to tailor discussions and activities to explore topics such as:
- Addressing emotional suppression: Tackling societal expectations around emotional stoicism and building healthier outlets for expressing feelings.
- Managing anger effectively: Helping men develop constructive strategies for managing and understanding anger, a common but often stigmatized emotional response.
- Navigating relationships: Supporting men in building meaningful connections by addressing unique challenges they may face in communication and vulnerability.
By fostering a space where these issues can be addressed directly, we hope to deepen the impact of DBT for participants in the Men’s DBT Small Group.
Join the Experiment
If you or someone you know might benefit from our Men’s DBT Group, we encourage you to complete our enrollment application. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and making DBT skills accessible to all.
Meet Your Leader and Support Team
The group will be led by Coach Stefan, who will guide participants through each session with expertise and care. Throughout the program, Coach Stefan will be supported by Dr. Alicia Smart and Dr. Jesse Finklestein, TheraHive’s co-founders and curriculum developers, who will consult with him to ensure participants receive the highest quality experience.
Program Details
- Duration: 22 weeks
- Cost: $75 per week
- Format: Semi-private small group
How to Join
Ready to get started? Submit your enrollment application or schedule an enrollment call with our team today!
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