Changing Ways: A Program for Men

Program Structure

This free program is sponsored by the NB Dept. of Social Development.

Changing Ways is a voluntary 10-week program for men of ages 18 and older that  involves understanding and developing self-awareness to help prevent oneself from behaving in hurtful and embarrassing ways. The program focuses on successful ways to interact with friends and coworkers and is particularly helpful with anger issues in the family. The principles apply to all relationships including those at work.

Each of the sessions will focus on a specific topic, including:

• Safety – concrete steps that men can take to immediately reduce the risk that they pose to their partners.
• Responsibility – men are encouraged to take responsibility by admitting to their inappropriate expression of anger, stopping their excuses, and by making non-aggressive choices.
• Power & Control – the men are shown how they use anger to control their partners and how men have physical and social power advantages that create fear for their partners.
• Sexism – men are shown how sexist thinking operates in their treatment of women. Men are challenged to abandon sexist beliefs and treat their partners as equals.
• Empathy – this session gives men a chance to consider the experience of women.
• Self-talk – men are taught to take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and actions instead of blaming others.
• Communication – men are taught to talk without attacking and to listen without defensiveness.
• Parenting – men are taught to recognize how their anger affects their children and how to nurture instead.
• The Next Step – This session prepares men for leaving the program by reviewing what they have learned, set goals, and fasten their commitment to healthy relationships.

A commitment of those who participate in the program is to acknowledge and take responsibility for their aggression by learning and practicing appropriate non-sexist, non-violent behaviours. Every interested participant will have a one-hour, one-on-one session with the facilitator before the program starts.

For more information or to register, please call 458-8211 or email info@familyenrichment.ca

Download the Changing Ways brochure to learn more.