Men’s Circles
A Space to Connect, Reflect, and Grow
For a lot of men, genuine connection with other men is rare. We talk about work, sports, or what’s happening in the world, but not often about what’s really going on inside – the fears, doubts, and hopes we carry. Many of us were never taught how to speak openly with other men, let alone how to listen and see others as they really are.
Our men’s circles are built to change that. They’re designed as spaces for personal growth, honest reflection, and shared understanding. Over eight biweekly sessions, groups of eight to nine men meet for three hours at a time to explore what it means to live with more connection, presence, and integrity.
Together, we support one another in looking at the things that hold us back from being the most present sons, brothers, partners, and fathers we can be.
The Arc of the Circle
Every men’s group at Wild North has its own story – shaped by the men who join, the truths they share, and the courage they bring into the space. No two circles are the same.
No theme or focus is off limits. Common themes: Addiction, dealing with anger, relationship issues, family tensions, life purpose, failures and successes, etc…
Still, each group follows a general framework – an eight-session journey mapped to the four directions of the compass. The compass serves as both a guide and a metaphor for the inner landscapes we explore together:
Sessions 1 & 2
South
Themes: Vulnerability, Safety, and Trust
The journey begins in the South – the place of warmth and openness. These first sessions are about creating safety, establishing trust, brotherhood, and allowing space for genuine connection to form.
Men are invited to drop the armour and begin sharing what’s real. Vulnerability becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
Potential guiding questions in the Southern Stage:
“Who are you?”
“What called you to this circle?”
“What are you hoping to find – or release – by being here?”
“Who taught you what it means to “be a man,” and how has that shaped you?”
“What’s something you wish people understood about you?”
“What surprised you about yourself as you listened to others?”
Sessions 3 & 4
West
Themes: Truth, Unmasking, and Facing the Discomfort
In the West, the sun sets- symbolizing introspection and descent into the shadow. Here, we explore the emotions, memories, and patterns that often stay buried beneath the surface.
Men learn to face grief, anger, shame, and fear with curiosity instead of avoidance. Together, we shine light on the hidden places that hold us back, and begin to see how they’ve shaped us.
Potential guiding questions in the Western stage:
“What part of yourself have you been avoiding – and what might it be trying to tell you?”
“When you feel anger, grief, or fear, how do you usually respond?”
“What stories or patterns feel like they’ve been running your life?”
“What is standing in the way of you meeting your potential?”
“What does letting go look like?”
Sessions 5 & 6
East
Themes: Awareness, Reflection, and Integration
The East marks the sunrise – symbolizing clarity and renewal. These sessions focus on awareness and insight.
Through reflection, body-based awareness, and dialogue, men start recognizing patterns in their relationships, behaviours, and beliefs. We explore what has shifted so far, what has softened, and what new understanding is beginning to emerge.
Potential guiding questions in the Eastern stage:
“What’s becoming clearer to you about who you really are?”
“What strengths or qualities are re-emerging in you lately?”
“What does “living in alignment” mean to you right now?”
“If you trusted yourself fully, what would your life start to look like?”
“What new story about yourself feels ready to be told?”
Sessions 7 & 8
North
Themes: Purpose, Meaning, and Re-creation
The North represents direction and wisdom – the return home with greater understanding.
In the final sessions, we focus on integration: how to live what’s been learned. Each man reflects on how his relationship to himself and others has changed, and what kind of man he wants to continue becoming.
The group closes with intention – carrying forward the lessons, brotherhood, and sense of meaning discovered along the way.
Potential guiding questions in the Northern stage:
“What values do you want to live by moving forward?”
“What practices or boundaries help you stay grounded in your truth?”
“How do you want to show up for others – and for yourself – beyond this circle?”
“What will accountability look like for you in the weeks ahead?”
“What does brotherhood mean to you now, after walking this path together?”
Why Men’s Circles Matter
Modern life doesn’t make it easy for men to connect on a deep level. Many men feel pressure to stay composed, figure things out alone, or measure their worth by performance and success. But beneath the surface, there’s often loneliness, confusion, or a quiet need for meaning and belonging.
In a men’s circle, you don’t have to hold that alone. You can speak honestly without worrying about being judged, criticized, or misunderstood. You’ll learn how to listen deeply, offer presence instead of advice, and see how much power there is in being witnessed and accepted for Who You Really Are.
Benefits of Men’s Circles
1.
Universality - You’re Not Alone
One of the most powerful realizations in group therapy is that your struggles are not unique.
Men often feel isolated in their pain – believing that no one else feels anxious, ashamed, or inadequate in the same way. In the circle, you begin to see that other men share the same fears and longings. This dissolves shame and builds connection.
2.
Altruism - Healing Through Helping
Men are conditioned to be providers and problem-solvers, yet rarely given the chance to offer emotional support. In group work, giving empathy, presence, and feedback to others becomes healing in itself. You begin to feel your value not just in what you do, but in how you show up for others.
3.
Cohesion - The Power of Brotherhood
Renowned group psychologist Irving Yalom described group cohesion as the “primary healing force” in group therapy. When trust deepens among men, the group becomes a kind of brotherhood – a place where masks can drop and honesty can thrive. Cohesion provides the emotional safety that makes deeper self-exploration possible.
4.
Interpersonal Learning - Seeing Yourself Through Others
Men’s groups act as mirrors. You begin to see how you impact others and how others impact you. Through feedback and reflection, blind spots become visible. You start to recognize patterns – the ways you withdraw, dominate, people-please, or avoid conflict – and practice new ways of relating in real time.
5.
Corrective Emotional Experience - Repairing What Was Missing
Many men grew up without emotionally available fathers or male figures. The group becomes a place where those wounds can begin to heal by experiencing a new kind of masculine connection built on respect, authenticity, and care.
6.
Catharsis - Emotional Release and Integration
Sharing painful experiences in the presence of supportive witnesses allows suppressed emotions to move through. Men often discover that tears, anger, or grief don’t reduce their social currency. Rather, their courage to face difficult things head on builds a sense of reward and belonging.
7.
Existential Reflection - Facing Life’s Big Questions Together
Group therapy has an existential core – confronting mortality, isolation, freedom, and meaning. In a men’s group, these themes surface naturally: Who am I when I’m not performing? What gives my life meaning? How do I live with integrity?
8.
Development of Social Skills - Practicing Presence
For many men, group therapy is the first space where they can practice emotional honesty. Learning to express vulnerability, listen without fixing, and hold tension in dialogue strengthens emotional intelligence. These relational skills extend beyond the circle – into partnerships, fatherhood, and work.
9.
Instillation of Hope - Witnessing Growth in Others
Seeing another man break through fear, reconnect with his partner, or simply speak his truth can spark belief in your own capacity for change. The group becomes a living reminder that healing and transformation are possible.
10.
Self-Understanding - Integrating the Whole Self
Ultimately, group therapy helps men integrate parts of themselves they’ve long suppressed – the emotional, the intuitive, the open-minded. Through reflection and connection, men begin to reclaim their humanity.
Commitment and Community
Group therapy only works when there’s trust and consistency. The men who benefit most are the ones who commit to showing up – for themselves and for the group. Over my two years of experience organizing and co-facilitating circles, I’ve learned that what makes a group truly transformative isn’t just the structure, but the shared commitment to one another.
Working alongside other facilitators, I helped develop the following agreements that each member makes. These emerged as the most influential factors for group cohesion, safety, and effectiveness:
I agree to:
- Take responsibility for the effectiveness of the group.
- Seek deep connection with the group.
- Express, understand and discover what it means to be a man in today’s world.
- Show up consistently and be on-time.
- Be honest and take ownership of thoughts and feelings experienced in the moment.
- Have persistent empathy and openness while listening.
- Accept differences if conflict arises.
- Respect the group’s confidentiality.
- Ask questions instead of giving advice (unless advice has been asked for)
- Be open to changing my mind and allow others the same freedom.
Each of these commitments builds trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging – the foundation that allows real connection and growth to unfold.
Joining a Circle
Location & Times
All men’s circles are held in-person at our beautiful space- 86a Nassau Street, Toronto, Ontario (near Kensington market).
Group 1 – Tuesday Evenings | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm biweekly | First session: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | Dates: Feb 3 & 17, Mar 3 & 17, Mar 31, Apr 14 & 28, May 12 | Maximum 8 seats
Group 2 – Sunday Mornings | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm biweekly | First session: Sunday, February 8, 2026 | Dates: Feb 8 & 22, Mar 8 & 22, Apr 5 & 19, May 3 & 17 | Maximum 8 seats
We run in closed groups, meaning the same members meet for the full eight-session journey. This helps create stability, safety, and genuine connection.
Minimum members per group- 4
Maximum members per group- 8
We welcome men from all walks of life – fathers, sons, partners, professionals, artists – anyone who’s ready to explore what it means to live with more honesty, awareness, and courage.
Fees
Investment & Commitment
The cost is $895 (no tax for psychotherapy services in Ontario). This covers all eight 3-hour sessions – 24 total hours – at an effective rate of just $37 per hour.
If you are selected to join a group, full payment is required at least 7 days before your first session, or your seat will be offered to someone on the waitlist. Payment can be made securely via credit card in the Jane App or by e-transfer.
This upfront investment is intentional. Those who pay in full, show up with a desire to commit and connect.
All payments are non-refundable but transferable to a future cohort with at least 14 days’ written notice and availability.
Interested in joining a men's circle? take the first step and fill out the form below
The Wild North Council is a powerful group container, but it is not a substitute for individual therapy or crisis intervention. To ensure the safety and depth of the circle for everyone, please confirm the following by checking each box:
By checking all three boxes, I confirm that none of the above apply to me at this time and that I am ready to engage fully in a group process focused on growth, brotherhood, and embodied men’s work.
(If any of the above do apply, I understand I will be referred to individual therapy or appropriate resources