MEN'S GROUP IN TORONTO
Hi Guys! My name is Andreas Oberholzer & I started The Toronto Men's Group in 2005.
It is a discussion; support and social group for gay guys in Toronto and the GTA area. We celebrated
our 500th meeting together in August 2011 and have several guys attending our group meeting on Wednesdays.
The Group offers you the opportunity to meet new friends, discuss various life issues and interactions
with others, learn about ourselves, relationships, sex, etc. Your participation level is up to you
so there’s no need to feel exposed if it is difficult for you to speak in a group.
ABOUT ME
"Andreas Oberholzer did group, couple and individual counseling in Johannesburg, London & Toronto for
the past 15 years. Andreas studied Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in SA, Oxford & TO and works
as a Counselor in Toronto. He is the founder and facilitator of "The Toronto Men's Group" and "GROUP11"
in Canada. His therapy work is mainly focused on self-esteem issues and depression as well as matters
specific to the gay community. Andreas was the Publisher & Editor of South Africa's largest gay
and lesbian publication "GAY SA", and is the author of nine books. He left South Africa in
1999 and lived in London (UK) for three years, prior to settling in Toronto in 2002.”
COUNSELLING
If you are interested in private counselling sessions, feel free to contact me directly on
its4andreas@yahoo.ca -Your first session of seventy minutes is offered for only
$50 and with no obligations to attend further counselling. The sessions; all
correspondence and communications are totally confidential and private.
MORE GROUP DETAILS
COME & ENHANCE YOUR LIFE AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT.
The group's SUCCESS is largly contributed to guys actually showing up at meetings Wednesday evenings, it's not a non-active group that's only on the net.
Please note, because of the group's structure - it's a bit like a big hockey team that practice together: Once you've attended your first evening and
you like the experience, it is recommended you attend meetings on a regular basis in order to stay part of the group. There is no
reason to fear the first evening you attend: so come soon, the group is popular because people ENJOY being here!
Location : Downtown at 40 Homewood Avenue, M4Y 2K2, Toronto.
Very close to the subway & streetcar. If you arrive by car, free
parking is available in the underground parking garage.
When : Every Wednesday evening.
Time : 7 pm till 9h45 pm.
Fee : $15/session.
The Group donated $4011.88 to 11 charities during 2011.
WE HAVE 3 GROUND RULES
CONFIDENTIALITY What we say and discuss in the group is confidential.
SAFE AND NON-JUDGMENTAL
Though people may disagree with your point of view, you
are in an environment where your ideas and thoughts
can be openly shared (if you want), for discussion,
and feedback will be addressed solely
on the issue of discussion.
RESPECT
You can basically share anything you want, but do it with respect.
Our location downtown is within easy walking distance from two subway
stations and the streetcar. The gay village is just two blocks away. The
detailed address is provided when you join the group (See bottom).
DISCUSSION TOPICS
Discussions may be simple & fun with loads of laughter or it can be very serious.
It all depends on how and where the group wants to go with any given subject. Typically,
there are various topics lined up, however, men are encouraged to bring topics
to the table that is important to them & their lives. They include:
*Coming out
*Nobody loves me
*Fear of getting old
*I'm alone & lonely
*Why relationships fail
*I'm in a straight marriage...
*I suffer from a low self-esteem
*Be more dynamic & make new friends
*Where do I meet a guy for a relationship?
*Is there a 100% pro-gay Christian church?
*I can be a fulfilled person on my own!
*How important is a perfect body?
*Where is the love in the world?
*Does God really hate/love me?
*Discrimination
*Homophobia
*Promiscuity
*Depression
*Sexual health
*Living with illness
*Build a solid Self-esteem
*I need quality gay friends!
*SOMETHING is missing in my life...
*Will the straight world ever accept me?
*Change your life & feel GOOD about it. Be not afraid of going slowly - be only afraid of standing still...
WHO'S ATTENDING
Professionals, students, retired, etc. The average age is around 35. Some men are still semi or
totally in "the closet" while others are far out. We will respect you, wherever you are
on your life's journey. Many friendships have been made from this group, not to
mention some long-term partnerships as well. The group is therapeutic, but not
group therapy. It is good to talk about our lives & to listen. It is also a
safe place to meet other guys, it's local, and offers a nice mid-
week break from the "straight world". Come and attend the
group one evening and see how it works out for you!
No glass ever became sand again;
No bread ever became wheat;
No ripened fruit ever became a flower.
Welcome change, and choose what kind
of glass you create, what kind of
bread you bake, what kind of
fruit you harvest.
OBJECTIVES
One of my objectives with the group is that it’s a “feel good”
group. We concentrate on turning negative stuff into positive ones in
a constructive but informal and often fun way. It’s about the old question: When a
glass is filled half way, do you describe it as half full or half empty? In our group we’ll
go for the half full option! Not that there’s not space for the discussion of negative
feelings and experiences in the group. How can we really experience the
positives if we do not know & explore the negatives?
MORE INFORMATION
Our weekly meetings are held in a relaxed, private and safe atmosphere. On an average evening there is
about 15 guys in attendance - please contact me as soon as possible to secure your place. Cool drinks, coffee,
tea and cookies, etc. are provided. The group have a social element too, and we often go out for coffee
or a drink after the meeting. Outings, BBQ's, Potluck evenings, etc also take place during the year.
JOINING
Come and join our group of more than 70
members - just click on the blue image below to sign up.
