Really? Have you chosen a program?

Kind of. I took a couple classes at UNF this semester to see what I liked or didn't like. Supposedly, they are opening up either a PsyD or School Counselor program in the next year or two. I was thinking of getting my master's in counseling, so I could use that to get into the PsyD program if that's the direction they go. If not, I could always help a person here or there. I'm not convinced one on one counseling is my thing, though. I'm kind of playing it by ear.

I hope you figure it out.  I'm sure you can learn how to do the one on one thing well even if you feel inadequate at it. You'll learn more of the theories and the case studies and that will get you through.

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My fellow southpaw Mark Brunell will probably always be my favorite Jaguar.

Really? Have you chosen a program?

Kind of. I took a couple classes at UNF this semester to see what I liked or didn't like. Supposedly, they are opening up either a PsyD or School Counselor program in the next year or two. I was thinking of getting my master's in counseling, so I could use that to get into the PsyD program if that's the direction they go. If not, I could always help a person here or there. I'm not convinced one on one counseling is my thing, though. I'm kind of playing it by ear.

Is Mike your first patient?

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Yes, how dare he suggest that staying away from people during a pandemic is a good thing.

Thought you tell the truth no matter what, bruh

---

Kind of. I took a couple classes at UNF this semester to see what I liked or didn't like. Supposedly, they are opening up either a PsyD or School Counselor program in the next year or two. I was thinking of getting my master's in counseling, so I could use that to get into the PsyD program if that's the direction they go. If not, I could always help a person here or there. I'm not convinced one on one counseling is my thing, though. I'm kind of playing it by ear.

I hope you figure it out.  I'm sure you can learn how to do the one on one thing well even if you feel inadequate at it.  You'll learn more of the theories and the case studies and that will get you through.

Lol, I am not concerned with feeling inadequate. I'm concerned with being bored. Thanks for the concern, though.

---

Yes, how dare he suggest that staying away from people during a pandemic is a good thing.

Thought you tell the truth no matter what, bruh

Yep. Are you saying it's a good thing to be together when there's a pandemic raging? Or are you denying the pandemic? Or just science in general?

---

I hope you figure it out.  I'm sure you can learn how to do the one on one thing well even if you feel inadequate at it.  You'll learn more of the theories and the case studies and that will get you through.

Lol, I am not concerned with feeling inadequate. I'm concerned with being bored. Thanks for the concern, though.

I would think that your experiences here would dissuade you from the field, I know it does me.

---

“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

I hope you figure it out.  I'm sure you can learn how to do the one on one thing well even if you feel inadequate at it.  You'll learn more of the theories and the case studies and that will get you through.

Lol, I am not concerned with feeling inadequate. I'm concerned with being bored. Thanks for the concern, though.

I get bored at my job a lot.  Beats the alternative though!

---

My fellow southpaw Mark Brunell will probably always be my favorite Jaguar.

Thought you tell the truth no matter what, bruh

Yep. Are you saying it's a good thing to be together when there's a pandemic raging? Or are you denying the pandemic? Or just science in general?

---

Lol, I am not concerned with feeling inadequate. I'm concerned with being bored. Thanks for the concern, though.

I would think that your experiences here would dissuade you from the field, I know it does me.

Well, I had a friend recently lose it. I believe he was close to suicide (his wife found notes). I was able to put my finger on some of his issues and help him through it. It was challenging and oddly fun. I am definitely unqualified to help, but guys like him will never go to someone. 

If I do anything in this field, it will almost certainly be tailored towards men and on a larger scale. It's far too early to be making plans, but if I do follow through with this, it would look different than most modern therapy. I think men need community, and it's sorely lacking in today's society. Whatever it is, it won't be sitting on a couch listening to people blather on about "their best life."

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Yep. Are you saying it's a good thing to be together when there's a pandemic raging? Or are you denying the pandemic? Or just science in general?

---

I would think that your experiences here would dissuade you from the field, I know it does me.

Well, I had a friend recently lose it. I believe he was close to suicide (his wife found notes). I was able to put my finger on some of his issues and help him through it. It was challenging and oddly fun. I am definitely unqualified to help, but guys like him will never go to someone. 

If I do anything in this field, it will almost certainly be tailored towards men and on a larger scale. It's far too early to be making plans, but if I do follow through with this, it would look different than most modern therapy. I think men need community, and it's sorely lacking in today's society. Whatever it is, it won't be sitting on a couch listening to people blather on about "their best life."

I agree with you about community. Without going further, I personally believe that the retreat of religion in the public space is the largest contributing factor, as that was a ubiquitous place to find that community within American culture in the past. Without something to take its place I fear there are few alternatives that will affect men in the broadest sense. I applaud your thoughts here, I see great value in what you're describing.

---

“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

Well, I had a friend recently lose it. I believe he was close to suicide (his wife found notes). I was able to put my finger on some of his issues and help him through it. It was challenging and oddly fun. I am definitely unqualified to help, but guys like him will never go to someone. 

If I do anything in this field, it will almost certainly be tailored towards men and on a larger scale. It's far too early to be making plans, but if I do follow through with this, it would look different than most modern therapy. I think men need community, and it's sorely lacking in today's society. Whatever it is, it won't be sitting on a couch listening to people blather on about "their best life."

I agree with you about community. Without going further, I personally believe that the retreat of religion in the public space is the largest contributing factor, as that was a ubiquitous place to find that community within American culture in the past. Without something to take its place I fear there are few alternatives that will affect men in the broadest sense. I applaud your thoughts here, I see great value in what you're describing.

It's not just organized religion.  There's less organized everything since the early 90s.

There should be a way to organize a bowling league or shooting club that has an intentional group therapy type component.

---

My fellow southpaw Mark Brunell will probably always be my favorite Jaguar.

I agree with you about community. Without going further, I personally believe that the retreat of religion in the public space is the largest contributing factor, as that was a ubiquitous place to find that community within American culture in the past. Without something to take its place I fear there are few alternatives that will affect men in the broadest sense. I applaud your thoughts here, I see great value in what you're describing.

It's not just organized religion.  There's less organized everything since the early 90s.

There should be a way to organize a bowling league or shooting club that has an intentional group therapy type component.

We used to have stuff like that, but then women rabid feminists decided that we couldn't have them any more.

---

“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

It's not just organized religion.  There's less organized everything since the early 90s.

There should be a way to organize a bowling league or shooting club that has an intentional group therapy type component.

We used to have stuff like that, but then women rabid feminists decided that we couldn't have them any more.

Lol. That's exactly why I want to bring it back. Both you and Mikey are in the ballpark, though mine would be more like combining recreation, purpose, and community. 

Basically, the short version is to eventually build a center that focus on teaching men skills (handywork, mechanics, with education and recreation centers, etc). Men can take whatever classes that interest them. Then I want to use those experiences to delve into real life issues. Maybe 30 minutes where men can talk in small groups about stuff they might not normally share. Then I want to have individual counseling for more serious issues. I'd also like to take 1 day a month and use it to send men out into their communities to do work for other people. 

The hook is to offer them a place to better themselves with no judgment and channel that energy into something positive they can be proud of. I think that would solve 80% of men's issues. I have other thoughts, but I'm still early in the process. Probably a waste of energy to put too much thought into it at this point.

I should really join one of these moose lodges or whatever they are called and just take it over. That's what they used to do more or less.

---

It's not just organized religion.  There's less organized everything since the early 90s.

There should be a way to organize a bowling league or shooting club that has an intentional group therapy type component.

We used to have stuff like that, but then women rabid feminists decided that we couldn't have them any more.

People need to push back. This is [BLEEP] America.

---

So, I didn't realize I'd have to do this, but I had to write a short essay on how I envisioned using some of the counseling concepts I've learned this semester. Here's a more specific plan for anyone that might be interested and doesn't mind reading:

Counseling begins with understanding how people see the world and their place within it. Men’s mental health is in serious decline, and it is not given the attention it deserves. For many men, this decline is tied to narratives that are deeply ingrained but rarely examined, leaving them unequipped to address their issues.

My focus is on creating a framework that prioritizes men’s mental health while offering practical and engaging ways for them to grow. This approach is grounded in Jungian therapy, which emphasizes the narratives and archetypes that shape how individuals see the world. By exploring the stories men use to define themselves, we can help them create healthier and more constructive ways of living. To achieve this, I envision a system that integrates group and wilderness counseling as practical entry points, supported by individual sessions that draw on Jungian therapy, Gestalt therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), culminating in shared purpose through community engagement.

Many men hesitate to seek help because of the stigma associated with traditional therapy. This framework offers an alternative, using practical and engaging activities as gateways to counseling. Classes on carpentry, fishing trips, or martial arts training allow men to participate without feeling as though they are seeking help. These activities build trust naturally, creating environments where men can work alongside each other and form meaningful connections. While the initial focus is on learning skills and enjoying shared experiences, these activities act as a call to deeper exploration, encouraging men to take small steps toward growth without feeling pressured or forced.

Through wilderness counseling, activities naturally draw men toward interests that align with their underlying archetypes. A fishing trip may speak to a man’s desire for quiet reflection and patience, while a carpentry project might connect to qualities like creation and problem-solving. These activities not only engage men in meaningful work but also create opportunities for them to connect with their deeper interests and values.

Group therapy complements this process by following these activities with small, focused discussions that help participants unpack their experiences. These sessions guide men in exploring how the archetypes shaping their worldview influence their actions, relationships, and sense of purpose. By examining both the strengths and limitations of these patterns, group therapy fosters reflection and growth without feeling forced, allowing men to embrace change at their own pace.

When individual counseling becomes necessary, it offers the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the archetypes and narratives influencing a man’s life. The "hero" archetype, for instance, often symbolizes strength and purpose but can create unhealthy patterns when misaligned with reality. A man driven by this archetype might set unattainable standards for himself, avoid asking for help, or equate his worth solely with his achievements. Individual counseling provides a cohesive framework to explore and reshape this dynamic using Jungian insights, gestalt techniques, and the structured guidance of CBT.

Jungian therapy serves as the foundation, helping the client uncover how the hero archetype shapes his thoughts and behaviors. Once these patterns are identified, gestalt therapy becomes a powerful tool to reveal incongruencies. It challenges clients to confront contradictions between their actions and internal struggles, fostering greater self-awareness and understanding.

CBT then provides practical strategies to turn this insight into change. It helps the client identify distorted beliefs tied to the hero archetype, such as, “If I can’t handle everything on my own, I’m a failure.” By challenging these thoughts and reframing them into more balanced perspectives—like, “Delegating tasks doesn’t diminish my abilities; it strengthens my role as a leader”—the client can take actionable steps toward healthier behaviors. Together, these approaches create a unified process where the client not only understands the influence of the hero archetype but also develops the tools to align his actions and beliefs, fostering growth and balance.

Community engagement is the pinnacle of this system, bringing men together to make a meaningful impact. Projects like repairing homes, mentoring others, or improving public spaces offer more than just service—they provide men with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Working toward shared goals strengthens bonds, validates personal growth, and builds pride in collective achievements. Through these acts of service, men come to see their value as part of something larger, discovering strength and fulfillment in their contributions.

This approach combines engagement, reflection, and community to guide men toward more purposeful and fulfilling lives. By starting with accessible activities and gradually encouraging self-exploration and connection, it helps men grow at their own pace. In a world where men often bear responsibilities in isolation, this method creates relationships and shared purpose, showing that growth happens through connection.

---

So, I didn't realize I'd have to do this, but I had to write a short essay on how I envisioned using some of the counseling concepts I've learned this semester. Here's a more specific plan for anyone that might be interested and doesn't mind reading:

Counseling begins with understanding how people see the world and their place within it. Men’s mental health is in serious decline, and it is not given the attention it deserves. For many men, this decline is tied to narratives that are deeply ingrained but rarely examined, leaving them without the tools or support needed to confront their struggles.

My focus is on creating a framework that prioritizes men’s mental health while offering practical and engaging ways for them to grow. This approach is grounded in Jungian therapy, which emphasizes the narratives and archetypes that shape how individuals see the world. By exploring the stories men use to define themselves, we can help them create healthier and more authentic ways of living. To achieve this, I envision a system that integrates group and wilderness counseling as practical entry points, supported by individual sessions that draw on Jungian therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and culminating in a sense of shared purpose through community engagement. 

Many men hesitate to seek help because of the stigma associated with traditional therapy. My vision provides an alternative by using practical and engaging activities as gateways to counseling. Classes on carpentry, fishing trips, or martial arts training allow men to participate without feeling as though they are seeking help. These activities build trust naturally, creating environments where men can work alongside each other and form meaningful connections. While the initial focus is on learning skills and enjoying shared experiences, these activities act as a call to deeper exploration, encouraging men to take small steps toward growth without feeling pressured or forced.

Through wilderness counseling, activities naturally draw men toward interests that align with their underlying archetypes. A fishing trip may speak to a man’s desire for quiet reflection and patience, while a carpentry project might connect to qualities like creation and problem-solving. These activities not only engage men in meaningful work but also create opportunities for them to connect with their deeper interests and values.

Group therapy complements this process by following these activities with small, focused discussions that help participants unpack their experiences. These sessions guide men in exploring how the archetypes shaping their worldview influence their actions, relationships, and sense of purpose. By examining both the strengths and limitations of these patterns, group therapy fosters reflection and growth without feeling forced, allowing men to embrace change at their own pace.

When individual counseling becomes necessary, it allows for deeper, personalized growth. Once again, Jungian therapy forms the foundation, helping men explore the archetypes and narratives that shape their behavior. For example, a man struggling with inadequacy might examine how his internalized "hero" archetype leads to unrealistic expectations. By understanding these patterns, he can redefine success in a way that feels more authentic and achievable.

Gestalt therapy builds on this exploration by addressing how the "hero" archetype manifests in present behaviors and relationships. It focuses on challenging incongruence—helping the man see where his outward actions, such as overcommitting to tasks or avoiding vulnerability, conflict with his internal struggles. By confronting these disconnects directly, he is encouraged to take responsibility for his choices and create alignment between his actions and his values.

CBT adds a structured approach to changing thought patterns rooted in the "hero" archetype. It helps the man identify distortions, such as believing he must always succeed to be worthy, and challenges these unhelpful beliefs. Through practical strategies like reframing negative thoughts and setting realistic goals, CBT empowers him to build a healthier mindset that supports growth without the pressure of perfection. Together, these approaches provide a comprehensive framework for helping men integrate their archetypes, align their behaviors, and develop a more balanced sense of self.

Community engagement represents the pinnacle of this system, uniting men in shared efforts to make a positive impact. Organized projects, such as repairing homes, cleaning public spaces, or mentoring others, allow men to contribute meaningfully to their communities. These tasks are not just about helping others—they provide men with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Working together to achieve tangible goals reinforces the bonds between participants, validating their individual growth and fostering pride in their collective achievements. Through these acts of service, men come to see themselves as valuable members of a larger whole, finding strength and meaning in their contributions.

This vision combines practical engagement, deep reflection, and collective action to help men live more authentic and fulfilling lives. By starting with accessible activities and gradually guiding men toward deeper self-exploration and community involvement, the system builds trust, fosters connection, and supports lasting change. Men today face a world where they are often expected to shoulder responsibilities alone, and this framework challenges that isolation, showing them that growth happens in connection—with themselves, with others, and with the world around them. Counseling, at its best, helps people uncover who they are and empowers them to live more fully—and this approach does exactly that for the men who need it most.

Wow. Seems like a really great idea.

If I was you, I would move this away from the Covid thread so more people may engage with it.

---

I've been in therapy a few times back in my younger years..

Weed helped me more than therapy..

But I could be an outlier.

---

Running is my best therapy.

---

Running is my best therapy.

Who you runnin from?

---

So, I didn't realize I'd have to do this, but I had to write a short essay on how I envisioned using some of the counseling concepts I've learned this semester. Here's a more specific plan for anyone that might be interested and doesn't mind reading:

Counseling begins with understanding how people see the world and their place within it. Men’s mental health is in serious decline, and it is not given the attention it deserves. For many men, this decline is tied to narratives that are deeply ingrained but rarely examined, leaving them without the tools or support needed to confront their struggles.

My focus is on creating a framework that prioritizes men’s mental health while offering practical and engaging ways for them to grow. This approach is grounded in Jungian therapy, which emphasizes the narratives and archetypes that shape how individuals see the world. By exploring the stories men use to define themselves, we can help them create healthier and more authentic ways of living. To achieve this, I envision a system that integrates group and wilderness counseling as practical entry points, supported by individual sessions that draw on Jungian therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and culminating in a sense of shared purpose through community engagement. 

Many men hesitate to seek help because of the stigma associated with traditional therapy. My vision provides an alternative by using practical and engaging activities as gateways to counseling. Classes on carpentry, fishing trips, or martial arts training allow men to participate without feeling as though they are seeking help. These activities build trust naturally, creating environments where men can work alongside each other and form meaningful connections. While the initial focus is on learning skills and enjoying shared experiences, these activities act as a call to deeper exploration, encouraging men to take small steps toward growth without feeling pressured or forced.

Through wilderness counseling, activities naturally draw men toward interests that align with their underlying archetypes. A fishing trip may speak to a man’s desire for quiet reflection and patience, while a carpentry project might connect to qualities like creation and problem-solving. These activities not only engage men in meaningful work but also create opportunities for them to connect with their deeper interests and values.

Group therapy complements this process by following these activities with small, focused discussions that help participants unpack their experiences. These sessions guide men in exploring how the archetypes shaping their worldview influence their actions, relationships, and sense of purpose. By examining both the strengths and limitations of these patterns, group therapy fosters reflection and growth without feeling forced, allowing men to embrace change at their own pace.

When individual counseling becomes necessary, it offers the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the archetypes and narratives influencing a man’s life. The "hero" archetype, for instance, often symbolizes strength and purpose but can create unhealthy patterns when misaligned with reality. A man driven by this archetype might set unattainable standards for himself, avoid asking for help, or equate his worth solely with his achievements. Individual counseling provides a cohesive framework to explore and reshape this dynamic using Jungian insights, gestalt techniques, and the structured guidance of CBT.

Jungian therapy serves as the foundation, helping the client uncover how the hero archetype shapes his thoughts and behaviors. Once these patterns are identified, gestalt therapy becomes a powerful tool to reveal incongruencies. For example, a man might express frustration over feeling unappreciated at work while refusing to delegate tasks or admit his limits. Gestalt techniques encourage him to confront these contradictions directly, fostering self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how his actions conflict with his internal struggles.

CBT then provides practical strategies to turn this insight into change. It helps the client identify distorted beliefs tied to the hero archetype, such as, “If I can’t handle everything on my own, I’m a failure.” By challenging these thoughts and reframing them into more balanced perspectives—like, “Delegating tasks doesn’t diminish my abilities; it strengthens my role as a leader”—the client can take actionable steps toward healthier behaviors. Together, these approaches create a unified process where the client not only understands the influence of the hero archetype but also develops the tools to align his actions and beliefs, fostering growth and balance.

Community engagement is the pinnacle of this system, bringing men together to make a meaningful impact. Projects like repairing homes, mentoring others, or improving public spaces offer more than just service—they provide men with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Working toward shared goals strengthens bonds, validates personal growth, and builds pride in collective achievements. Through these acts of service, men come to see their value as part of something larger, discovering strength and fulfillment in their contributions.

Ultimately, this approach combines engagement, reflection, and community to guide men toward more authentic lives. By starting with accessible activities and gradually encouraging self-exploration and connection, it helps men grow at their own pace. In a world where men often bear responsibilities in isolation, this approach creates relationships and shared purpose, showing that growth happens through connection. Counseling empowers people to uncover who they are, and this framework provides men the support they need to do so.

Excellent essay.  Very interesting.  You write well.

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Edited it to my final version.

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Excellent essay.  Very interesting.  You write well.

Thanks. I always try to be more articulate when I'm writing something "professionally."

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Wow. Seems like a really great idea.

If I was you, I would move this away from the Covid thread so more people may engage with it.

Again, thanks. It's a pipe dream (expensive to do correctly), but I think it would help guys to have something like this.

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Covid was an experiment to see how many SHEEPLE would fall in line and OBEY the orders of the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT [BLEEP] at the United Nations. Not enough did so.... They're in the process of coming up with something they think will be even scarier to the public, it will by hyped up by their paid off slaves in the media in an attempt to get the people in line with their orders. They crave power and absolute control over everyone's lives from cradle to grave.
I believe their attempt to control people started with this Global Warming/Climate Change [BLEEP]. It was the beginning of seeing if they could control a small part of peoples lives. Like all tyrants, they start small and work their way up to the bigger stuff and they usually succeed because people have been giving up control of their lives to them in piece meal. Since more and more people are seeing through their [BLEEP], they need to come up with bigger and scarier things to ty to get control. They call people like me conspiracy theorist but...... the difference between a conspiracy and truth is 6 months lately give or take. Hopefully, enough people will be able to put 2 and 2 together before it's too late.
Prove me wrong........

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