This group works through a gender-responsive, trauma-informed curriculum designed specifically for fathers. Fathers have different needs, face different challenges, and want different guidance with parenting than mothers do. Amazing Dads addresses the complex intersection of male socialization, childhood trauma, and relational struggles that often create disconnection between fathers and their children as well as in their other relationships. The primary goal of this group is to help participants create a vision of the fathers they want to be and to provide them with the awareness, tools, and confidence to achieve that vision.

Objectives:

• Explore the impact of male socialization on a father’s identity (a core theme that guides the context of the whole curriculum).
• Build skills and practical tools fathers can use with, and teach to, their children • Understanding trauma, the specific ways that men experience and respond to trauma, and its effects on fathers.
• A comprehensive and unique look at relational skill development.
• Develop emotional fluency particularly as relates to anger and shame.
• Enhance communication skills for healthy conflict resolution.
• Explore all aspects of health – addiction, mental health, and physical health – and, more importantly, wellness.
• Explore the influence of family of origin experiences on fathers.
• Understanding and meeting the changing roles and expectations of men and fathers in the 21st century.

This group is facilitated by Harrison Crawford, LPC, LISAC - Harrison has worked in the field of mental health for nearly 15 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with additional licensure focused on addictive disorders. Harrison has a passion for working with fathers through direct services and helping systems implement gender responsive and trauma-informed programming.