Copyright Patti Henry, 2005

This month’s article was inspired by a survey I was asked to take by the leaders of the Houston division of The Mankind Project regarding the New Warrior Training Weekend. This is a program I have sent clients to since its inception almost 15 years ago. It is a weekend training for men by men, but more importantly to me, it is a safe environment designed to help emotionally unavailable men heal. It is very congruent with my work and with the concepts in my book, "The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing."

The survey was sent to clinicians – psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists – asking why we sent our clients to the New Warrior Training and, more specifically, what impact did we see the weekend having on them. I thought about the answer for a long time, and here it is:

“I use the Mankind Project’s New Warrior Training as an adjunct to my treatment plan for my clients. What I have found is that it speeds up their recovery process, and therefore, makes my job easier! Men come back more honest and with a deeper understanding of personal integrity. They are able to see clearer the impact their family of origin has had on them – particularly the parenting they received from their fathers. On the weekend, many experience what it feels like to be loved and valued for the first time in their lives. They come back more whole, less defended, and more able to make positive life changes.”

My answer reminded me what an amazing program this is and how much I value it. I want to pass this on to my readers, and to encourage those who are ready for a “leap” in their recovery, to sign up for a weekend. It is one of the few things I have found that can actually speed things up.

I don’t, however, believe the program is appropriate for everyone, and so I don’t send everyone across the board. I don’t send clients who are exceedingly fragile or suicidal. The program requires a certain amount of ego strength to be able to allow a person to push beyond his comfort zone and through his emotional “stuck.” I don’t send clients who are in active alcohol or drug addiction. I tell them to get sober first. You don’t want to be detoxing on the weekend because you won’t be able to think clearly enough to get the full benefit of the program. Finally, I don’t send clients who have unresolved sexual abuse issues. I encourage people to do their work around these issues before attending a weekend.

Other than these few exceptions, I have found that this program has been powerful and healing for my clients: regardless of race, economic standing, or sexual orientation. It may hold the key for you. Their website is http://www.mkp.org. It’s not the only road to Rome, but I believe, it’s one worth going down.

With best regards,
Patti