Here at Ochre House we are holding space for fathers, with our new group ‘Finding Fatherhood’ – a therapist-facilitated peer-support group for men navigating fatherhood.
Ochre House ‘Papas’ practitioner Joel Lawton reflects on a recent session: 
On Monday night I had the honour of holding space for six courageous men.
Alongside the wonderfully compassionate, skilled and thoughtful Sam McCarthy, we launched a group therapy session called ‘Finding Fatherhood’. A much needed and yet all too infrequent safe space for fathers to explore, share and support each other through this part of their identity. I was humbled by the depth of sharing, vulnerability and honesty within the group. Proving to myself and Sam we were providing something that was needed.
I am there as a father, as a leader of a men / mxn’s community IceBreakers UK Brighton. I am there to share my perspective, to hear and understand those of others. I am there to learn. Learn from other fathers. Learn from Sam, as she uses all her wisdom and experience, to help guide us through our thoughts, feelings and emotions.
When someone was stuck for words due to the pain they carried I was blown away by what Sam did. Sam simply asked them to use a colour or a sound to convey what they were feeling. After a moment the father came to a description, one the whole room understood. The impact was amazing, it allowed that person to continue sharing, to stay connected and not retreat due to the tangible discomfort. It demonstrated a simple, gentle and empathetic way to help someone in a moment of distress.
I continue my journey, of helping, supporting and understanding humans.
Making sure I am open to all those I surround myself with.
Thank you Sam McCarthy and to those six fathers.
What colour represents your feelings right now?
Where do you feel that colour in your body?
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‘Finding Fatherhood’ runs monthly and is a group for fathers of children of any age.
Find out more and book your place here
About Joel Lawton:
Joel is a Men’s Community Leader, Business Coach/Consultant and ‘Finding Fatherhood’ Co-Facilitator at Ochre House. He provides a unique blend of business consulting and personal coaching that enables founders and business owners to #livealifedesignedbyyou.
