A large and mostly unacknowledged mental health risk in Australia today is among recently separated and divorced men. No group of comparable size is at higher risk for suicide, or for violence, depression or addictions. Their ex-partners and children are also harmed if these men do not manage to stabilise their lives and react with care and insight to the changed alignment of their lives.
Key Features
- The MENDS program is developed from a firm theoretical basis and trialed with over 1200 men.
- Aims to reduce anxiety and depression, contain anger, and enhance client self-judgments and senses of wellbeing.
- Provides valid and practical information, along with effective methods of self-auditing, planning, and progress evaluation.
- Adopts a structured, psycho-educational, and multidisciplinary forum for clients.
- Includes comprehensive easy-to-use session guidelines and a substantial introduction covering the background and theoretical underpinnings of the program.
- Contains a data CD with over 50 handouts covering all session materials.
Additional Information
Men fare poorly in several measurable areas after a relationship breakdown and appear to take longer to reconstitute healthy and productive lifestyles after separation or divorce. The 12-week program focuses on the male experience of key transition issues occurring during separation or relationship crisis, helping participants develop a personal and practical 'map and compass'.
Specifications
About the Author
Owen Pershouse is a clinical and forensic psychologist in private practice. He is also a Regulation 7 Officer under the Family Law Act, and testifies as an expert witness in difficult/contested family law matters, particularly those involving allegations of, or actual abuse of children. His practice encompasses consultancy arrangements with various government and criminal justice jurisdictions around Australia, including private providers of custodial services. Owen combines expertise in program development for violent men, substance abusers, sexual offenders, as well as one-on-one assessment and treatment for a variety of psychological presentations. He is the principal architect of the MENDS (Men Exploring New Directional Strategies) program for separated/divorced men and an executive member of the national organising body for that program.
