Details

<p>About the Amazing Dads! Program vi</p> <p>About This Workbook viii</p> <p>Meeting 1: Engaging the Father Within 1</p> <p>Meeting 2: The Man Rules 10</p> <p>Meeting 3: Toxic Water 15</p> <p>Meeting 4: Dads and Trauma: Breaking the Cycle 20</p> <p>Meeting 5: Making the Connections – Mental Health, Addiction, and Trauma 29</p> <p>Meeting 6: Feelings… Nothing More than Feelings 40</p> <p>Meeting 7: Exploring Family Dynamics – Past and Present 51</p> <p>Meeting 8: Father of Mine 57</p> <p>Meeting 9: Mothers 66</p> <p>Meeting 10: Healthy Relationships Are for Us Too! 74</p> <p>Meeting 11: Communication Is Key 79</p> <p>Meeting 12: Let’s Talk About Sex 93</p> <p>Meeting 13: Let’s REALLY Talk About Sex 102</p> <p>Meeting 14: Men’s Health 110</p> <p>Meeting 15: Healthy Discipline 118</p> <p>Meeting 16: The Art of Play 127</p> <p>Meeting 17: A Balancing Act 133</p> <p>Meeting 18: Vision of Fatherhood 140</p> <p>Congratulatory 145</p> <p>Participant Survey 147</p> <p>Appendix A: Grounding and Relaxation Exercises 148</p> <p>Additional References 158</p>

<b>Dan Griffin</b> is the author of <i>A Man's Way Through Relationships</i> and <i>A Man's Way through the Twelve Steps</i>, and co-author of <i>Helping Men Recover</i> and the forthcoming <i>What Men Would Tell You if They Weren't Too Busy Watching TV</i>. Dan earned a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Kansas. <br /><br /><b>Harrison Crawford</b> has worked in the field of mental health for more than ten years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with additional licensure focused on addictive disorders. Harrison completed his graduate work at Argosy University in Phoenix, earning Master's degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Sport-Exercise Psychology.

<p><i>“Amazing Dads! is a wonderful contribution and a long-neglected focus. Unfortunately, until recently the important role of fathering was minimized in child development. The focus, and understandably so, was on the quality and type of attachment that unfolded between the mother and her child. But where did men fit into this equation? They do, we do. We also play a crucial role in helping our children develop a positive sense of self which includes feeling worthy of love, self-acceptance and developing the self-confidence necessary to have an honest and appropriate relationship to reality. This is where Dan and Harrison's program shines. They have developed a curriculum that invites and inspires men to explore their concepts and ideas about fathering and replace their old ideas with a new conscious fatherhood, in a safe and yet challenging group climate. In my opinion any man who experiences this incredible opportunity will discover new possibilities in the way they show up as fathers so that they can become the dad they deep down desire to be but may not have had the experiences or information necessary to develop that part of themselves.”</i><br /><b>Allen Berger, Ph.D. Clinical Director of the Institute for Optimal Recovery and Emotional Sobriety, Author of the bestselling book about Emotional Sobriety, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety.</b></p> <p> </p> <p><i>"Amazing Dads! is a much-needed work that fills a clinical curriculum gap on this topic. A majority of literature, support groups, and resources focus on supporting mothers. However, the authors have created a group process for addressing fathers' unique needs, trauma, and challenges from both their families of origin and current family systems. This work also validates the incredible influence fathers have on their family and how they can connect and support each other in striving for wellness and healing."</i><br /><b>Sarah Allen Benton, LPC, LMHC, LCPC, AADC, Author, Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle</b></p> <p> </p> <p><i>“As a father of five living in recovery and an advocate for mental health and family well-being, I cannot express enough the value and impact of Amazing Dads!, a groundbreaking curriculum developed by Dan Griffin and Harrison Crawford. This trauma-informed program offers a beacon of hope and support for fathers navigating the complexities of parenthood amidst life's challenges. One of the most commendable aspects of Amazing Dads! is its utilization of psychosocial group techniques. By fostering a supportive and empathetic group environment, fathers are provided with a safe space to explore their experiences, emotions, and relationships. This approach not only promotes healing but also cultivates a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among participants, which is invaluable in breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Furthermore, Dan Griffin and Harrison Crawford's expertise in trauma-informed care shines through in every aspect of this curriculum. By acknowledging and addressing the impact of trauma on fathers and their families, Amazing Dads! empowers individuals to heal, grow, and become the best version of themselves for their children. Facilitators will find the guides and tools easy to follow and appropriate for many practice settings. I wholeheartedly endorse Amazing Dads! as a transformative resource for fathers everywhere. Whether you're a new dad navigating the challenges of parenthood or a seasoned parent seeking support and guidance, this curriculum offers a roadmap for personal growth, healing, and ultimately, becoming the Amazing Dad your children deserve.”</i><br /><b>Andrew Brown, Deputy Secretary for Programs, Kansas Dept for Aging & Disability Services</b></p> <p><br /><br /></p> <p>"As someone who has studied and advocated for fathers for decades, I’m very impressed with the trauma-informed <i>Amazing Dads!</i> curriculum that Dan Griffin and Harrison Crawford have put together. For most dads, navigating the challenges of parenting along with everything that comes with being a man in our society is tough. But for dads who have suffered trauma in their lives, it’s even harder. I really appreciate Griffin and Crawford’s recognition that men do, indeed, experience trauma and that it often has a significant impact on our ability to be the fathers we truly want to be—and that our partner and kids need us to be. I wholeheartedly endorse this curriculum and am glad that it’s available for professionals, fathers, and their families."<br /><b>Armin Brott, Bestselling author of The Expectant Father and The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year., <a href="http://www.mrdad.com/">www.mrdad.com</a></b></p> <p> </p> <p><i> "The act of giving is a precious, priceless and valuable gift that we can offer to others. The Amazing Dads! program is a perfect gift for men, fathers, and anyone who works with them, as it provides incredible exercises to help men overcome the challenges of life. These exercises offer a detailed guide on how to move forward and find hope in difficult times. As a dad, a professional social worker, and a leader in fatherhood initiatives globally, I found immense gratitude in using these simple yet powerful exercises. Through exercises like "Palms Up, Palms Down," I learned to visualize my difficulties and set them aside for a moment with hope and understanding. The curriculum is filled with opportunities to give men hope for a better life through the easy-to-apply program created by the authors. This is a must-read for anyone looking to inspire men or dads to overcome life's challenges with hope and resilience!"</i> <br /><b>Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers and Families Coalition of America</b></p> <p><br /><br /></p>

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