THE UNSPOKEN: Group Therapy for Men
Healing Through Connection
Many men move through life carrying unspoken emotional burdens, pressure to stay composed, to solve problems independently, and to downplay their own needs. Over time, these internalized expectations can lead to emotional distance, persistent frustration, and a sense of disconnection from self or others. For some, a quiet loneliness becomes part of daily life, even if it’s difficult to name or express.
This group provides a supportive environment where men can begin to explore these internal experiences with others. Through open, reflective dialogue, members have the opportunity to deepen their self-understanding, recognize patterns in their relationships, and begin to engage more fully, both emotionally and interpersonally. The group process supports the development of insight, authenticity, and connection in ways that individual therapy may not offer alone.
Schedule a free intro call or call us at (424) 371-5191
A group therapist will call you back
The Groups
WILA’s Men’s Process Group is designed for individuals who are seeking greater emotional awareness, more satisfying relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves. This is not a topic-specific group; rather, it is a relationally focused space where a wide range of personal and interpersonal themes are welcome.
The group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm via Zoom and is limited to 7 participants. If you are interested in joining the next 10-week cohort, please get in touch with our front desk at 424-371-5191 to learn more or to schedule a confidential intake assessment.
While the unique contributions of its members shape each group, common themes often include:
- Identity, myths of masculinity, and the roles we inherit
- Emotional expression and regulation
- Intimacy, trust, sex, and relational dynamics
- Family history, including fatherhood and early attachment
- Shame, anger, and internalized expectations
- Loneliness, life transitions, and the search for meaning
Commitment & Costs
Group participants are asked to commit to a 10-week group series.
The group fee is $25 per session, or $250 for the whole 10-week series, and payment plans are available upon request. Please note that members are expected to pay for all 10 sessions, regardless of attendance.
Our Team
Martin Lasa, ACSW
Group Facilitator & Co-Founder
Martín (ACSW122827) is a postgraduate fellow with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Before pursuing clinical work, he completed an MBA, an experience that deepened his curiosity about the human stories that shape how we live, work, and relate to one another. He offers psychotherapy in English and Spanish to adults and adolescents seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and live with greater authenticity. Martín works with those navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, suicidal ideation, self-esteem, attachment issues, intimacy and relationship struggles, identity questions, and the transitions that mark a life. He has particular experience with first-generation individuals.
In therapy, Martín invites clients to slow down and listen closely, not only to what is spoken, but also to what stirs beneath the surface, in the pauses, and in the space between the self and the other. The work of knowing oneself is rarely easy. At times, it asks us to sit with pain, uncertainty, and the parts of ourselves we’ve long avoided. Together, we stay with what hurts… steady, attuned, and unhurried… until what once felt unbearable can be understood, felt, and slowly transformed. He believes that through this shared presence and honest reflection, new ways of being… softer, freer, and more alive… can begin to take shape.
Gregory Bendau, MA
Group Facilitator & Co-Founder
Gregory (PSB94029140) is earning his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, where he also completed his Master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Throughout his education and training, Gregory has concentrated on deepening his understanding of psychoanalytic theory and technique. He previously trained at Airport Marina Counseling Service and Pepperdine University West Los Angeles Community Counseling Center, where he treated a wide range of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety, identity disturbance, relational issues, and self-esteem.
Gregory’s approach to treatment is grounded in a psychoanalytic model. He strives to help his patients come to know themselves and their minds more fully. By assisting patients in putting words to what was previously unsayable, Gregory aims to foster deeper understanding of unconscious thoughts and feelings, and to rework repetitive patterns and relational difficulties.
Paul Gibbs, Ph.D., Psy.D.
Group Supervisor & Co-Founder
Dr. Paul Gibbs, Ph.D., Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY34056) who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. He earned his Psy.D. from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles and also holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Cincinnati. His clinical training includes a practicum internship at Vista Del Mar Child and Adolescent Outpatient Center, followed by both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship training at Wright Institute Los Angeles (WILA), where he completed a certificate in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Gibbs taught philosophy at several universities and later taught high school English, most recently at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica.
Frequently Asked Qs
Will I feel safe in the group?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask! Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee safety. Talking about your feelings and experiences, like any therapy, has both benefits and risks. One of the risks is that symptoms, memories, and discomfort can get worse before getting better. The group facilitators are prepared to help engender a feeling of safety for you and the other members. Your most important task is communicating your needs to the best of your ability.
What if I already have an individual therapist?
That’s ideal! Group therapy is an excellent adjunctive modality alongside individual therapy. Group members are not, however, required to also be in individual therapy to participate in the WILA Men’s Group.
Will my insurance pay for the group?
In keeping with WILA’s mission, our Men’s Group is priced to be an affordable alternative for those who do not have adequate health insurance benefits and/or cannot afford expensive private treatment. Participants are expected to pay WILA directly at the time of service. If requested, your therapist will provide you with a superbill, an itemized form listing healthcare services rendered, which you must submit directly to your insurance provider to request reimbursement. This is a common way to have insurance to pay for out-of-network benefits. Approval for reimbursement as well as rates will depend on the terms of your insurance policy. We encourage you to call your insurance provider to better understand these terms before beginning the group.
Who will be facilitating the group?
WILA’s Men’s Group is facilitated by pre-licensed therapists enrolled in WILA’s Psychology Internship and Postgraduate Fellowship. The facilitators are supervised by licensed mental health professionals on WILA’s Teaching and Supervising Faculty with input from WILA’s Executive Director, Michele Gomes, Psy.D.
Where does the group take place?
WILA’s Men’s Group is conducted online via Zoom.
I’m a clinician and would like to refer to the group. Who do I contact?
We welcome referrals and ideas for potential collaborations. WILA’s Men’s Group is ideal as an adjunctive group therapy experience for men you are seeing in individual treatment. Participation in group therapy can reduce isolation and increase relatedness by bringing together individuals struggling with similar issues. We offer a free telephone consultation with you and a free in-depth consultation via Zoom with your client. Call (424) 371-5191 and request to speak to a Men’s Group leader.
What is WILA’s mission?
WILA is at the forefront of a therapy movement, changing the ways people are treated when they need help but are held back by financial, cultural and systemic barriers. We serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles by providing affordable high-quality psychotherapy services while training the next generation of socially conscious mental health professionals. [Learn More]