Thursday, October 7, 2010

'Journey Into Manhood' Comes to England, Texas, Florida


Help for Men Seeking to Change Their Sexual Orientation: 'Journey Into Manhood' Comes to England, Texas, Florida

VIRGINIA,

 Oct. 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- A potentially life-changing program for men who are conflicted over unwanted same-sex attractions, called Journey Into Manhood, is coming to England October 29 to 31, then to the U.S. states of Texas (Nov. 12 to 14) and Florida (Dec. 3 to 5). 

The event marks the 50th time that the U.S.-based non-profit organization People Can Change -- which was founded 10 years ago this fall -- has presented its peer-led Journey Into Manhood weekend of experiential-healing and personal-growth work. 

Surveys of past Journey Into Manhood participants indicate that four out of five men surveyed have experienced a decrease in homosexual attractions. More than half report an increase in heterosexual attractions, while nine out of 10 report a decrease in distress or shame. Ninety-five percent say they would recommend the program to others. 

Although Journey Into Manhood is not a religious weekend, it has been endorsed by the founders of both the leading Catholic and Jewish ministries serving people who are working to resolve unwanted homosexuality. It has also been endorsed by one of the world's leading psychologists supporting sexual reorientation: Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. 

Journey Into Manhood is a 48-hour immersion in self-discovery, catharsis and emotional healing for men who feel that their homosexual attractions stem largely from unhealed emotional wounds and unmet needs, including, oftentimes, a history of alienation from male peers. Each weekend is peer-led by about 20 volunteers, including men who have resolved homosexuality themselves. The cost is US$650, including meals and accommodations at the camp or retreat center. Partial sponsorships are often available. 

Journey Into Manhood was created jointly in 2002 by David Matheson, a licensed professional counselor, and Rich Wyler, a certified life coach who founded People Can Change in the fall of 2000. Since then, almost 1,400 men from 36 countries and 45 U.S. states have been through the program 

Coinciding with its 10th anniversary, People Can Change has completely redesigned and upgraded its website, www.peoplecanchange.com, and released its first-ever video profile of Journey Into Manhood. 

People Can Change also offers: 

-- a weekend program for wives of men who have same-sex attractions (SSA), called "A Wife's Healing Journey." 

-- telephone-based professional coaching and peer-support groups, one for men struggling with SSA and another for wives of SSA men. 

-- confidential online support and discussion groups. 

-- A content-rich website including first-person accounts of successful change and a suggested roadmap to change.