Gay Male Couples: You are invited to participate in a project!
By Robert Allan and Russell Westhaver
If you are gay men who are over 18 years of age, live together and have been a couple for at least two years, you may be eligible to participate in a research study investigating the efficacy of the Hold Me Tight relationship enhancement group (SMU REB #12-294). We are exploring how you, as a gay male couple, cope with living in a straight world and whether a relationship enhancement group can help with any challenges you may encounter. The group will be facilitated by two experienced psychotherapists trained in the approach, Robert Allan and Erica McGill.
Couples are invited to participate in a 3-session program on Saturdays, April 6, 13, and 20 from 9am-noon on Saint Mary’s University campus. Each couple will be required to complete four questionnaires on four occasions over an eight-month period and complete two interviews with Russell Westhaver.
The Hold Me Tight program is a twelve session couple enrichment program for couples interested in enhancing the quality of their relationship. This program is not intended to be a substitute for individual couples therapy with a trained professional therapist. The format of the program includes:
1. short presentations by the facilitator;
2. viewing a DVD to illustrate different conversations for participants and encourage group sharing and discussion;
3. structured, in-group exercises that each couple does together and then discusses with the group;
4. homework exercises are offered and can be discussed at the beginning of the following group session.
If you are interested and want more information please contact Russell Westhaver at 902-491-6278 or Robert Allan at Robert.allan@smu.ca
