About the Men’s Non-Violence Program: What It Is (and What It’s Not)

This is not a “talk circle” or a program where participants simply share feelings and go home.

The Men’s Non-Violence Program at New Moon Psychotherapy is a structured group psychotherapy program that teaches concrete skills for:

• anger management and impulse control
• emotional regulation under stress
• respectful communication and conflict de-escalation
• recognizing coercive control dynamics
• preventing harm and reducting risk in intimate relationships

The program is designed to align with rehabilitation principles commonly recognized by courts and supervising authorities, while being grounded in ethical, trauma-informed psychotherapy.

Why Anger Management Often Isn’t Enough

Many men search for anger management because anger is what feels most visible. But in intimate relationships, anger is often part of a larger escalation pathway.

For many participants, conflict becomes harmful when:

• emotions rise quickly and the body goes into fight mode
• the mind interprets disagreement as disrespect, betrayal, or threat
• jealousy, insecurity, or shame fuels reactivity
• control becomes a strategy to reduce fear or regain power
• communication turns into intimidation, threats, or coercion
• substance use lowers inhibition or increases volatility

This program helps participants identify their unique pathway, so they can interrupt it early, before it becomes harmful.

Who Is This Program For (Participant Eligibility)

This program is intended for men aged 18+ who have been accused of, charged with, and/or convicted of intimate partner violence-related offences, or who recognize patterns in their relationships that feel unsafe, unstable, or out of control.

The program may be appropriate for men who:

• escalate quickly in arguments
• become verbally aggressive, intimidating, or threatening
• struggle with jealousy, possessiveness, or suspicion
• feel overwhelmed by shame, anger, or rejection
• have used coercive or controlling behaviour
• have difficulty calming down once activated
• regret their reactions afterward but repeat the pattern

Participation requires:

• consistent attendance
• willingness to practice new skills
• openness to structured feedback
• respect for group safety and confidentiality

Mandatory vs Voluntary Attendance

Mandatory Attendance (Court-Mandated/Supervised Attendance)

Participants may attend due to legal requirements or referrals, including:

• bail or release conditions
• diversion requirements
• pre-sentencing recommendations
• Conditional Sentence Orders
• probation or parole conditions
• other supervising authority requirements

We welcome referrals from:

• lawyers and legal counsel
• probation and parole officers
• community justice and supervision programs

Voluntary Attendance

Many participants attend voluntarily because they want:

• anger management support
• healthier conflict strategies
• better relationship stability
• safer communication
• a different future than the one their current patterns are creating

Program Format & Practical Details

This is a group treatment program with open/rolling admission, meaning participants may begin at designated entry points without waiting for a full cohort to restart.

Individual format may also be available based on clinical fit and need.

Program Duration

• 11-week group program
• plus individual intake and termination sessions

Treatment Phases

1) Intake & Assessment

1–3 individual sessions (50 minutes each)

A structured clinical intake interview to assess eligibility and therapeutic needs through a trauma-informed lens.

Clinical assessments will be conducted, including, when appropriate:

• Ontario Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (ODARA)
• Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale (DVMAS)

2) Group Orientation

1 individual session (30 minutes)

A meeting with the group facilitator to clarify group expectations, confidentiality, and readiness.

3) Group Treatment

11 weekly sessions (2.5 hours each)

Structured psychoeducation + skill-building + guided group process.

The program integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Duluth Model (focus on power/control dynamics, equality-based relationships)

Weekly Group Overview

Week 1: Non-violence

Week 2: Non-threatening behaviour

Week 3: Respect

Week 4: Honesty and introspection

Week 5: Trust and support

Week 6: Shared responsibility

Week 7: Economic partnership

Week 8: Responsible parenting

Week 9: Sexual respect

Week 10: Substance use

Week 11: Negotiation and fairness

4) Graduation & Future Planning

1 individual session (50 minutes)

Relapse prevention planning, skill consolidation, and next-step supports.

Potential Benefits

Potential benefits may include:

• improved anger management and emotional regulation
• safer relational behaviour
• stronger conflict management skills
• improved communication and relationship stability
• insight into risk-increasing and harm-reducing patterns
• reduced risk of future harm and/or recidivism

The program may support rehabilitation goals relevant to:

• bail and release planning
• diversion negotiations
• pre-sentence mitigation submissions
• Conditional Sentence Orders
• probation or parole conditions

Participation does not guarantee outcomes. Legal decision-making remains at the discretion of the court or supervising authority.

Documentation Requests (Court / Probation / Parole / Legal Counsel)

Documentation is available upon request with written consent and may include:

• attendance and participation verification
• psychosocial assessment and progress summary

All documentation is prepared in accordance with therapeutic confidentiality and reflects attendance, participation, and clinically assessed progress only. Private therapeutic content remains confidential.

Confidentiality may be limited when required by law or professional ethical standards. These limits are reviewed during intake.

Professional Referrals (Lawyers, Probation & Parole)

New Moon Psychotherapy welcomes professional referrals for men requiring structured intervention related to intimate partner violence (IPV), coercive behaviour, and anger escalation in intimate relationships.

This program may be appropriate for clients referred through:

• bail or release conditions
• diversion requirements
• pre-sentence recommendations
• Conditional Sentence Orders
• probation or parole supervision
• other court-related or supervisory processes

Program Approach

The Men’s Non-Violence Program is a structured, evidence-informed group psychotherapy program integrating:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles
• the Duluth Model (power/control dynamics and equality-based relationships)
• structured clinical intake and risk-informed treatment planning

Documentation

Documentation may be available upon request with written consent and may include:

• attendance and participation verification
• psychosocial assessment and progress summary
• All documentation is prepared in accordance with therapeutic confidentiality and reflects participation and clinically assessed progress only. Private therapeutic disclosures remain confidential.

Referrals & Contact

To inquire about suitability, availability, or referral questions:

📞 416.800.3361

✉️ [email protected]

We are also happy to connect referring professionals with the Program Lead for questions about fit, referral pathways, and program structure.

Why Complete This Program With New Moon Psychotherapy?

Choosing a men’s non-violence or anger management program is an important decision—and fit matters.

New Moon Psychotherapy is a Toronto-based clinic specializing in trauma and relationships, with a strong clinical understanding of how relational harm develops and how meaningful change occurs. Our approach is structured, evidence-informed, and aligned with rehabilitation principles commonly recognized by courts and supervising authorities.

We understand that participants come into this program from different circumstances—some through legal requirements, others voluntarily, and many with uncertainty about what to expect. We work to create an environment that is:

• structured and skill-based
• clear about expectations and safety
• respectful and non-shaming
• focused on measurable behaviour change and risk reduction

This program is not about labels. It is about helping men build safer ways of responding in intimate relationships, especially under stress, conflict, or emotional activation.

We offer a free consultation to help you understand what the program involves and whether it feels like the right fit for your needs, goals, and circumstances.

This is also an opportunity to ask questions, clarify expectations, and ensure the program is appropriate before starting.

Is this an anger management program?

This program supports anger management, but it goes beyond anger reduction alone. It focuses on the pathway to harm in intimate relationships and teaches structured skills for emotional regulation, respectful conflict, and non-violent relationship behaviour.

Is this program appropriate for intimate partner violence (IPV)?

Yes. This program is designed for men who have engaged in, been accused of, or are at risk of intimate partner violence. It is also appropriate for men who recognize harmful relational patterns and want structured support to change.

Is this a group program?

Yes. This is a structured group psychotherapy program with rolling admission, plus individual intake and termination sessions. If a group program is not an option for you, an individual program can be made available.

Is the program suitable for court-mandated participation?

Yes. We welcome referrals from lawyers, probation/parole, and other supervising authorities. Documentation may be available upon written consent.

Do you provide documentation for probation, parole, or court?

Documentation may be available upon request with written consent and may include attendance verification and psychosocial/progress summaries. Documentation does not include private therapeutic disclosures.

Do I have to admit guilt to participate?

Participation does not require an admission of guilt. The program focuses on patterns, risk factors, and developing safer responses moving forward. Legal positioning is respected.

What if I need more support?

Individual therapy and other services (eg. couples therapy) may be available during or after completion of the program, depending on clinical needs and fit.

What is the cost of the Men’s Non-Violence Program?

Program fees are as follows:

• $200 per 50-minute individual session with the facilitator (intake and termination sessions)
• $100 for the 30-minute individual group orientation session, including program materials
• $150 per 2.5-hour group session (11 weekly sessions)

If documentation is requested (e.g., for court, probation, parole, or legal counsel), an additional documentation fee may apply depending on the scope and complexity of the request.