Emerging Fathers Group

A group for expecting fathers to explore the transition into parenthood, reflect on their evolving identities as individuals, partners, and fathers, and prepare for this profound life change alongside a supportive community.

Becoming a father is one of life's most profound transitions, yet most men have few opportunities to explore what this change means for them. Are you wondering what kind of father you want to become? Feeling excited, uncertain, overwhelmed, or carrying fears that are difficult to put into words? This group offers a supportive space for expecting fathers to prepare for parenthood by reflecting on their evolving identity, exploring hopes and fears, and connecting with others who are navigating the same transition.

Together, we will explore how our own experiences with fathers, caregivers, and male role models have shaped us, consider what we hope to carry forward and what we hope to leave behind, and deepen our understanding of how becoming a supportive partner and an intentional father begins long before a child arrives.

As your child’s arrival approaches, fathers can play an essential role in the well-being of both their child and family. For those welcoming a child alongside a partner giving birth, the postpartum period can be a significant time to offer support as partners rest, heal, and settle into the rhythms of caring for a newborn. For fathers becoming parents through adoption, pregnancy, surrogacy, or other paths to parenthood, there are unique transitions and considerations of their own. This group will help prepare you for the changes that accompany becoming a father and empower you to show up for your child and other loved ones with intention in a way that reflects your own values and strengths.

Group Information

- Expecting fathers (including anyone who identifies with the fatherhood role, regardless of gender) located in California who are able to attend weekly groups for six consecutive sessions.
Schedule: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm in September, October, and/or November, depending on availability of those interested
Location: Zoom or In-Person in Berkeley, depending on group poll
The intention of this group is to create and foster a community where expecting fathers can explore the transition to parenthood. We will begin by getting to know one another, establishing our intentions for the group, and creating a foundation of trust. Throughout the group, members will have opportunities to reflect on their hopes, fears, expectations, and experiences of preparing for fatherhood while exploring how their own relationships and family histories shape the fathers they hope to become.
Through guided discussion and reflection, members will deepen their understanding of themselves, strengthen their capacity to navigate the changing responsibilities that accompany becoming a father, and cultivate a more intentional vision for fatherhood.
The group will emphasize connection, recognizing that many men experience this transition in isolation and benefit from having their experiences witnessed, validated, and normalized within a community of peers.
The group is intended for 5–8 people who share a commitment to attending consistently and engaging openly throughout the course of the group.
If meetings are on Zoom, there will be the option to turn on closed captioning. Participants will be asked to be on camera for the majority of the group, with short breaks as needed. If meetings are in-person in Berkeley, the space is wheelchair accessible, although parking is sometimes difficult. If you have additional accessibility needs, please reach out to andres@alchemytherapy.org to discuss options.
Sliding-Scale, $30-$120/week, paid via credit card. Payments for all 4 sessions will be made at the start of the group, unless a payment plan is agreed upon ahead of time with the facilitators due to financial need.
(If the fee range above is prohibitive to your participation, we will reach out if a reduced fee spot becomes available.)
The group will be facilitated by Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapists Dhyan Valle and Andrés Felipe Hortensi. Andrés is supervised by Jamie Lavender, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dhyan is supervised by Kathryn Conour, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.