A New Chapter for the Men's Group

"If your playbook for life is letting you down, it's time to draw up a new one."

I want to share some news about our Men's Group: What's Next For You? — and take a moment to be honest about why.

Starting in April, I'll be stepping back as co-facilitator of the men's group. Dr. Chris Hoff, CFI's Executive Director and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will be joining Danny Livingston as the new co-facilitator moving forward.

Why I'm Stepping Back

If you know me, you know I have a tendency to take on a lot — and to overestimate how much I can carry. For a long time, I told myself I could do it all: manage a growing caseload, support the operational side of CFI, co-facilitate a group I deeply care about, and still show up as the person I want to be outside of work.

But over the past few months, as my schedule has filled up, CFI's needs have continued to grow, and a few family emergencies reminded me what really matters — I've had to get honest with myself. I need to be better about managing my time and protecting my mental health. That means coming to work earlier, leaving at a time that lets me be present with my family and loved ones, and letting go of the things I can't sustain — even the ones I don't want to let go of.

Stepping back from this group is part of me practicing what I ask our clients to do: pay attention to the stories we tell ourselves about who we need to be, and ask whether those stories are still serving us.

What This Group Has Meant to Me

Co-facilitating this group with Danny has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at CFI. Watching men show up week after week — sometimes uncertain, sometimes raw, always brave — has taught me more about vulnerability and community than I could have learned anywhere else.

I'm grateful to every person who walked through that door and trusted us with their stories. That kind of trust is not something I take lightly, and it's not something I'll forget.

Chris Hoff Is the Right Person for This

I'm genuinely excited about Chris stepping into this role. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of clinical experience, Chris brings a depth of expertise that will only strengthen the group. If you've seen his recent training, How to Work With Men: A Therapist's Guide, you already know how thoughtfully he approaches this work — challenging the idea that men need fixing, and reframing therapy as an invitation to re-humanization.

Between Chris's clinical depth and Danny's warmth and collaborative spirit, this group is in incredible hands.

The Group Continues

Nothing else changes. The men's group continues to meet every Thursday at 7:00 PM at California Family Institute in Costa Mesa. Sessions are $30, and we're always welcoming new members.

If you've been thinking about joining — or if you know someone who could use a space like this — now is a great time. Transitions like these have a way of opening up new energy in a group, and there's a seat waiting for you.

Learn More About the Men's Group

Call 949.414.6244 to join or learn more.