Counseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD

Honored to have my work recognized by Capella in this recent interview! Counseling Professional Deepens Expertise with a PhD Some people might wonder why Clayton Lessor* bothered to get a PhD. A licensed professional counselor in St. Louis, Missouri, he already had a successful career in private practice, as well as numerous speaking and consulting gigs. “I wanted…

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Rite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part Two)

Last week I explained “rite-of-passage” and the important processes an adolescent boy goes through to become an initiated man.  Now let’s cover what being an initiated man means! Initiation to Manhood Adolescence ranges from 11-18 years of age. According to theorist, this stage of life is crucial; it gives individuals the challenge of establishing an…

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Rite-of-Passage & Initiation (Part One of Two)

There is a much-needed focus today by both broadcast and print media on males and masculinity; you can virtually find a program or article on the subject at any given moment.  What I don’t see or hear is something I know very well through years of research, data and facilitation. Boys need a rite-of-passage and initiation…

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Parenting Boys? Managing Aggressive Behavior

It’s a good time to talk about “aggressiveness, assertiveness and aggressive behavior!”  My recent blog on healthy masculinity was to caution getting caught up in the recent frenzy that masculinity was the “cause” for bad behavior. Masculinity and guns don’t go hand in hand; masculinity and irrational behavior don’t either!  But what do you do when your son displays aggressiveness and/or…

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Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Two

Last week in Step #1 we covered the importance of setting healthy boundaries & limits in conjunction with natural consequences.  Many times, parents can avoid trouble with their adolescent son by starting there. When that doesn’t work, move to Step #2: Step #2=Seek Counseling Many boys don’t know how to deal with the pain that comes…

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The Quest Project-For Men

I facilitated my first The Quest Project® back in 2000.  I never imagined back then that today I’d be facilitating that same program (modified for adults) to a group of men. I have discovered The Quest Project is as meaningful to men as it is to the adolescent boys.  As an example, imagine a group of six men…

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The Quest Project-For Dad!

Dad, Welcome to The Quest Project® My recent inspiration for writing book #2 came from a very welcome change I am seeing in my practice, let me share more. Change Is Very Good Over the last 20 years, I have seen over 2000 boys go through The Quest Project®.  What’s changed?  In the past, the majority of…

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Parenting Tip: Kids Feelings and How to Manage

  Kids feelings: Mad, sad, glad, and afraid-I often refer to these as The Big Four!  Processing feelings is healthy, I recommend it highly.  Here’s why: Kids Feelings: Mad Happens Let’s start here, this is the feeling that scares everyone.  I’m always amazed at the number of people that think being mad and/or angry is always…

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Raising Sons: Giving Boys What They Need

  I was honored when Aisha Sultan, home and family editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently wrote an article about my journey, and how it led to my life’s work.  Raising Sons: In Case You Missed It The article is titled “Giving boys what they need when fathers are absent” and appropriately published on Fathers Day. …

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Raising Sons? Helping Solve the Mystery

Cracking the code!  Solving the mystery!  How would you like to know what your adolescent boy is missing as you witness him changing from a boy to a man?  He Needs a “Modern Day Rite of Passage” I’m often asked what is a “rite of passage?”  It’s a term that most people equate with times past.  We have forgotten the importance…

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