T.O.N.E. stands for Therapy Outside Normal Environments
...a group therapy experience for men that weaves adventure, experiential and expressive arts therapies.
What is the TONE Project?
- TONE takes men (age 19 and up) outside of the traditional therapy setting, and engages them in outdoor, adventure and experiential-based therapies, and incorporates art, drama or music therapies;
- TONE works with a wide diversity of men experiencing challenges in their lives - mental health, addictions, relationships and major life changes;
- TONE recognizes that all men can benefit from positive group experiences with other men;
- TONE promotes the use of outdoor spaces, physical movement and adventure-based activities as both a PLACE and a WAY therapy can happen.
Why the T.O.N.E. Project?
Consider the stats:
- 4 out of 5 deaths by suicide occur with men;
- 1 in 10 Canadian men will experience major depression in the course of their lives;
- 96% of school shootings are committed by men and boys;
- traditional gender expectations tell men to: "Suck it up, be a man and don't cry."
- men have lower health outcomes - especially mental health - compared to women;
- men tend to have poor help-seeking behaviours;
- if a man does reach out, they may feel 'less of a man' or are ridiculed for being so.
These last two points create - what is referred to - as the ‘Double-Bind' - negatively impacting men's mental well-being.
Mental health and addictions therapy as it exists works for some, but not all... especially men.
Research tells us that other ways of ”doing” therapy improves outcomes for men living with mental illness and/or distress in their life.
The T.O.N.E. Project creates opportunities for men to build healthy social connections and explore their inner lives leading to improved health outcomes for men. We take men out of their normal environments in ways that align with how they tend to engage with themselves and their world.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment for each group is approximately 3 months:
- one meet 'n greet session with Brian or Nick,
- two evening sessions, and
- three weekend outings.
Sample Schedule for a T.O.N.E. Project
| TIMELINE | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
| First Gathering | Weekend Outing (Fri 4pm – Sun 2pm) | Within 1 hr of Halifax |
| ~2 weeks later | Evening Session (~6-9pm) | Within 30 min of Halifax |
| ~2 weeks later | Weekend Outing (Fri 4pm – Sun 2pm) | Within 1 hr of Halifax |
| ~2 weeks later | Evening Session (~6-9pm) | Within 30 min of Halifax |
| Final Gathering | Weekend Outing (Fri 4pm – Sun 2pm) | Within 1 hr of Halifax |
Thanks to 2 years of funding from Movember Canada, The T.O.N.E. Project has helped support
the wellbeing of over 40 men in Nova Scotia!!
With the funding cycle complete, we are currently seeking additional funding from other sources
so as to continue to offer T.O.N.E. free of charge, and barrier-free, to more men.
If your agency is interested in contracting T.O.N.E. staff to offer a Project to your staff or clientele,
please contact us to explore the possibilities.
Funding for the project comes with gratitude to the men who grow the hair under their nose every Movember
and everyone who supports them.
Please see Movember Canada to learn more about their
Men's Mental Health Initiative and consider donating.
