About MENTRaL
MENTRaL was born from a quiet, shared need — one many men feel but rarely name:
The need for genuine connection, emotional presence, and a space to be seen without performing.
In a world that rewards productivity over presence, and toughness over truth, MENTRaL offers something different:
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A practice — to strengthen emotional awareness and resilience.
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A pause — to step out of isolation and into connection.
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A community — grounded in honesty, movement, and the kind of growth that only happens together.
Our Mission
MENTRaL exists as a living ecosystem for men to break cycles of isolation and rise into authentic, grounded leadership.
We offer a holistic path for emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical well-being — rooted in consistent practice, embodied brotherhood, and the courage to grow together.
This isn’t about fixing men. It’s about remembering who we are — and becoming who we’re meant to be, side by side.
Our Guiding Principles
These aren’t rules. They’re shared practices that help us create a space that feels safe, real, and transformative:
Owning Your Experience
Say “I,” not “you.” Speak from your truth.
We share from our own perspective using “I” statements. Instead of “You made me angry,” we say, “I felt anger when I heard that.” This builds self-responsibility and helps us connect without blame.
Remaining Grounded in the Present
This moment is the only one that matters.
We let go of analyzing the past or predicting the future. We return to our breath, our body, and the connection in the room—right here, right now.
Trusting What Is
Welcome whatever arises — even discomfort.
We meet every feeling—joy, sadness, numbness, frustration—with curiosity. Nothing needs to be fixed or changed. What comes up belongs here and can guide us deeper.
Relating as an End in Itself
We’re not fixing — we’re witnessing.
This isn’t therapy or debate. We’re not here to solve each other’s problems, but to be with what’s real. Sharing and listening deeply is enough.
Assuming Positive Intent
Choose trust over defense.
When something stirs us, we pause and remember: everyone here is showing up to grow. Even if words land awkwardly, we assume care and compassion underneath.
Staying with Sensation
The body tells the truth.
Instead of only telling stories about how we feel, we notice what’s happening in our body: a tight chest, a warm face, a trembling hand. Sensation anchors us in the present and opens deeper awareness.
How MENTRaL Started
MENTRaL didn’t begin as a brand or a business — it began with a question:
“Can you name a father figure you truly admire?”
Dez sat in silence. After years working in the psychosocial field — supporting people through addiction, trauma, and homelessness — he kept noticing the same quiet thread:
Men who didn’t feel seen.
Men who didn’t feel heard.
Men with nowhere to go, emotionally.
It wasn’t more information that was missing.
It was space.
Space to feel. To release. To be real.
During a solo trip to Mexico, Dez lost his passport and cards. Cris, a friend from school, stepped in from afar — arranging help, housing, and support through his family. That act of generosity sparked a brotherhood.
From there, the two began meeting regularly on Zoom. They practiced showing up with honesty, presence, and curiosity — exploring movement, breathwork, authentic relating, circling, and sound healing.
And they made a promise:
Every second Monday, no matter what — we show up.
That’s how MENTRaL was born.
Not as a program.
But as a practice.
A living ecosystem where men break cycles of isolation, reconnect with themselves, and rise together into authentic, grounded leadership.
Where We Are Now
Our circles are intentionally small and intimate — limited spots so every voice can be heard.
Each session is $20 per participant, with a first session free (or pay what you can) to make sure any man curious to join has the chance.
We believe every man deserves access to a space like this. If finances are a barrier, reach out — your presence matters more than your payment.
MENTRaL isn’t just a drop-in circle — it’s a living ecosystem. Step by step, we’re building a path that supports men at different stages of their journey:
Biweekly Open Sessions – “The Door to Brotherhood”
For men curious to step into connection and growth.
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In-person, biweekly, drop-in circles (every other Monday).
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Practices: breathwork, authentic relating, sound exploration, sharing, and integration.
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Pricing:
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First Session Free (or Pay What You Can)
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Regular: $20
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3-Session Pack: $48 (save 20%)
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Referral Bonus: bring a friend → next session half-price
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👉 The first step into the MENTRaL journey.
Where We’re Heading
Closed Group – “The Path of Growth”
For men ready for deeper accountability and transformation.
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12-week closed container + 3 monthly recreational events.
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Journey themes: Confidence → Boundaries → Emotional Expression → Authentic Leadership.
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Same group of men throughout — creating safety, depth, and accountability.
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CAD $450 (sliding scale options available).
👉 The second step for those ready to commit to growth.
MenSPACE – Online Private Community
For ongoing support and brotherhood between sessions.
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WhatsApp group + members-only site area.
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Includes challenges, check-ins, resource library, monthly online circle, recorded workshops.
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CAD $25/month.
👉 The always-on circle — connection that travels with you.
Online Sessions – “Brotherhood Without Borders”
For men outside Montreal or who prefer online.
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Monthly or biweekly Zoom circles.
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Practices adapted for digital space: breathwork, AR games, sound journeys, sharing.
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CAD $15 per session (bundles available).
👉 A way to connect from anywhere.
We’re just getting started. Beyond our circles, here’s what’s coming:
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🎙️ Podcast Launch — real conversations and stories for modern men.
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📖 Members’ Space — exclusive resources, blogs, and reflection tools.
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🌐 Expanded Online Sessions — more opportunities to connect beyond Montreal.
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🌲 Immersive Retreats & Events — deeper dives into connection, embodiment, and growth.
What’s Next
