ODL 398: Embodied Masculinity: Supporting Men’s Mental Health Through Somatic Practice

Created On:  3/23/26                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, and counselors.

Overview:

This 1-hour continuing education training introduces helping professionals to the Men’s Emotional Leadership Development (MELD) model, emphasizing a somatic, bottom-up approach to supporting men’s mental health. Grounded in Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory, participants will explore how the nervous system hierarchy and physiological states, such as the freeze response and disassociation, impact a man’s capacity for emotional expression and authentic connection. The training examines how cultural conditioning, trauma, performance pressure, and a lack of community contribute to chronic stress and deeply ingrained shame in men. Through applied frameworks such as the Shake, Act, Connect (SAC) protocol and the Relax, Open, Connect (ROCK) formula, participants will learn practical techniques to help male clients release trapped survival energy, move out of cognitive performance, and into bodily awareness. Ultimately, practitioners will be equipped to foster co-regulation, honor vulnerability, and support men in building emotional resilience and meaningful, restorative communities.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Define the polyvagal theory principles and somatic approaches relevant to men’s emotional health.
• Identify the components of the SAC and ROCK frameworks used in the MELD model.
• Differentiate between traditional top-down cognitive approaches and bottom-up somatic approaches in clinical settings.

Presenters:

Owen Marcus, Director of Education and Development at MELD

Owen Marcus is the founder of MELD, a men’s wellness organization focused on building emotional resilience and mental health through somatic and community-based practices. With over 40 years of experience, Owen has been a pioneer in men’s group work, helping men reconnect with their bodies, develop emotional intelligence, and heal through authentic connection with others. His approach integrates mindfulness, somatic therapy, and community as core pillars for sustainable change. Owen is also the author of Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence, and his work has helped shape a global movement supporting men in living with greater presence, purpose, and depth.

Sharlee R. Dixon, LMSW 

Sharlee Dixon is a dedicated behavioral health professional with nearly two decades of experience as a social worker. As the lead host of the Behavioral Health Today podcast and a key contributor to Triad’s educational team, she sits at the intersection of clinical practice and professional development. Sharlee holds dual master’s degrees in social work and trauma-informed education, bringing a rich, multifaceted perspective to every conversation she leads.

Currently practicing as a school clinician in North Carolina and a renal social worker, Sharlee has served communities across the Carolinas in diverse roles spanning child protective services and both public and postsecondary education. A passionate advocate for holistic well-being, she has presented at local and national conferences on critical topics including trauma-informed care, food deserts, and clinician self-care. Her work is grounded in a strengths-based approach.