Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes, Certified Autism Specialist

Unmasking: Growing into your True Self
Group for Self-Study or 1-on-1 or Marriage Coaching
You will need to purchase Life Passages of Men and The Solution of Choice.
Spring 2026 9:00 pm Eastern on Thursdays
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January 22
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February 12 & 19
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March 5 & 19
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April 9 & 23
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May 7
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Unmasking: The Science and Spirit of Growing Into Your True Self
This group is built on a simple but profound premise: genuine transformation is relational, not just rational . Many men, particularly those navigating neurodiversity, have spent years trying to "white-knuckle" their way to a better life through willpower and logic, only to find themselves stuck in the same cycles of frustration.
By integrating the works of Dr. Jim Wilder (Passages of Men, Renovated) with the foundations of RARE Leadership and The Other Half of Church, we provide a roadmap for "neurological renovation".
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Why These Materials Work Together
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Beyond Willpower (The Problem): We often believe that if we think correctly and choose rightly, our habits will fall in line. However, neuroscience shows that the "fast-track" emotional side of the brain acts before our logic even kicks in. If your relational circuits are "off," willpower alone cannot turn them back on.
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Neuroplasticity (The Solution): The right prefrontal cortex retains a high degree of neuroplasticity throughout your life. This means your "identity center"—the Orbital Prefrontal Cortex (OFC)—can physically restructure itself through new, joyful experiences.
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Joy as the Engine: In this framework, joy isn't just a feeling; it is the biological fuel for maturity. Defined as "knowing someone is glad to be with me," joy trains the brain to return to connection rather than retreating into isolation or "enemy mode" during stress.
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Hesed: The Relational Glue: Growth requires a "low-fear, high-joy" environment. By practicing Hesed, God’s loyal, enduring love, we create the secure attachment necessary for neurodiverse men to safely explore their maturity gaps and "unmask" their true selves.
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The Path of Maturity: We walk through the "Passages of Men," identifying where emotional development may have been stunted by trauma or neurodiversity. Whether you are at the "Infant," "Child," or "Man" stage of emotional maturity, these materials provide the tools to fill those gaps and move toward becoming a life-giving "Father" and "Elder".
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The Result: A Transformed Marriage and Legacy
This isn't about learning more "marital techniques". It is about becoming the kind of man who naturally remains relational, acts like his true self, and stays connected to his spouse even when things are hard. When you renovate your heart, the change naturally spreads into your marriage and your legacy.
Sessions
Introduction
Introduction Materials from the Workbook: Laying the Foundation
Watch Rare Leadership Lessons 1 to 4
Session 1
Watch Session 1 Video
Session 1
Rest of Rare Leadership Videos (5-8)
Solution of Choice Chapters 1-4
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Enlightenment Shift
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Skewed Models
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Truth
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Choice
Workbook Pages Introduction & Lesson 1
Session 3
Watch: Dan & Stephanie- Attachment- What Should Have Happened
Read:
Passages of Men Chapters 2-4
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A boy and his mother
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A boy and his father
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The man who was never a boy
Extra material: Maturity from the heart Jesus Gave You
Workbook: Lesson 3
Session 4
Watch: Video Dan & Stephanie on Maturity Gaps
Read:
Life Passages of Men: Chapters 5-7
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Becoming a Man
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Three Killer Myths
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How Sons Become Men
Workbook: Lesson 4
Session 5
Watch: Dan & Stephanie: Roles of Men
Read:
Life Passages of Men: Chapters 8-10
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Life-Giving Manly Roles
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Becoming a father
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Fathers and their children
Workbook: Lesson 5
Session 6
Watch: Our Discussion with Dr. Jim Wilder on Fear Bonds vs. Joy Bonds
Listen: Podcast: Just the Guys: Mad, Meltdowns & Mopey
Read:
Life Passages of Men: chapters 11-12
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Father’s World
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Single and Childless Men as Fathers
Workbook: Lesson 6
Session 8
Watch: Dan & Stephanie: Intentional Growth Is Possible! You are Defined by Your Neurotype, Your Choices or Your Childhood. Who Defines You?
Read:
Life Passages of Men: Chapter 17-16
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Elders and the Church
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Death of an Elder
Workbook: Lesson 8
Appendix
Wanna go deeper? Hear from some of the contributing authors? Or authors mentioned in the text or endorsements?
Shame- healing in community
Curt Thompson 1 and 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIAq85DjYYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQIc2tBRgo
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Dr. Jim Wilder Resource "Changing Motivation from Fear to Love"
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