Gay Men & Intimacy

What It Is

Gay Men and Intimacy (GMI) is an eight-week therapeutic group for any adult gay male. Whether in a long-term relationship, single, new relationship, inexperienced, or connecting with many different partners, men often struggle with developing genuine intimacy. Many men have difficulty expressing their feelings; find their relationships superficial and shallow; worry about finding a quality partner; lack confidence when meeting other gay males; or keep repeating the same relationship patterns/mistakes over and over again. GMI is a psycho-educational intervention designed to address these very common issues that unite us all.

Benefits of a Group

Group therapy is a proven intervention that can help a person see his behaviors and patterns from a different perspective; develop the skills to identify and communicate needs; learn how his style of attachment developed; feel more confident in his relationships with other men; and ultimately lead to a richer and more meaningful life filled with love, joy, and laughter. Group therapy is significantly less expensive than individual therapy, and offers the participant a chance to be a part of a safe and confidential community in which he can give and receive feedback to develop the skills needed to create deeper connections with others. We are hurt through people, and we can heal through people.

Details

GMI will meet for 90 minutes, one night a week, for eight weeks. Sessions will be held late evening. It is a "closed group," meaning we will start and finish with the same members; new members are not allowed to join mid-group. It is therefore an eight-week commitment. Be assured that the group will be a warm, accepting environment where participants feel safe and comfortable. Groups are capped at eight men to ensure that everyone's needs are met. Fees are $30 a session.

What It Is Not

GMI is NOT a venue for finding a hook-up or relationship; it is NOT an appropriate place to explore mental health issues that are off topic; it is NOT a substitution for individual therapy (one person will not be allowed to dominate the group); and it is NOT a group where cross-talking, gossip, or immature behaviors are acceptable; finally, GMI is NOT a group that one can choose to attend whenever he feels like it. In order to develop the most beneficial experience for all group members, attendance is required. Although socializing with members outside of the group for the 8-weeks is discouraged, participants often make lasting, meaningful, supportive friendships.