Join Rik and James at Esalen
on the coast of Big Sur!
March 30-April 1, 2012
Gay Men Thriving at Midlife!
Bombarded with youthful images in both gay and mainstream media, many gay men approach the midlife transition with a sense of foreboding. Yet the experience of coming out and building our own self-confidence in the face of oppression has provided us with essential skills for handling major challenges in our lives.
Esalen pool
How can I enjoy the aging process more fully? How can I still enjoy my body as it ages? How can I build a better relationship with myself over time?
In this workshop, we’ll counter negative stereotypes with positive aspects of gay midlife, such as authenticity, generativity, equanimity, and a sense of spirituality or meaning. We’ll share the effects of aging on body image confidence, sexuality, dating, and relationships.
We’ll also look at how gay men often resemble the “trickster” figure in traditional cultures: we’re often the shape-shifters, creative healers, and shamans of modern culture, meeting life’s transitions with wisdom, healing, and humor.
Through playful exercises using movement, mindfulness, and evocative imagery, we’ll celebrate these gifts, and at the same time encourage an awareness of undeveloped aspects of our own lives that long to emerge.
Participants will come away with an understanding of how to thrive at midlife.
Come join us at Esalen, the amazing retreat center on the coast of Big Sur! With a natural hot spring perched on the cliff overlooking waves crashing against the rocks below, delicious organic cuisine, and ample free time to schedule personal massage appointments, you’ll have a relaxing, fun, and stimulating weekend!
We’ll build on our strengths, discover a joyful and playful side of gay men’s creativity at midlife, and tap into the rich resources of our own internal wisdom.
Esalen Hotspring
Gay therapist Rik Isensee, LCSW provides gay-positive psychotherapy and gay couples therapy in San Francisco. He is the author of three self-help books for gay men: Love Between Men, Reclaiming Your Life, and Are You Ready?—The Gay Men’s Guide to Thriving at Midlife.
James Guay, MFT is a licensed psychotherapist and Certified Personal Trainer in private practice for the past ten years specializing in body image confidence with gay men. Learn more at his private practice website: LivingMoreFully.com
Recommended reading: Are You Ready? The Gay Man’s Guide to Thriving at Midlife, by Rik Isensee.
Professionals will also be able to apply these insights in a clinical setting, if desired.
10 CEUs offered for MFTs and LCSWs
(check out our previous video 
