Gay Men Thriving!
Perhaps you're out to your family and at work, doing pretty well --
yet there's this gnawing feeling that something is holding you back?
If you feel like something is missing, you are
definitely not alone!
Some gay men experience a strange paradox:
out to their families and even at work,
there’s still a deep sense of not quite fitting in,
constantly second-guessing their own effectiveness.
You may have a lingering dread you will be “found out”
to be less capable than you really are.
I call this uneasiness the “impostor syndrome,” and it’s not that uncommon!
Imagine how it would feel:
If you had a more confidence in your direction ~
and you could deal with work and relationships with:
Increased clarity, greater ease,
enjoying yourself along the way!
Let's see if we can:
Create a clear vision for your true goals
Identify hidden challenges
Relieve doubts
Soothe your inner "impostor"
Calm emotional reactivity, and
Rekindle your enthusiasm for work, love, and life!
Rik Isensee, LCSW
Gay men have made great strides in establishing greater personal freedom, plus civil rights in many areas — and yet, there's often a lingering sense that something is not quite right.
Through our work together, you can gain the confidence to make the best of your talents, true values, and dreams.
* Rik is a licensed psychotherapist, author of several books for gay men, with decades of experience helping gay men lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life!
Rik's Books for Gay Guys
Resolving Conflicts
“Must reading for all male couples.”
— David McWhirter and Andrew Mattison, co-authors of The Male Couple.
Support for Recovery
“If you are a gay man who grew up in a dysfunctional family or were abused, be kind to yourself and read this book. It’s full of validation, understanding, common sense, and wise guidance, like a good friend.”
— Ellen Bass, coauthor of The Courage to Heal
Thriving at Midlife
“Must reading for all male couples.”
— David McWhirter and Andrew Mattison, co-authors of The Male Couple.
“If you are a gay man who grew up in a dysfunctional family or were abused, be kind to yourself and read this book. It’s full of validation, understanding, common sense, and wise guidance, like a good friend.”
— Ellen Bass, coauthor of The Courage to Heal
“Readers of this book should be ready to experience an engaging intimate conversation about how to live with wisdom and passion while embarked on the uncertain journey of midlife.
Gay men of all ages will be enriched by Isensee’s timely and eloquent synthesis of his clinical work and the firsthand accounts of ten remarkably articulate men."
— Robert M. Kertzner, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University
Tips for gay couples
How to approach conflict:
Claim your Birthright of
Freedom, Purpose, and Love!
Whatever dissatisfaction you are experiencing right now doesn't
have to last forever. Discover your true source of
love, confidence, and self-compassion.
Schedule your free initial consult today!
Just click on the link, below.
I look forward to meeting you, understanding where
you're coming from, and helping you
create the life you want to lead.
What is Mindfulness?
The intention to be aware of whatever arises, in the present moment, without a lot of judgment: bring curiosity, friendliness, and self-compassion to your daily life.
Can Stress be Helpful?
Stress occurs with any event that requires effort.
The key is to find the balance between a stimulating challenge, versus
feeling overwhelmed.
You Are Not What You Think
You are not just your thoughts and feelings, your role in life,
your current abilities,
or
your story.
Location in San Francisco:
Appointments available in person at my convenient Castro St. office; by phone, FaceTime, or other online video!
Support for gay men:
5.0 out of 5 stars Really helpful book
Love Between Men
I went on a reading binge when I first came out, and Rik Isensee's books were all extremely helpful to me. If you want to start a relationship with someone, get it off on the right foot and pick up a copy of this book. You or your partner may be dealing with a lot of unwanted baggage that will damage your relationship - it's just part of being gay and being human. Leave some of that baggage behind and enjoy your life. See also Isensee's Are you Ready? and Reclaiming Your Life, both incredibly useful."
— By Craig H. Garveron December 7, 2009