Gay Men’s Group – Interpersonal Psychotherapy Group For Gay Men

Welcome To Our Gay Men's Group

Gay Men's GroupGay Men’s Group: As gay men, we often navigate unique challenges that can impact our sense of self, our relationships, and our overall well-being. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be common, especially when struggling to find meaningful connections—whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or within the broader LGBTQ+ community. Many of us face familial challenges, difficulty navigating relationships, struggles with addiction, and societal pressures that make it harder to embrace our authentic selves.

Additionally, our own community can sometimes reinforce exclusion, with unspoken rules and expectations about who belongs and who does not. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit into the stereotypical molds of gay culture—whether based on appearance, interests, or relationship style—you are not alone. Many gay men experience judgment, rejection, and invisibility within LGBTQ+ spaces, leading to deep feelings of disconnection.

This gay men’s group provides a safe and supportive space to explore these experiences, process emotions, and build more fulfilling relationships. Our discussions often touch on:

  • Challenges in forming and maintaining romantic relationships
  • Developing friendships with other gay men
  • Feelings of not belonging in the LGBTQ+ community
  • The impact of family acceptance or rejection
  • Struggles with internalized homophobia and self-worth
  • Dealing with various forms of addiction
  • Navigating dating apps, social expectations, and body image pressures
  • The complexities of coming out and self-acceptance
  • Coping with discrimination, bias, and societal challenges

Gay Men's Group: Goals for the Group

Gay Men's Group - Interpersonal Psychotherapy Group For Gay MenGay Men’s Group: This interpersonal therapy group is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and affirming space where you can gain deeper insight into yourself, your relationships, and your place in the world as a gay man. Through guided discussions and interpersonal feedback, you will have the opportunity to:

Enhance self-awareness and emotional insight – Understand how past experiences, societal expectations, and internalized beliefs shape the way you engage in relationships, communicate, and express your needs.

Deepen your sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community – Many gay men experience feelings of isolation or not “fitting in” with the broader community. This group offers a space to foster genuine connections and explore what belonging means to you.

Strengthen your interpersonal skills and emotional communication – Learn how to express emotions more effectively, set healthy boundaries, and develop stronger, more fulfilling relationships with romantic partners, friends, and family members.

Explore relationship dynamics and attachment styles – Gain a better understanding of your patterns in dating and relationships, including how early life experiences and attachment styles influence intimacy, trust, and connection.

Improve self-acceptance and confidence – Many gay men struggle with internalized homophobia, self-doubt, and feeling like they must conform to societal or community norms. This group provides space to challenge negative self-perceptions and embrace your authentic self.

Develop tools to navigate challenges related to identity and discrimination – Address the unique mental health challenges faced by gay men, including societal stigma, discrimination, and microaggressions, and learn strategies to build resilience in the face of these experiences.

Process family and cultural expectations – Many LGBTQ+ individuals face complicated relationships with their families, especially if they grew up in environments that were not accepting. This group provides a space to process feelings related to family rejection or strained relationships and work toward finding peace, resolution, and/or alternative sources of support.

Address mental health concerns, stress, and anxiety – Learn how to better manage stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly as they relate to identity, relationships, and life transitions.

Gain support in navigating dating, relationships, and intimacy – Whether you’re single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss challenges in forming and maintaining healthy romantic relationships while receiving insights from others who understand your experiences.

Explore the relationship between mental health and substance use – Many gay men navigate social environments where alcohol and other substances are commonly present. This group provides a nonjudgmental space to reflect on your experiences, explore the role substances may play in your social life or emotional well-being, and discuss ways to support your overall mental health in a way that aligns with your personal goals and values.

This group is a space for meaningful connection and growth. Through open discussion, mutual support, and guided exploration, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your self-awareness, build connections with others, and develop insights that can help you navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.

Gay Men's Group: What to Expect & Meeting Details

Group Therapy Image for Gay Men's Group and Men's Group pages.Gay Men’s Group: This weekly psychotherapy group provides an opportunity to connect with others in a structured, therapist-facilitated setting. Each session offers a confidential and judgment-free space where you can share your experiences, receive support, and gain perspectives and feedback from other gay men who understand what you’re going through.

Gay Men’s Group Meeting Details:

🗓 When: Wednesdays from 8:15 AM – 9:30 AM

🆕 A new ONLINE Tuesday group is forming soon!

📍 Where: 2000 P St NW, Suite 408, Washington, DC 20036

👨‍⚕️ Group Leader: David A. Heilman Psy.D.

Dr. Heilman's Research on Group Psychotherapy for Gay Men

To read Dr. Heilman’s recent article in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy on the benefits of group therapy for gay men, please click here.