Validation & its importance to gay men – Matthew J. Dempsey, LMHC

My good friend and colleague, Matthew J. Dempsey, LMHC has developed a great video for his blog on the unique importance of validation to gay men. Matthew suggests how gay men can live most authentically in the pursuit of true validation within a hostile heterosexist culture.

Some many of us find ourselves seeking positive affirmation by acquiring things valued by our culture hoping that it’ll make us feel better or we’ll be better people for having them. The lack of true worth society puts on gay men, as a people and of our intimate relationships, makes us susceptible to become far away from our true selves while living in all that heterosexist pushy noise. I hope this will encourage gay viewers to dig deep to discover what’s really beautiful about themselves & other gay men that’s way beyond the physical, designer clothes, & Mr. Fancy Pants digs.  It can be achieved!

ABOUT MATTHEW: Matthew is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who graduated with both a Masters of Arts and a Masters of Education in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Since graduation, Matthew has had years of experience working at both the LGBT Community Center and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) where he has developed essential skills to offer the most effective and caring therapeutic experience in a safe and affirming environment. Ongoing trainings and other means of remaining active in the field of psychology consistently play a role in Matthew’s practice to ensure the most current, ethical, and sound therapeutic approaches for his clients.

Matthew J. Dempsey, LMHC  – Official Website