MyPartner

Rik Isensee, LCSW (www.gay-therapist.com) has worked with gay couples in San Francisco for over twenty-five years. His MSW is from the multicultural School of Social Work at the University of Hawaii. He developed the group program for male survivors of early abuse at the Center for Special Problems, and ran a group for glbtq youth for several years. He also served as Clinical Supervisor for the Shanti Project during the early years of the AIDS epidemic.

Rik specializes in both individual and couples therapy for gay men who want to enrich their lives, enhance the intimacy in their relationships, and thrive in the face of life's transitions!

Rik's approach to therapy has been influenced by training and practice in cognitive, psychodynamic, Gestalt, psychosynthesis, and somatic therapy, plus the positive psychology movement.

Rik is the author of three self-help books for gay men:

• Love Between Men--Enhancing Intimacy and Resolving Conflicts in Gay Relationships
Love Between Men offers a communication skill-building approach to resolving conflicts in gay relationships. Clear communication can help you empathize with your partner and develop greater intimacy in your relationship.

• Reclaiming Your Life--The Gay Man's Guide to Recovery from Abuse, Addictions, and Self-Defeating Behavior
Reclaiming Your Life is a guide to healing from early abuse, homophobia, addictions, and compulsive behaviors.
• Are You Ready? The Gay Man's Guide to Thriving at Midlife
Bombarded with youthful images in both gay and mainstream media, many gay men approach midlife with a sense of foreboding. Are You Ready? counters common stereotypes about aging in the gay community. In lively discussions with ten gay men, it describes positive aspects of midlife, and how to deal more effectively with the changes (and challenges) that commonly take place at this time of life.