Gay Men’s Program In Salt Lake City
For Gay Men Navigating Identity, Belonging, and Life After High-Demand Religion
A new in-person group offering in Salt Lake City is currently in development for adults who identify as gay men and have left high-demand or non-affirming religious environments and are navigating what comes next.
I’m creating this group for adults strengthening identity, relationships, and a sense of self after stepping away from environments that may have shaped how they learned to relate to themselves, others, or the world around them.
Whether the impact feels subtle or more immediate, many people find that parts of the past continue to influence shame, self-trust, relationships, belonging, or the ability to feel fully connected and authentic. This space is being designed to support that process with care, clarity, and thoughtful connection.
The first group offering is currently in development. I’ll share more details as the structure is finalized.
This May Be a Good Fit If You Are:
• Strengthening identity, values, or a sense of self after leaving a high-demand religion
• Navigating shame, self-criticism, or internalized messages that still linger
• Exploring relationships, dating, intimacy, or connection in a new way
• Feeling disconnected from friends, family, community, or yourself
• Adjusting to life outside of a structured or belief-based system
• Wanting support that feels thoughtful, affirming, and grounded
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If something about this resonates, that is enough.
About the Group
I’m developing this as a structured and intentional in-person group experience in Salt Lake City for gay men who have left high-demand religion and are looking for thoughtful support, connection, and shared discussion with others who may have similar experiences.
The exact structure is still being finalized. Additional details about the format, schedule, location, group size, fees, and registration will be shared before enrollment begins.
A Thoughtful, Affirming Approach
This group is being developed by Cody Merrell, LCSW, through New Heights Counseling in Salt Lake City.
My work is grounded in a warm, affirming, and client-centered approach, with attention to cultural context, lived experience, and the complexities that can come with leaving high-demand or non-affirming environments.
Because this group is still in development, I want to be thoughtful about creating a space that feels supportive, emotionally safe, and clinically appropriate for the people who participate. The screening and planning process is intended to help ensure the group structure, pacing, and conversations are a good fit for participants and that the experience is likely to feel constructive rather than overwhelming.
This is not intended to be a space for quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. My intention is to create something thoughtful, steady, and aligned with the kind of life participants are working toward.
What to Expect Next
The group is not yet open for enrollment. As details are finalized, I’ll share additional information about the structure, schedule, fees, participation expectations, and screening process with those who join the interest list.
Participation will include a screening process to help determine whether the group feels like a good fit and to support a thoughtful group experience.
If this feels like something that may be meaningful for you, you’re welcome to join the interest list below.
This program is not intended for crisis or emergency support. If you are in immediate need of care, please contact local emergency services or a crisis resource.