Therapy for Gay Men in Salt Lake City & Across Utah

A Thoughtful Space for Gay Men Seeking Clarity and Self-Trust

EMDR and trauma-informed therapy for gay men in Salt Lake City and through telehealth across Utah, providing affirming support for healing, identity, and connection.

I provide individual therapy for gay men in Salt Lake City and via secure telehealth throughout Utah. Therapy is steady, collaborative, and grounded in respect for your identity, lived experience, and the complexity of your story.

Many gay men who reach out appear to be functioning well on the outside. They may be successful, thoughtful, and capable, yet still feel anxiety, pressure, or a quiet sense of disconnection beneath the surface. Sometimes this shows up in relationships, dating patterns, self-criticism, or difficulty trusting yourself fully.

Therapy offers space to slow down and understand these patterns in context. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we explore what shaped you and how those experiences may still be influencing your life now.

What Often Brings Gay Men to Therapy

Common themes that show up in this work include:

  • Anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion

  • Perfectionism and high expectations of self

  • Dating, intimacy, and attachment patterns

  • Shame or internalized messaging

  • Body image and self-esteem concerns

  • Minority stress or experiences of rejection

  • Navigating family expectations or building chosen family

  • Rebuilding after non-affirming or high-pressure environments

  • Questions about identity, meaning, or direction

You do not need a perfect explanation for why you are here. If something feels unsettled, that is enough.

My Approach to Affirming Therapy for Gay Men

Therapy is individualized and collaborative. I integrate trauma-informed and evidence-informed approaches, including EMDR when appropriate, while keeping the work grounded in your values and lived experience.

We begin by building stability and clarity. From there, we move toward deeper work when it feels right. The pace is steady and intentional, allowing insight and change to unfold without pressure.

This work is not about fixing something that is wrong with you. It is about understanding what shaped you, strengthening self-trust, and moving toward a life that feels more aligned and authentic.

Cody Merrell, LCSW, a trauma-informed therapist in Salt Lake City providing EMDR and affirming therapy for gay men across Utah through in-person and telehealth sessions.
About Cody

Getting Started

Starting therapy does not need to feel complicated.

1. Consultation
We begin with a brief 15-minute consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.

2. Initial Session
If you decide to move forward, we schedule an initial assessment to better understand your goals and concerns.

3. Ongoing Therapy
From there, we begin ongoing 50-minute individual sessions tailored to your needs.

Sessions are available in person in Salt Lake City and via secure telehealth throughout Utah.

If you’re ready to explore working together, the next step is a brief consultation.

If you’re ready to explore working together, the next step is a brief consultation.

Schedule Free Consultation