Gay Men’s Group 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 gay men who have stepped away from high-demand or non-affirming religious environments and are navigating what comes next.
For many people, leaving high-demand or non-affirming religious environments is not only about changing beliefs or community. It can also continue to shape identity, relationships, self-trust, and the ability to feel fully authentic moving forward.
Some people notice these experiences more immediately. For others, the impact may feel quieter or harder to name. Shame, perfectionism, loneliness, emotional disconnection, or difficulty feeling fully connected to yourself or others can continue to influence life long after someone has stepped away from the environment itself.
This group is being developed as a thoughtful and affirming space for connection, reflection, and shared conversation with others who may understand parts of that experience.
The first group offering is currently in development, and additional details will be shared as the structure is finalized.
If this resonates, you’re welcome to join the interest list below.
This Group May Be a Good Fit If You Are:
navigating identity, values, or a sense of self after leaving a high-demand religion
working through shame, self-criticism, or internalized messages that still linger
exploring relationships, dating, intimacy, or connection in a different way
feeling disconnected from friends, family, community, or yourself
adjusting to life outside of a structured or belief-based system
looking for 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
This group is being developed as a structured and intentional in-person group in Salt Lake City for gay men who are looking for support, shared reflection, and meaningful connection with others who may have similar experiences.
The exact structure is still being finalized. Additional information about the format, schedule, group size, fees, location, and participation expectations will be shared before enrollment begins.
Participation will include an informational screening process to help determine whether the group feels like a good fit and to support a constructive group experience. This process does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
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 relational approach, with attention to cultural context, lived experience, and the complexities that can come with leaving high-demand or non-affirming environments.
The intention is not to create a space for quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, the group is being designed to support honest conversation, reflection, connection, and personal growth in a way that feels grounded, respectful, and supportive.
Because this group is still in development, I want to be intentional about creating a structure, pace, and group experience that feels supportive and appropriate for the people who participate.
What to Expect Next
The group is not yet open for enrollment. As details are finalized, additional information about the structure, schedule, fees, participation expectations, and screening process will be shared with those who join the interest list.
If this feels like something that may be meaningful for you, you’re welcome to join the interest list below.
This group is not intended for crisis or emergency support and may not be appropriate for individuals needing a higher level of care. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or urgent safety concern, call 988, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.