On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
Greg Halpen CTACC
Greg Halpen Quick Facts
Main Areas: Single Gay Men and DatingCareer Focus: Author, Speaker and Dating Coach
Affiliation: Coach Training Alliance
What is your story?
I was a needy gay! Let me start from the time I was 27 when I received the most devastating news ever. In August of 1997 I was diagnosed with HIV, and would spend the next 12 (14 total) years living in its shadow; Self-destructive and feeling as though my time would soon come to a close.
When I reached the end of my rope – I just let go.
I couldn’t understand why no matter how much therapy I had I still remained hopelessly depressed. I was a frickin’ mess and literally at the end of my rope. Every time I had a breakthrough, there would be a traumatic set back right behind it.
Then something cracked open. I realized I was still living in the past filled with childhood and sexual abuse. At the age of 10 I fell victim to a predator in a local department store. Besides feeling I was different (being gay), it was another situation I had to bury deep down inside – as deep as I could.
When did everything finally change for you?
After I decided to let go. When 2001 rolled around I made a choice to slow down and dive into a lot of inner work. I dove into everything and anything that would teach me how to be still and end the pain I was in, because I was in a LOT of pain, and how to STOP hiding behind someone that I wasn’t.
What’s it like to look back on your life and see how much you’ve accomplished?
I’m done enough grieving and it’s time to CELEBRATE! It’s many years later and when I look back, I do with jaw-dropping astonishment. It was a long learning curve!
I am a huge believer that gay men can create amazing lives and long-lasting meaningful love relationships. I also believe that in the gay community, we need more positive role models for gay men – who send healthy messages.
What is your mission?
I want to provide a multi-faceted resource for gay men from all walks of life and levels in their personal growth. I want to help gay men feel comfortable in their skin, and help them ignite a passion for intimacy. Also, this site is something they can refer to 24/7 for dating, love and sex advice, as well as offering spiritual and psychology resources.
Will we see you be giving talks and seminars?
Yes! Yes! Yes! I am in the process of developing my signature motivational seminar for a 2011 launch. I want to share my message with other gay men and show them that they don’t have to live behind their fears or their mindsets anymore. Many gay men do suffer from paralyzing fear when it comes to sex and love, and I want to help them break free.
What are your credentials?
Today, I’m a regular guy, with not-so-regular past. Wouldn’t you rather hear from a regular gay guy who’s been taking risks out in the real world? Who’s been humbly out there dating, fucking up, and learning all the ins and outs of what it takes to live an amazing life AND meeting quality members of the same sex?
However, for those technical guys, I’m trained and certified by the world-class Coach Training Alliance (CTACC) and working towards a degree in psychotherapy.
Greg, is there anything else we should know about you?
Well, if you made it this far I really give you a lot credit! Guys, what a SHIFT! My life is almost unrecognizable today. I enjoy a thriving life with the guy I’m dating, my dog Abby and two cat’s Picasso and Gizmo, but most importantly, I enjoy my life with ME!
Along with my calling to initiate awesome change by helping single gay men, I maintain a well-balanced life while continuing a performance career as a vocalist. I also trained at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC and is an undergraduate working towards a degree to in psychotherapy.
