This is a 1991 book by an American social worker and psychotherapist based in San Francisco. It's aimed primarily at gay men who are getting over abusive experiences in growing up and becoming an adult - not necessarily sexual abuse, often he refers to emotional and physical abuse, uncaring parents, homophobic experiences at school etc. It's also aimed, perhaps unconsciously, at gay men who live in large cities. The section on group therapy, for example, made me smile as I pondered how difficult it would be to find enough other gay men recovering from abuse and living in a semi-rural area of England like where I live, and ready and willing to work on their issues, with whom to form a group. Notwithstanding that, there is enough in the book to make it a decent read for a gay man who is coming out or trying to get over difficult experiences, and also for people who may work with gay clients in fields like mental health and life coaching. The author covers issues such as recovering from dysfunctional families, dealing with internalised homophobia, establishing a gay identity, co-dependency, recovering from addictions, working through your feelings, nurturing yourself and self-empowerment. All in all quite a worthwhile read for counsellors of various kinds and for their gay clients.
3.5 stars. This was good, but not groundbreaking. I read this a bit for myself and a bit for my work. It's nothing I haven't worked on in therapy. I did expect more, but it was good.