About this episode

Natalie Deering interviews Max Littman about his book on IFS therapy for gay and queer men, focusing on healing after coming out.

In this episode, I’m joined by IFS therapist, consultant, and author Max Littman, LCSW, for a deeply meaningful conversation about his groundbreaking new book: Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men: A Companion for After Coming Out Max’s work centers the lived experiences of gay and queer men through an Internal Family Systems lens, offering a compassionate, culturally attuned resource for healing after the coming out process—when many parts, burdens, and relational dynamics can become activated in new ways. This episode is filled with tenderness, truth, and the powerful reminder that taking up space creates space—and that vulnerability can become an invitation for collective healing. We Discuss: Why Max wrote a companion for AFTER coming out, rather than before The emotional and relational layers that can emerge in the years following coming out How cultural burdens within gay and queer communities can shape internal parts and protective strategies The importance of representation, visibility, and storytelling as a form of collective unburdening Max’s personal experience navigating identity, attachment, and healing after coming out The powerful role of media and…

People in this episode

Host: Natalie Deering

Guest: Max Littman

Topics covered

• IFS therapy
• gay and queer men
• coming out
• cultural burdens
• vulnerability
• collective healing

Keywords

• IFS therapy
• gay men
• queer men
• coming out
• mental health
• vulnerability
• cultural identity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Internal Family Systems Therapy for Gay and Queer Men: A Companion for After Coming Out, Heated Rivalry

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