Chris Tompkins LMFT

About

Chris Tompkins, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in adult gay men and the Founder of A Road Trip to Love Therapy. He is the author of the APA award-winning book Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent's Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground and has a forthcoming book, Becoming Worthy (Bloomsbury, 2027).

Chris holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University with a specialization in LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology.

In addition to his clinical work, he is a writer and public speaker who guests regularly on podcasts and leads workshops and presentations across the U.S. and internationally on topics including mental health, LGBTQ populations, spirituality, sobriety, and inner advocacy. His work has been featured on TEDx, NBC, HuffPost, Psychology Today, The Advocate, and more.

Books by Chris Tompkins LMFT

Recent Posts

What Bartending Taught Me About Wants and Needs

After 11 years working at a bar, I learned that most people can easily say what they don't want. Far fewer can say what they do.

Why Do We Stay in Relationships That Don't Work?

Personal Perspective: A quote from 'Nobody Wants This' made me look at my relationships in an entirely new way.

What We Misunderstand About Jung's Shadow

For many gay men, shame is already conscious. What often goes unrecognized is everything else.

Conversion Therapy Is Still Happening. Now, It's Protected.

The Supreme Court just put conversion therapy bans at risk across the country. Here's what a therapist who has worked with survivors wants you to know.

Why Gay Men People-Please

Many gay men people-please, stay small, and avoid conflict because of an unconscious agreement they made to themselves as boys. Learn what drives the behavior and how to change it.

Why Do So Many Gay Men Hate Their Bodies?

Gay men face unique pressures around body image. Understanding the "male gayzed" is the first step toward healing shame and seeing ourselves differently.

How Stereotypes Inform the Way Gay Men See Themselves

A recent "Wired" article reduced gay men to tired stereotypes. Here's how media narratives become internalized and what we can do to push back.

Why Gay Men Code-Switch Their Voice When Dating

Vocal code-switching is common among gay men but rarely discussed. We explore what drives the practice and how to stop reinforcing old beliefs about worth.

Why Religious Harm Isn’t Always Recognized as Trauma

Many people live with shame and self-doubt tied to religious messages without realizing it. How to recognize religious harm and make choices from your own values.

Why “Confidence” Is the Wrong Goal

What we often misunderstand about confidence—and how understanding your nervous system can help.