The Making of ‘Gay Guy’s Love Coach Phenomenon’ Greg Halpen

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Dating Expert for gay men?

I get this question a lot and I would like to answer by sharing the defining moment and resulting “compelling story” that has brought me to what I do today, coaching guys like you on exactly what to do to build unstoppable confidence, date on your terms, and turn your love life around 100%.

That defining moment in my life happened in early 2003 and I’ll never forget this. A few months before that I had moved in a with a “new boyfriend” only one month after meeting him – in my eyes, I thought I found love, but found other things I wasn’t prepared for.

So, after another month or two of an uncomfortable living situation and believing I had no choice, I ended up moving out and into a very small, roach infested room in a sketchy part of Washington Heights. After a few uneasy weeks there, I finally called up a good friend of mine, crying tears of frustration and asked her why this was happening to me again. You know, the “why me” story- and she said, “Greg, you are a unstoppable in most areas of your life. When you set out to accomplish something you get it done and do it successfully. So, why can’t you apply the same energy to your love life…then a light went off. FLASH!

It REALLY is all about choice…

In that moment, I made a choice to slow down and dive into some inner work. I dove into everything and anything that would teach me how to be still, end the pain I was in, because I was in a LOT of pain, and how to step up my game so I could meet QUALITY guys and never have a bad relationship again.

I read every dating and relationship book I could get my hands on. I bought expensive home courses, hired a relationship coach and even consulted with a spiritual healer. I Essentially, became a mini-dating expert on how to go on AMAZING dates with AMAZING guys.

I made a commitment for the rest of my life to be of service to single gay men. 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 that convey healthier messages and it all begins with your your one TRUE love, you.

Now it’s many years later and when I look back, I do with jaw-dropping astonishment. I probably experienced every obstacle my clients face today. It was a long learning curve. True story, once I actually went on a 200 guy dating spree for one year so I could test my own strategies – what I talk I most definitely walked – and I would take things I learned from other mentors and experts and immediately apply them to my own life to see if they would work – that’s when the real breakthroughs happened.  Through that process I’ve created many of my own techniques that I teach to my clients today.

Beyond coaching, what makes you different from other dating experts?

I take a heart-based approach.  My clients sign on expecting me to help them meet their Mr. Right, right away, and while we do some of that, something else happens. They reconnect on a deep level with their TRUE Mr. Wonderful – Themselves.

I also help guys learn and understand what it means to become healthy contributors to their own life – in amazing ways. As a society, if we contributed more kindness towards ourselves and take better care of our hearts, we would be so much more successful in many areas.

Most importantly, you have me as a dating expert and mentor. What that means is, I am very focused on anything and everything that works for the single gay man and because I’m very laser-focused, what you get from me is no non-sense, pin-pointed expertise on what works for you.

What type of guys do you work best with?

My programs and services were created for single gay men who are ready for change and who know what they need work on, but find it challenging getting started. That’s why they come to me. They are absolutely excited and dead serious about discovering who they are at the core, they’re ready to face why they suck at dating and  learn how to build incredible self-esteem so they can be themselves in any dating situation.

I’m not afraid to dream and dream BIG!

I’m just going to lay it out. I’m a visionary. I envision things that resonate and make it happen; being a highly motivated make-my-own-dreams-come-true kind of person, I’m known to work best with motivated make-your-dreams-come-true guys who are ready to start learning how to attract love.

What are your credentials?

I’m a regular guy. Do you honestly think that just because someone has a degree in psychology or communication – they’re qualified to give you dating advice? Wouldn’t you rather hear from a good old-fashioned regular gay guy who’s been taking risks out in the real world… who’s been humbly out there dating, making mistakes, and learning all the ins and outs of what it takes to meet quality members of the same sex? However, for those technical guys,  I’m trained and certified by the world-class Coach Training Alliance (CTACC).

Greg, is there anything else we should know about you?

Guys, what a SHIFT! My life is almost unrecognizable today. I enjoy a thriving life with my dog Abby and two cat’s Picasso and Gismo, but most importantly, I enjoy my life with ME! Along with his calling to relationship coaching, Greg maintains a well-balanced life while continuing to perform. He also trained at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC and is an undergraduate earning his Social Work degree.

To schedule personal sessions with him, email him at greg@thegayguyslovecoach.com or call his office at 1-315-395-8394.