Doing this photo shoot and video was not a ploy to nab some extra attention under the guise of body positivity and “loving yourself at any size.” Though that’s true, I understand how ridiculous that message can be coming from me. Genetics has given me an unearned advantage in life and it’s easier for me to love my body when the world around me tells me it’s looking just fine.
That said, I’ve rarely posted even a nip slip because that’s not what I’m trying to be about or promote. I’ve been afraid to show any of my body for fear that others could feel worse about theirs or even more that you would all think I’m a fraud and not care about me or what I have to say anymore.
Related: 5 ways to be a happy homo
Though therapy is my passion, it’s not the one note that defines me. I can sometimes get stuck in trying to predict what others want from me and not disappoint and my social media presence has been no exception. Though I don’t have any major plans of stripping down publicly on the reg, I did want to challenge my people-pleasing and literally strip down my fear of the eye rolls and rejection.
When I have unrealistic expectations of myself to do things perfectly, then I’m going to have the same expectations of others and I’ll wind up happy with no one. So, here’s to a little bit of ego, a lot of surrender, and a whole lot of beauty in a shoot created by my friend Jerrad Matthew.
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Frank
That said, I’ve rarely posted even a nip slip because that’s not what I’m trying to be about or promote.
YET every picture and/or video that you post YOU ARE promoting your body (tight clothing), face (“perfectly groomed) and looks (the most flattering of lightening and decor to accentuate your body, face and overall looks)…they are front and center sometimes more than your message…
Be honest with yourself Matt before you ask others to be honest with themselves as a therapist
happiness17
Dempsey states that he’s been afraid to show any of his body for fear others would feel worse about theirs. This guy seems to love himself a bit too much. I get the impression that he thinks he’s very special.
davidjohng
Exactly my reaction, Frank. Bit of narcissism here? Listen I am a psychotherapist and this is ridiculous. Healing and growth are about inner-directedness not external. It’s about being honest with yourself. And letting go of struggles of getting approval and attention. It’s about a spiritual journey tied in with emotional growth. And finding out who you really are. What could he be teaching, frankly? Maybe this is about trying to get guys to read his blog?
mz.sam
Matt lives and breaths empowerment…so I too am empowered!
jmanzella
It’s called self-promotion. Its also known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Mandrake
Being a leg man, I’d love to see his legs. I’d find that therapeutic. Regardless of others’ opinions, he’s definitely HOT, and I’d never throw him out of bed for eating crackers.
Frank
Here are his legs:
https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20638854_1439331029436153_3846344098071628606_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=70dead440930a0aa97b8de9a4b39258d&oe=5BBE8229
Mandrake
Not bad! Thanks Frank 😉
Daniel
I call BS!
A video about body image hidden in some field. Okay!
He could have done that in public. Just in the middle of a downtown area, in a space where you can get people’s attention and reaction.
Where you feel judges and compared.
But hidden in a field with filters and a photographer telling you what to do.
Any one who’s modeled recognizes the ‘ now look at me and smile’ command.
I’d never heard of Matthew Dempsey, but I’ve got a challenge for you!
Godabed
If you have low self esteem, yes. If you have an ego, no.
jmanzella
Thank you!
MonkeyMan
Dempsey created this “problem” of worrying about what others think himself. There is no problem, you can do whatever you want with your body.
However, there’s is absolutely no challenge, struggle or fight in showing off your torso when you look like this.
You should do this when you quit the gym for a month or two, and start eating carbs again. That’s a challenge for you right there!
Thus, there is no reason to frame this whole thing as something more than it is: You worked your ass off at the gym and ate no carbs or salt for a couple of months. Don’t pretend this is the second coming of Jesus Christ. It’s just a damn shirtless photo.
“Therapy” my ass. He’s just thirsty for another gym rat and hopes they’ll pop up in his dms now. There’s nothing wrong with this but please don’t be so pretentious about it.
Matt, you’re just horny, it’s okay to be honest about it.
trelin
When will this guy disappear? He feels guilty posting pictures of himself? This guy truly believes he’s one in a million. I feel terrible for his clients because I often wonder if he can separate himself enough to provide his clients with a clear mind to focus on them. As a therapist, we tend to be a much more modest group of people. We enjoy helping clients work through challenges. I believe this guy simply wants to seen. He’s a narcissist who masks it by acting like he cares about others. I smell a rat.
Toofie
The reasoning was lame. The “my body’s so perfect it’ll shame others” is a bit much. You look good and you’re showing it. That’s it.
yaletownman
He’s no Brad Pitt though he seems to think he is.
mz.sam
Brilliant! I love this au naturel nature retreat therapy.
JoshGL
Kinda lost me several years ago when there were a few posts on being racist, followed by some people of color showing up on his feed, then disappearing, and then pictures almost exclusively featuring white guys on his social media pages since. It was sort of like, yeah, I’m a racist, that’s life.
Geeker
I don’t think letting this guy near your personal issues would be a good idea…just a hunch.
sfcarlos65
I approve.
Paulinator
Genetics also gave you a queeny voice, so get over yourself about your ideal bod, Mary.
yaletownman
Yeah, every time he opens his mouth a purse does kinda fall out of it!
BrokebackBob
What a narcissistic fraud. I hope the bugs and poison ivy dominated his therapeutic shoot.
yaletownman
His body won’t look like this forever no matter how much work he continues to put into it. Let’s see how he feels about doing a photo shoot once he’s reached that point.
A good body and a handsome face will provide most of us a measure of temporary happiness and contentment If we are even lucky enough to ever have them at all. The real measure of happiness and contentment comes once those things are gone.
jmanzella
It continues to discouraging that this website continues to give this man exposure.
This is what is known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Look it up.
scotshot
Next up: I’ve been afraid to show any of you my magnificent thick nine inch penis which photographs better than the rest of me. That said I really don’t give a sh*t what the rest of you “teeny-weinies” think.