Wellismo | Life & Mindset Coaching for Gay, Bi, & Queer Men

michael diiorio, Life & Wellness Coach

The privilege of your lifetime is to be who you are

Wellismo is about empowering gay men on their journey towards self-discovery and authenticity. Through 1-on-1 and group coaching, I aim to help you embrace your true self, cultivate confidence, and lead a fulfilling live, free from societal constraints and insecurities.

Book a Free 60-Minute Session

Wellismo Provides
Coaching, Education,
and Community for all.

Wellismo represents the other side of gay culture: inner strength, vulnerability, authenticity, courage, and love.

In a society that rewards fitting in, standing out is a risk. But it’s a risk worth taking to feel the thrill of living a life on your terms. I am here to inspire you, empower you, and guide you.

👋🏼 I’m Michael, a life and wellness coach for gay men ready to live boldly, love deeply, and finally feel at home in themselves. Let’s make magic.

1-ON-1 PRIVATE COACHING

Private coaching offers a unique opportunity to be supported by someone who gets it, on your schedule, in a 1-on-1 setting. From tackling big changes in life, like starting a business, quitting a job, or coming out, to the nuances of mindset coaching, the possibilities are limitless. Schedule a free 60-minute discovery

Learn More About Private Coaching

MEN’S GROUP WORKSHOPS

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Wellismo group coaching programs, offered through the Wellismo Academy, are designed to empower you, support you in embracing your authenticity, and foster meaningful connections within a safe and inclusive community. Live workshops and downloadable workbooks available!

Learn More About Group Coaching

Ready to make a change?

Start planting new seeds and create the life you desire with Wellismo coaching…

Book a free discovery session to explore coaching and what opportunities may be right for you, with no pressure or obligation.

Book Now

Flexible Packages for Private Coaching

Select from 4, 10, or 20 session packages. Flexible payment options are available to suit your needs.

Exclusive Client Perks

All private coaching packages grant you early access to Wellismo men’s groups, courses, and events, plus special VIP pricing just for you.

Questions? Let’s talk about the details!

FAQ’s

How does private coaching work?

Private coaching gives you time to dive into what matters most to you, in any moment. During private coaching we have 1-on-1 virtual sessions via Zoom. Think of these sessions as a collaboration, we will work together to uncover your deepest needs, and I’ll supply personalized tools and tactics to support you along the way. Sessions last up to 60 minutes and are typically scheduled weekly, or bi-weekly, depending on your specific needs.

Do you only work with gay men?

No. I will work with anyone as long as we’re a good fit for each other. We determine this together during your discovery call where we get to know each other. Think of it like a first date without the awkward parts.

Are you certified?

Yes. I am certified with the International Association of Wellness Professionals (IAWP). The IAWP Wellness Coach Certification program is a globally-recognized program CCE accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). In addition, I have accreditations from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), the Canadian Health Coach Alliance, the Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition and are approved by the UK Health Coach Association. And finally, I am certified in The Life Coach School Tools Certification Program.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching and therapy both deal with mental health and our work can overlap. Check out this post for an in-depth explanation.

Coaching is an action-oriented, solution-focused approach to overcoming a challenge or achieving a result in your life. Therapists tend to work with more severe issues to diagnose and prescribe treatment, whereas coaches do not. If our sessions determine that you would be better suited for therapy, I will gladly refer you to some of my favourite LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care providers.

Keep in mind that you can work with both a coach and a therapist. When it comes to your mental health, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re unsure what you need, our discovery call will help me better understand your challenge so that I can guide you in the right direction.

Do you offer flexible payment plans?

All of my programs offer discounts for paying in full up front. If we determine that we are a good fit for each other, but cost is an issue for you, we can discuss payment options prior to onboarding.

For students, I offer a student discount with a valid Student ID.

How Do I Know if Coaching Is Right for Me?

If you have a challenge in your life that you can’t seem to overcome, coaching is right for you.

If you’re unsure, we will talk it out during our discovery call. I will be able to better understand your challenge and whether I am best suited to help you. If your situation would be better handled by another coach or mental health professional, I will be happy to refer you.

How long does it take to see results?

That is entirely up to you. Just like a fitness coach doesn’t lift the weights for you, I cannot do the work for you. I will give you all the tools and resources at my disposal to help you achieve your goals, but I cannot use them for you.

If you’re committed to taking responsibility for your results, and you’re willing to learn and grow, you will feel excited and motivated after just one session. From there, anything is possible.

What is group coaching?

Group coaching is a form of coaching where a small group of individuals come together to work on personal growth, guided by Michael. It offers a supportive environment where participants can learn from each other’s experiences and gain new perspectives. Group coaching workshops are offered at different times throughout the year on all different topics.

How many people are in a group coaching session?

Our group coaching events typically range in size from 10-15 participants. This size allows for a close-knit, intimate experience for all, while ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get what they need from the space.

Who are the group coaching sessions for?

Our group coaching sessions are for anyone, but are specifically curated for queer, bi, and gay men. Whether you’re new to coaching or have previous experience working with a coach, you’ll find group coaching from Wellismo to be a totally inclusive and supportive environment; you’ll always leave our sessions with materials to help you implement what you’ve learned.

What topics are covered in group coaching?

Group workshops are available on different topics throughout the year, including: Sexual Empowerment 101, Shamelessly Gay, Self-Confidence Blueprint, Dating App Glow-Up, and more. In addition to annual workshops, there are special spotlight sessions with guest speakers that pop-up throughout the year. Common themes include self-acceptance, building authentic relationships, navigating challenges in dating, body positivity, living authentically, and fostering a sense of community. Get notified about new workshops and events when you join the Wellismo Weekly (free!).

How long is each group coaching session?

Workshops and events vary in length, some are single sessions and others can be spread over a few days, up to a few weeks. Sessions on average typically last about 90 minutes, allowing ample time for discussion, reflection, and personalized coaching within each group.

What if I’m not comfortable sharing in a group?

Opening up in a group setting can be challenging, you can rest easy know that at Wellismo, Michael is known for creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can participate at your own pace. You are encouraged to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. A huge benefit of a group setting is that you’re able to learn through the shared experience and structured guidance along the way.

Do you offer other ways to learn from you?

Yes! Outside of private coaching, group workshops, and other special events I’ve put a lot of love into some digital resources that are available through my website and the Wellismo Academy.

What if I have questions or need help working through a topic ?

No problem, I invite you to book a discovery call with me anytime so we can review your progress, talk about what you’re experiencing in life now, and see how we can work through those challenges together.

Do you have any free resources?

Yes! If you join my Wellismo Weekly list you’ll be the first to hear about any free events or workshops and new resources. There are also downloadables, including my Coming Out Guide, 10 Life Skills for the Empowered Gay Man guide, and Relationships Journal workbook. See more in my ‘Free Stuff’ section, here.

I’m not gay. Can I still join the Wellismo Academy?

Yes. The programs and content are designed specifically with gay, queer, and bi men in mind, but the concepts can still be applied to men who have sex with women or are undecided about what they like.

How long can I access the digital course content?

You have access to all course content for an entire year from purchase. That means you can go back as many times as you want to review and deepen your understanding. One-time payment for 12 months of access.

Alonso Mendoza
4/12/2025
				Working with Michael was amazing he help me a lot to open my perspective and be more kind with myself.
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Alonso Mendoza
4/12/2025

						Working with Michael was amazing he help me a lot to open my perspective and be more kind with myself.
					
Rafael Glass Machado
3/01/2025
				I reached out to Michael during a time when my self-confidence—especially at work—was at an all-time low. Through our sessions and the various techniques he used, I’ve gained a much stronger sense of confidence. Michael is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also a pleasure to work with. I’m truly going to miss our sessions!
read moreread less
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Rafael Glass Machado
3/01/2025

						I reached out to Michael during a time when my self-confidence—especially at work—was at an all-time low. Through our sessions and the various techniques he used, I’ve gained a much stronger sense of confidence. Michael is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also a pleasure to work with. I’m truly going to miss our sessions!
					
David Santillanes
9/26/2024
				Having Michael as a coach was a breath of fresh air. As a gay man there are certain nuances and issues that are very specific to our culture. Michael understands this fully and offers a safe space to share your experiences and unpack the emotional cargo we so often carry with us everywhere we go. I appreciate that his coaching is action oriented - he holds you accountable for the work you commit to doing in your personal development journey. His podcast and email newsletter are also great resources.
read moreread less
×
David Santillanes
9/26/2024

						Having Michael as a coach was a breath of fresh air. As a gay man there are certain nuances and issues that are very specific to our culture. Michael understands this fully and offers a safe space to share your experiences and unpack the emotional cargo we so often carry with us everywhere we go. I appreciate that his coaching is action oriented - he holds you accountable for the work you commit to doing in your personal development journey. His podcast and email newsletter are also great resources.
					
Ernest Walker
8/27/2024
				WooHooo!!! Where do I start!?



I have been speaking with Michael as my gay life coach for several months now as … More
read moreread less
×
Ernest Walker
8/27/2024

						WooHooo!!! Where do I start!?



I have been speaking with Michael as my gay life coach for several months now as … More
					
Ernest Walker
8/26/2024
				WooHooo!!! Where do I start!?  I have been speaking with Michael as my gay life coach for several months now as I honestly say that he was a breath of fresh air I really needed in a time of great social distress in my life living a single gay man. I initially discovered him from his Gay podcast called “Gay Men Going Deeper” on Youtube and I’ve decided to seek him out for 1 on 1 counseling because I found it hard to find a gay life couch in my local area and felt that he and I have had some similar experiences that he could help me out with as I was struggling to maintain strong connections with other gay men in the community.  I’ve started working Michael for 10 sessions and he felt very familiar as if it was like catching up with good friend that often checks in on you to see how you are doing from one session to the next. When speaking with him, he made me feel very comfortable when talking to him about my issues with connection. When going to later sessions, Michael will always begin our session on a positive note first asking about your current wins in life mainly to keep in mind of your progress before discussing with any new issues that you are dealing with. So with that in mind, Michael is really flexible with being adaptable to clients needs when to making them feel comfortable with their share with empathy and without judgement. Another good thing about Michael’s approach to coaching as he listens your story is that he takes good notes to help keep you on track with where you want to be after coaching with him. Even if he has to respectfully call you out on your own S***! LOL! He also will do a review with you at the end of the session for any key takeaways you’ve learned along with homework which often helped me with dealing with some of the struggles I was going through to face them head on. I REALLY appreciated him for this!  Coaching with Michael allowed me to further see my own crap and how some of my behavior patterns caused me to lose connection with others, whether it be friends to potential romantic connections. Personally I knew some of these issues were already there but it helps to have someone show you your problems without being malicious with your words. Working with him I was able to work up the courage to reconnect with a good friend that I pushed away due to preceivied negative feelings from events that occurred last year. Michael taught me the differences between Facts vs. Feelings and how it often does not serve you if react off your feelings without getting the all the facts of a situation. Also working him allowed me to realize what I need to do to go out into social spaces and be in the moment without judgement so soon after arriving. I came into coaching with him very guarded emotionally so speaking with him helped me find other ways to connect and deal with certain scenarios than may appear uncomfortable to me at first.  I can honestly say since working with Michael I am bit more confident and self-aware with myself in social spaces like gay bars, and doing my best to change my way of thinking based my past negative experiences. Mind you, I am still a work in progress so I have my slip-ups but it’s a lot better than it way before. My emotional shields more down when I am around other people and I am learning to be more socially present while brushing off the unpleasant experiences others may put on me. Also, he’s made me realize despite my mistakes with pushing away the connections that I have lost over time, that those connection don’t define me for the overall good person that I know I can be and there are people out there that see that and still stick with me.  Overall, one of the benefits having him coaching me was just simply to be an ear for me and listen to my issues but also call me out on my bullshit with professionalism and care. He comes highly recommended from me.
read moreread less
×
Ernest Walker
8/26/2024

						WooHooo!!! Where do I start!?  I have been speaking with Michael as my gay life coach for several months now as I honestly say that he was a breath of fresh air I really needed in a time of great social distress in my life living a single gay man. I initially discovered him from his Gay podcast called “Gay Men Going Deeper” on Youtube and I’ve decided to seek him out for 1 on 1 counseling because I found it hard to find a gay life couch in my local area and felt that he and I have had some similar experiences that he could help me out with as I was struggling to maintain strong connections with other gay men in the community.  I’ve started working Michael for 10 sessions and he felt very familiar as if it was like catching up with good friend that often checks in on you to see how you are doing from one session to the next. When speaking with him, he made me feel very comfortable when talking to him about my issues with connection. When going to later sessions, Michael will always begin our session on a positive note first asking about your current wins in life mainly to keep in mind of your progress before discussing with any new issues that you are dealing with. So with that in mind, Michael is really flexible with being adaptable to clients needs when to making them feel comfortable with their share with empathy and without judgement. Another good thing about Michael’s approach to coaching as he listens your story is that he takes good notes to help keep you on track with where you want to be after coaching with him. Even if he has to respectfully call you out on your own S***! LOL! He also will do a review with you at the end of the session for any key takeaways you’ve learned along with homework which often helped me with dealing with some of the struggles I was going through to face them head on. I REALLY appreciated him for this!  Coaching with Michael allowed me to further see my own crap and how some of my behavior patterns caused me to lose connection with others, whether it be friends to potential romantic connections. Personally I knew some of these issues were already there but it helps to have someone show you your problems without being malicious with your words. Working with him I was able to work up the courage to reconnect with a good friend that I pushed away due to preceivied negative feelings from events that occurred last year. Michael taught me the differences between Facts vs. Feelings and how it often does not serve you if react off your feelings without getting the all the facts of a situation. Also working him allowed me to realize what I need to do to go out into social spaces and be in the moment without judgement so soon after arriving. I came into coaching with him very guarded emotionally so speaking with him helped me find other ways to connect and deal with certain scenarios than may appear uncomfortable to me at first.  I can honestly say since working with Michael I am bit more confident and self-aware with myself in social spaces like gay bars, and doing my best to change my way of thinking based my past negative experiences. Mind you, I am still a work in progress so I have my slip-ups but it’s a lot better than it way before. My emotional shields more down when I am around other people and I am learning to be more socially present while brushing off the unpleasant experiences others may put on me. Also, he’s made me realize despite my mistakes with pushing away the connections that I have lost over time, that those connection don’t define me for the overall good person that I know I can be and there are people out there that see that and still stick with me.  Overall, one of the benefits having him coaching me was just simply to be an ear for me and listen to my issues but also call me out on my bullshit with professionalism and care. He comes highly recommended from me.
					
Vance Applegate
8/26/2024
				I had listened to Michael on his podcast and started coaching with high expectations, but over 10 sessions he still exceeded them.  It really helped me look at things from a different perspective and gave me tools to continue to improve my mental health.  I plan on using him more going forward.  It was money well used.
read moreread less
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Vance Applegate
8/26/2024

						I had listened to Michael on his podcast and started coaching with high expectations, but over 10 sessions he still exceeded them.  It really helped me look at things from a different perspective and gave me tools to continue to improve my mental health.  I plan on using him more going forward.  It was money well used.
					
Ashley Antidormi
8/26/2024
				Mike is incredible at what he does. He is compassionate, understanding and knows the right questions to ask. His guidance and friendship in my life is invaluable, and I would recommend him to anyone.
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Ashley Antidormi
8/26/2024

						Mike is incredible at what he does. He is compassionate, understanding and knows the right questions to ask. His guidance and friendship in my life is invaluable, and I would recommend him to anyone.
					
James Wilkinson
3/27/2024
				I have worked with Michael for 6 months and he is amazing.

I had never worked with a coach before and in all honesty was not sure what to expect. He was very professional and explained how he delivers coaching and I … More
read moreread less
×
James Wilkinson
3/27/2024

						I have worked with Michael for 6 months and he is amazing.

I had never worked with a coach before and in all honesty was not sure what to expect. He was very professional and explained how he delivers coaching and I … More
					
Daniel Hunter
3/27/2024
				Working with Michael has been a truly transformative experience for me.



Michael’s approach to coaching is methodical, supportive, authentic and … More
read moreread less
×
Daniel Hunter
3/27/2024

						Working with Michael has been a truly transformative experience for me.



Michael’s approach to coaching is methodical, supportive, authentic and … More
					
James Wilkinson
2/26/2024
				I have worked with Michael for 6 months and he is amazing. I had never worked with a coach before and in all honesty was not sure what to expect. He was very professional and explained how he delivers coaching and I found myself able to share honestly with him, be accountable and take action.  I came to Michael with 3 key areas I wanted to focus on and was so impressed with how transformation has occurred in our time working together.  What I greatly appreciated was how I could discuss all elements of what I needed with Michael, as a gay man, I was able to discuss relationship goals alongside professional and personal goals openly and received support which helped to improve my self awareness and drive increase in confidence and belief in myself.  The greatest benefit of coaching has been the accountability to myself. Learning the tools to keep myself focused on my goals and prioritise the decisions for the longer term.  I can not recommend Michael highly enough! If you have the right mindset you shall achieve great things with Michael by your side!
read moreread less
×
James Wilkinson
2/26/2024

						I have worked with Michael for 6 months and he is amazing. I had never worked with a coach before and in all honesty was not sure what to expect. He was very professional and explained how he delivers coaching and I found myself able to share honestly with him, be accountable and take action.  I came to Michael with 3 key areas I wanted to focus on and was so impressed with how transformation has occurred in our time working together.  What I greatly appreciated was how I could discuss all elements of what I needed with Michael, as a gay man, I was able to discuss relationship goals alongside professional and personal goals openly and received support which helped to improve my self awareness and drive increase in confidence and belief in myself.  The greatest benefit of coaching has been the accountability to myself. Learning the tools to keep myself focused on my goals and prioritise the decisions for the longer term.  I can not recommend Michael highly enough! If you have the right mindset you shall achieve great things with Michael by your side!
					
Matthew Tabrum
2/26/2024
				Michael’s nuggets of wisdom are (at first glance) small; seemingly straight-forward; perhaps even common sense; but they are worth their weight in gold. They inspire a change in thinking, motivate growth and can change the course in my internal story that results in  far better outcomes than would have been the case without his input. I’m grateful for the mind shift he has created for me.
read moreread less
×
Matthew Tabrum
2/26/2024

						Michael’s nuggets of wisdom are (at first glance) small; seemingly straight-forward; perhaps even common sense; but they are worth their weight in gold. They inspire a change in thinking, motivate growth and can change the course in my internal story that results in  far better outcomes than would have been the case without his input. I’m grateful for the mind shift he has created for me.
					
Timothy Pappas
2/26/2024
				I love the Wellismo group and truly appreciate Michael for the empathy and wisdom he brings to the group sessions, and for his gift of truly listening! You just can’t go wrong, if you really want to make a difference in your life, by joining Wellismo!
read moreread less
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Timothy Pappas
2/26/2024

						I love the Wellismo group and truly appreciate Michael for the empathy and wisdom he brings to the group sessions, and for his gift of truly listening! You just can’t go wrong, if you really want to make a difference in your life, by joining Wellismo!
					