Michael Pezzullo

Marriage & Family Therapist
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my Story

My own mental health journey inspired me to become a therapist and serve the LGBTQ community. As a gay man seeking mental health treatment, I encountered many therapists who, despite their excellent training and skills, lacked cultural understanding of the nuances and language within the LGBTQ+ community. This often led to misattunement and premature hypotheses. These gaps in care fueled my professional commitment to providing tailored therapy for gay men.

The cornerstone of my therapeutic approach lies in creating a safe and inclusive space where gay clients feel heard, validated, and welcomed. Drawing upon my empathy and ability to connect authentically with clients, I utilize the therapeutic relationship to foster open and honest communication, allowing us to explore issues deeply and plainly. My approach lends itself to both one-on-one and group settings, where I assist clients in experiencing healing relationships and developing healthy interpersonal skills.

I firmly believe that healing occurs through relationships, not in isolation. As a therapist, I see my role as holding space for LGBTQ individuals to feel profoundly understood. I am dedicated to nurturing boldness, asking challenging questions and supporting gay men in developing new patterns that nurture healthy relationships and well-being.

My commitment to the integrity of mental health group work goes beyond my personal practice and into the world, where I serve on the board of the Group psychotherapy association of L.A.

Credentials

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
California, 2020
Earned 3000 hours of supervision
EMDR
Parnell Institute , 2023
40 academic credit hours
Master's Degree
Antioch University, 2019
90 academic credit hours

Primary Modalities

1
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
2
Narrative
3
Trauma Focused
4
Attachment-based
5
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Leader Personality

Formal
Casual
Earnest
Playful
Calm
Energetic
Booksmart
Streetsmart
Challenging
Accomodating
Objective
Dreamer

Lived Experience

He/him/His
Masc / Butch / Stud
Gay
English