Why work with a gay therapist in Los Angeles specifically?

Working with a gay therapist in Los Angeles means working with someone who understands the local dating culture, social pressures, and relationship dynamics that are specific to gay men in LA. You don’t have to explain your world — we can get to work immediately.

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What is gay-affirmative therapy?

Gay-affirmative therapy is an approach that recognizes and affirms the unique emotional, relational, and cultural experiences of gay men. It addresses issues like internalized shame, dating patterns, sexual identity, and family dynamics without pathologizing your identity.

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Do I have to live in Los Angeles to work with you?

No. I offer in-person therapy in Los Angeles and telehealth therapy throughout California and Florida. Coaching is available nationwide & internationally.

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Can therapy help us deal with internalized homophobia affecting our relationship?
Absolutely—and it’s a crucial focus in many gay relationships. The truth is, all gay men wrestle with some level of internalized homophobia. These beliefs will inevitably get triggered in romantic relationships. In therapy, we start by identifying how these internalized messages have shaped your self-image and behavior. Most men aren’t even aware of these impacts at first—but once we bring them into the light, healing becomes possible.

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How can therapy help me overcome perfectionism and low self-worth?
Perfectionism is a trap—it’s a mindset that leads to constant frustration, fueled by the illusion that if we’re perfect, we’ll finally feel worthy. But the reality is, perfection is unattainable. So instead of reaching a goal, we keep falling short. My approach begins by challenging these beliefs using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Then, we work to uncover the deeper source of your insecurity—exploring why you’ve come to believe you need to “perfect” yourself to feel enough.

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How does Michael Pezzullo’s experience as a gay man shape his approach?
I genuinely believe gay men benefit from working with gay male therapists. There are nuances in our experiences that are difficult to fully grasp unless you’ve lived them. Of course, not all gay men are the same—but we’ve all had to go through some process of recognizing our sexuality, integrating it into our identity, and ideally, coming out to the world around us. That shared understanding deeply informs my therapeutic approach.

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How will I know if this therapy approach is the right fit for me?
This is a great—and very important—question. Finding the right therapist is essential to your progress. In my experience, the best "fit" has less to do with the specific therapeutic method, and more to do with the therapist’s personality and style. I always recommend starting with a consultation call. If there’s a sense of connection, go ahead and book a session or two. Most people can tell pretty quickly whether the therapist’s approach feels right.

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What qualifications and experience do you bring to working with gay men?
Beyond my lived experience, I have eight years of clinical training and practice focused specifically on working with gay men in West Hollywood and across the Los Angeles area. I’ve supported clients at every level of care—from residential treatment and intensive outpatient programs to the private practice setting where I work now. My approach is informed by both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the cultural, emotional, and relational challenges gay men face. You can read more about my clinical experience here.​

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Have more questions? Check out more frequently asked questions.