280: Michael Pezzullo – How To Navigate The Partying Ways Of Gay Life

There's a stereotype about gay men that all we want is sex,
partying, and drugs. For some that might be true. For others we
just enjoy the occasional dip into that space. But what happens
when navigating the drinking, drug, partying way of being becomes
blurred and we don't realize that we're on the verge of addiction?
Joining me today to unpack this question is Michael Pezzullo,
licensed Marriage and Family therapist, known as The Weho
Therapist. We have a candid and supportive conversation about
navigating sex, drugs, and alcohol during this pride season. About
Michael Michael is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He
earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch
University and a Bachelor’s Degree in media and communication from
New York University. He works in private practice in West
Hollywood, CA. In his practice, Michael works heavily with the
LGBTQIA+ community--with a specific focus on gay men. He also has
extensive experience treating substance use disorders. Michael has
specialized experience treating those who struggle with
“chem-sex”—the addictive process of using substances to heighten
sexual arousal. He also created and facilitated an LGBTQ+ identity
group for Impulse United, a global HIV advocacy nonprofit. Michael
works from an attachment perspective while treating couples. He is
certified in several trauma therapy modalities including:
trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-focused
EMDR and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. Michael was born and
raised in the heart of New York City: Hell’s Kitchen. He now lives
in West Hollywood with his husband and their two dogs. Outside of
work, Michael is heavily involved in the local LGBTQ+ recovery
community and is an avid plant collector. Connect With Michael
Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps
struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling
yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s
time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay
Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at
5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Break free of fears. Make bold moves.
Live life without apologies