About Andrea Crapanzano
“Find Yourself, Discover Your Worth, and Transform Your Life”
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
My work as a psychotherapist is rooted in a deep passion for helping people understand themselves, heal long-standing patterns, and build more fulfilling lives. I began my clinical training at the European Institute for Research in Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in Italy, where I completed my Ph.D. summa cum laude. Since then, I’ve spent more than 20 years working across diverse clinical settings in Europe and the United States, including here in San Francisco.
My career has always centered on community mental health and social justice. I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, families, and couples in underserved and marginalized communities—supporting people navigating severe mental illness, trauma, addiction, identity development, chronic emotional struggles, and relationship challenges. My experience includes roles at the Progress Foundation, Queer LifeSpace working with the LGBTQIA+ community (where I now teach and supervise), substance-use rehabilitation centers, and clinics specializing in personality disorders.
My background in forensic psychology—through training at Sharper Future—expanded my understanding of complex human behavior. Today, I also teach in the Counseling Department at San Francisco State University, where I contribute to the training and supervision of future clinicians.
All of these experiences inform the way I practice now and continue to shape my commitment to providing thoughtful, affirming, and clinically grounded care.
My Philosophy
"Life's greatest journey is not merely about finding oneself, but about embracing self-discovery, unraveling the past, and living one's truth."
It is an honor to be part of my clients’ stories. Some of the most meaningful moments in therapy happen when a client says, “I’ve never told anyone this before.” These moments of trust open the door to transformation—whether it’s seeing shame soften, hearing laughter return after months of numbness, or watching someone step into a more grounded and authentic sense of self.
Life can change course at any point. We all become stuck in unhealthy patterns, especially when old emotional wounds go unaddressed. With the right therapeutic relationship—empathetic, stable, and attuned—these patterns can shift, breaking cycles that no longer serve you.
My goal is to be that partner: someone who helps you slow down, understand your emotional world, recognize the story you’ve been carrying, and create new possibilities for connection, meaning, and choice. Believing in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship is what excites me most about this work.
Clients often describe me as warm, genuine, grounded, non-judgmental, and insightful. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the complexity of each person’s inner life.
My Approach
"Navigate your journey towards authenticity and personal growth."
My approach is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy—a depth-oriented method focused on long-term, lasting change rather than short-term fixes. It is especially suited for people curious about how their past shapes the present, how unconscious feelings influence their relationships and choices, and how developing a stronger internal foundation can bring more clarity and freedom.
I work with clients across many clinical areas, including:
• LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
• Therapy for Men
• Therapy for Young Adults
• Relationship Counseling
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
In therapy, we set goals collaboratively and revisit them as the work deepens. My style is both flexible and structured—attentive, relational, and grounded in contemporary psychoanalytic theory. The therapeutic process is tailored to your needs and evolves organically as insight and emotional awareness grow.
My psychotherapy office is located at 879 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114, easily accessible to clients from the Castro, Duboce Triangle, Noe Valley, and the Mission.
Credentials & Training
Education & Clinical Training
• Ph.D., European Institute for Research in Psychodynamic & Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
• Advanced clinical training in psychodynamic & relational psychotherapy
• Forensic psychology training, Sharper Future, San Francisco
Professional Experience
• Queer LifeSpace – Clinician, Supervisor, & Faculty
• Progress Foundation – Community Mental Health
• Substance-use rehabilitation centers (Europe & U.S.)
• Clinics specializing in personality disorders
• Counseling Department, San Francisco State University – Lecturer
• Presenter at national and international conferences
• Author of peer-reviewed scientific papers
Professional Focus Areas
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Men’s Mental Health, Young Adult Development, Relationship & Couples Work, Trauma-Informed Care, Identity & Sexuality, Attachment & Relational Patterns
Outside the Office
When I’m not in the office, you’ll often find me exploring the vibrant culture and natural beauty of San Francisco—from long walks through the Castro and Duboce Triangle to hiking in the Marin Headlands. I love reading, cooking, discovering new restaurants, and traveling—experiences that continually enrich my clinical work.
Most importantly, time with family and friends keeps me grounded and connected to what matters most.