Psychotherapy Blog
Insights on Therapy, Relationships, and Emotional Life
I’m Andrea Crapanzano, Ph.D., a San Francisco psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist. Here I write about relationships, identity, men’s mental health, young adulthood, LGBTQ+ experiences, and the recurring emotional patterns that shape how we understand ourselves and connect with others.
From Situationships to Commitment: Understanding Your Relationship Needs
Have you ever found yourself in a situationship—something that feels like more than a casual fling but less than an actual relationship?
Dating with Intent: How Therapy Can Help You Choose a Compatible Partner
Do you ever feel like dating is just a cycle of trial and error, leaving you exhausted and discouraged?
Post-Coming Out Blues: The Emotional Aftermath of Coming Out, Beyond the Expected Relief
Coming out is often portrayed as a triumphant, liberating moment—the final step toward living openly and authentically. And for many, it is a powerful experience. But what happens after?
Sexual Shame in Men: How Societal Messages Shape Self-Worth
Have you ever felt guilt or embarrassment about your desires, performance, or body?
Self-Diagnosis and TikTok Therapy: The Pros and Cons of Mental Health Trends
Have you ever watched a TikTok video about ADHD, anxiety, or trauma and thought, Wow, that sounds exactly like me!? You’re not alone.
Imposter Syndrome in Men: Why High-Achievers Often Feel Like Frauds
Do you worry that one day, people will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think?
Becoming Your Authentic Self: How Therapy Helps You Shed the Masks You Wear
Do you ever feel like you’re playing a role rather than being your true self?
Unbalanced Connections: Navigating Power Dynamics and Emotional Abuse
Have you ever felt that the balance in your relationship seems off—where one person holds all the power, leaving you feeling diminished or even unsafe?
Affirmative Therapy vs. Neutral Therapy: Why Neutrality Can Be Harmful to LGBTQ+ Clients
Affirmative therapy goes beyond passive acceptance—it is an active, intentional approach that validates and uplifts LGBTQ+ identities.
When Family Didn’t Give You What You Needed: How It Affects Your Confidence and Self-Esteem
Do you struggle with self-doubt, second-guess your decisions, or find it hard to trust others—even yourself?
Quiet Connections: Navigating Social Life, Friendships, and Networking as an Introvert
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by social gatherings or the pressure to network? Are you struggling to build meaningful friendships in a world that often values extroversion?
Transgenerational Tales: How Family Narratives Shape Our Lives
Have you ever wondered why certain patterns seem to repeat in your relationships or why some beliefs feel deeply ingrained, even if you've never consciously chosen them?