Jeff Galens

#104582

If I had to choose three words that encapsulated my therapeutic approach, the words would be authenticity, compassion, and context. The journey to where I am today professionally began in Compton, California where I spent four years as a middle school Special Education Teacher before finishing out my career in education with eight years as a middle school Special Education Teacher in Beverly Hills, CA. During these 12 years not only did I teach, but I also learned. I learned how to deconstruct chaotic complex situations into digestible and palatable pieces. I learned to individualize and tailor interventions to meet students where they were at, not where I wanted them to be. I learned that no student, teacher, or classroom can optimally function in isolation, but rather thrive when choosing to operate interdependently. These learnings informed my professional development as a therapist who employs an eclectic mix of treatment modalities such as Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based. I have worked with elementary school students to the elderly who encountered various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and severe mental illness. I will approach gently and lean into the rapport-building process. There will be laughter and learning to accompany the effort needed to facilitate your restoration. As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work.

MSW - Social Work, University of Southern California