Jeff Galens

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. 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 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.