Eli Galvan, LMHC, CDPt

Eli Galvan

Eli Galvan’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)

First of all let me commend you for seeking counseling. Learning how to be vulnerable and be ok with discomfort is an important piece of how we live a happier more fulfilling life. Another important factor is the development of the 4 “self’s”, self-awareness, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-motivation. Each one of these influences the other. This cycle can be one of stagnation, due to perfectly normal cognitive processes, or one of growth, which required commitment and effort. Even though effort is the key to change it may seem like too much discomfort. This is because our brain will get comfortable in the most vicious of cycles and the thought of putting effort into getting out of that cycle seems too uncomfortable/vulnerable and should be avoided. Avoidance is the theft of growth. Conversely, discomfort is an indicator of growth.

How will we build healthier, more reality-based versions of the 4 “self’s”? The approaches we will work thorough are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Research has shown that the mind naturally perseverates off itself. Getting stuck in this “auto-pilot” does not mean there is something wrong with us. These mindfulness based approaches will provide the frame work for recognizing the “auto-pilot”, then initiating the skills learned in therapy.

I knew I wanted to be a counselor when I was 12 years old. Thankfully I feel like I am effective in building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. We are social creatures and building human connections is vital to getting out of the self-destructive “auto-pilot”. I hope I can be the connection to spark the fire.

Specialties and areas of focus

Q&A with Eli

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

First, each client is different and this totally depends on how much the client has worked on how their past has influenced them. I would say that, typically, I tend to focus on addressing immediate problems more when the client has built a strong understanding of how their past has influenced their current situation. If not, then work must be done on how events from the past are influencing their current psyche.

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I tend to follow the direction of the client for the first half of the session, then if I feel the need to, I will take the lead.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

My strengths are my ability to build a strong therapeutic alliance. My other equally effective strength is my ability to teach others how to change their lives for the better.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to fly because I love to travel!

5.) What makes you laugh?

I find laughter in most things. I believe laughter is an important part of a health life!

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)