Beyond the Couch: A Therapist Spotlight: Viridiana Galaz, ACSW
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Viridana Galaz, or Viri as those who know her affectionately call her. Viri is an associate clinical social worker, similar to how a resident doctor practices, under the supervision of Jason Temple, LMFT. Viri is bilingual and offers psychotherapy treatment sessions in both English and Spanish.
Why did you choose to become a therapist?
Viri became passionate about mental healthcare because she saw a growing need for access to mental health treatment within the Latino community. “I was born in Mexico” Viri states, “I understand how much stigma there is around receiving therapy in my culture. I saw the beauty of therapy and wanted to bring that beauty to fellow Latinos on a wider scale”.
What makes Talk Therapy Center different?
Viri believes that positive emotional energy is crucial to both the workplace and in treatment. “The first thing I picked up on is the good energy that you feel just walking into Talk Therapy Center. The staff’s feel-good attitude is infectious. That same energy and attitude comes into treatment, too”.
Why are you a trauma informed therapist?
Trauma is a psychological concept that society is having a relevant national conversation about. Distressing events happen often to people with little information on how to heal these traumas. On the topic of trauma informed care, Viri said “Every person experiences some sort of trauma in life. It is so important that therapists provide our clients ways to manage and heal from the trauma they experience instead, of ignoring it. This generation of therapists really believes in the importance of trauma informed care”.
What makes you unique as therapist?
Viri practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and believes in the strengths of each client she meets. Tackling depression, anxiety, infertility, women’s issues, and the challenges of motherhood are all areas the Viri enjoys treating.