Vianey M Galdamez, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Vianey M Galdamez

Vianey M Galdamez

(she/her)

LCSW
9 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, fluent in both English and Spanish. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and anxiety management. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings, including urgent care environments, where I have provided care to individuals in acute crises. I am also experienced in both individual and group therapy. Reaching out for therapy can often be a difficult and vulnerable step, but by doing so, you have already made a positive commitment to improving your mental health and well-being. My goal is to assist you in regaining control of your mental health by offering a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic space. I believe that effective therapy is a partnership between clinician and client, and I am dedicated to working with you as part of your team, guiding and supporting you as you work toward your goals. Together, we can create a plan that empowers you to achieve lasting personal growth and well-being. This revision now includes your expertise in anxiety management, while maintaining a professional and compassionate tone. Let me know if you need any further changes!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we can begin to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. The primary focus of this session will be to get to know each other, understand your unique concerns, and discuss your goals for therapy. We’ll explore your current challenges, past experiences, and any relevant history to gain a comprehensive understanding of your mental health needs. During this time, I’ll also explain the therapeutic process, my approach to treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll discuss confidentiality, what to expect in future sessions, and how we can work collaboratively toward achieving your goals. I believe in making therapy a partnership, so I encourage you to share openly about what you hope to gain from our work together. While we won’t necessarily resolve everything in one session, you will leave with a sense of direction, and we’ll create a plan for moving forward in a way that feels comfortable and effective for you.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to build trust and create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. I have extensive experience in treating anxiety and specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and crisis intervention. This allows me to effectively address both immediate emotional distress and long-term mental health challenges. My experience in urgent care settings has honed my ability to remain calm and compassionate in high-pressure situations, helping clients navigate crises with stability and clarity. Another strength is my ability to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. I understand that everyone’s experiences and struggles are unique, so I strive to offer personalized care that resonates with each client’s specific goals and preferences. I also believe in the power of collaboration and view therapy as a partnership, where the client’s voice and input are central to the healing process. Additionally, my bilingual skills in English and Spanish allow me to serve a wider range of clients and ensure that language is never a barrier to receiving effective care. Overall, my goal is to empower clients by helping them gain insight, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, particularly those navigating life transitions, crises, or overwhelming stressors. My experience in crisis intervention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) allows me to work effectively with individuals facing acute emotional challenges, such as those in urgent care settings or experiencing high levels of anxiety and fear. In addition to anxiety, I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with depression, including those dealing with persistent sadness, low motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. I am skilled at using evidence-based treatments like CBT and Behavioral Activation to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, break the cycle of inactivity, and improve overall mood. I also work well with individuals who struggle with emotional dysregulation, particularly through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping clients build healthier coping mechanisms and emotional resilience. My bilingual skills (English and Spanish) enable me to provide care to a diverse range of clients, ensuring that language is never a barrier to treatment. Ultimately, I am dedicated to supporting clients who are ready to engage in therapy, whether they are in need of crisis intervention, managing ongoing mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety, or seeking personal growth and emotional well-being.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Trauma-Focused CBT

As a therapist with over 10 years of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I focus on helping my clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In our sessions, I guide them in recognizing automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) through techniques like thought records and journaling. Once we identify these thoughts, I encourage clients to question their validity and consider alternative perspectives, often using behavioral experiments to test the accuracy of their beliefs in real-life situations. I also introduce coping strategies, such as mindfulness and problem-solving techniques, to help them manage stress and anxiety effectively. Building a trusting relationship is essential, so I provide psychoeducation about the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance their understanding. I structure our sessions to include check-ins, reviewing homework assignments, and introducing new concepts. I assign practical exercises between sessions, like thought diaries or practicing coping strategies, to reinforce learning. The goal is to help clients integrate what they've learned into their daily lives and empower them to take charge of their emotional well-being.

Vianey M Galdamez, LCSW