Hey there ! I completed graduate course work in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard University, focusing primarily on challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, in relationships and in society as a whole. I have a Masters Degree in Mental Health from Cambridge College in Cambridge Massachusetts. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Master Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in the State of Florida, practicing as a psychotherapist for over 15 years. While I have been trained in many different styles and “theories,” my helping approach is fairly straight forward and draws on many different traditions: In my view, there is no doubt that what we have experienced in the past shapes who we are and how we see ourselves, others and the world. Therapy is a process of connecting the dots between where we have been and how those experiences influence our thinking and behavior today. Often, our past experiences have us thinking and acting in ways that are irrational and self-defeating, causing problems in all areas of our lives. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and unconditionally supportive space for folks to share who they are and what they have been through. I partner with them in taking what we might call a “therapeutic microscope” to the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that accompany the circumstances of their lives, supporting them in reinforcing what works and finding alternatives to what does not.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
When we meet for the first time, I would like to spend a few minutes to get a general idea of some of the struggles you're having, then I will likely gather some more information about your background and history. By the end of our time together in our first meeting, we will have come up with some solid and specific goals and objectives for your treatment, and hopefully, a plan to meet again in the near future.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a provider is the education of my personal experience: If you are reading this profile, it is likely that you are experiencing some difficulties in your life and I want to commend you on having the humility and courage to reach out for help and also to express my faith in your ability to overcome whatever it is you’re facing right now – Not because I possess quick magic solutions to all your problems, but because I spent many years of my own life lost in the darkness of addiction and plagued by what seemed to be insurmountable emotional problems, mostly fueled by an inability to accept who I am as a gay man, living in a world that, even today, is often rejecting, shaming and ostracizing, and only when I became willing to reach out for professional help, was I able begin a journey toward pride, confidence, and self-love. That same journey awaits you as well…
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
In my years working as a therapist, I have come to realize that I am well-suited ( though certainly not exclusively so ) to work with many folks in the LGBTQ community, challenged by a whole range of problems including addiction, co-dependency and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and an inability to cope with past traumatic experiences.
About Scott Christian Gallo, LMHC, MCAP
Specializes in
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Eclectic
In my many years working as a therapist, I have been fortunate to have training in a wide range of methods and modalities. I consider myself "eclectic" because each person is unique and the approach that works best for some folks may not work for others. I strive to be versatile and adept at accommodating all the folks I work with with an approach that best suits them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I believe that helping people to reflect upon their thinking and behavior plays a significant part of the work in therapy.
Motivational Interviewing
As a specialist in addiction, I have strong foundation in motivational interviewing. I use this approach to explore and tap into a person's own intrinsic strivings for growth.
Gender-affirming therapy
I have an extensive back ground in working with a broad range of folks from the LGBTQIA community and I pride myself in taking a gender affirming approach in my work.
Interpersonal
In the many years of I have been working as a therapist, I have come to realize that the nature of the therapeutic relationship is paramount. A strong and authentic connection between therapist and patient provides the opportunity to know oneself and is the foundation for healing. The relationship I have with the folks I see in therapy is far more important than any modality or technique ever could be.