Dr. Charles Gallagher

PsyD, Clinical Psychologist

Personal Statement:

There are many approaches to psychotherapy, but most experts agree that the therapist’s approach is not the most important ingredient of successful therapy. The critical factors seem to have more to do with how well the client and therapist are able to work together to establish a connection and rapport, the clarity and shared understanding of your goals, and the ability to measure change and progress in practical ways.

I draw upon different psychological methods for working with individuals, couples, and families. Sometimes, it may be important to understand the longstanding history of a problem or symptoms, particularly if you are frustrated by the repeated occurrence of painful symptoms, problems, or experiences. In other situations, you may be extremely aware of the source of a problem and might be ready to work toward an immediate solution to resolve a stressful situation. In yet another case, you may be focused on difficulties in the way that your family members relate to one another, or in how you share responsibility for housework, children, finances, or other day-to day realities.

In my work with you, I will also try to account for the ways in which psychology interacts with other vital aspects of living, including biological factors; differing levels of need for information and knowledge; and your religious beliefs or spiritual perspective.

As a School Psychologist, I also have extensive training and years of experience in psychological testing and evaluation. I know that an evaluation cannot answer every psychological question about someone, but a careful reading of testing and assessment information can be used to create a portrait of some of your own, or your child’s, cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This kind of evaluation can also help to organize behavioral symptoms and emotional profiles in a way that will help you understand what is going on. To me, the most rewarding part of this process is in translating the test results into something that parents and teachers can understand and use. Since I have worked in schools for many years, I have a great deal of experience in identifying different learning and behavioral problems among children and teenagers.

Education

• Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, West Chester University, 1992
• Doctoral Degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, Widener University, 2002

I have been a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania since 2004 and a practicing psychotherapist since 1992. A part of my doctoral training included a specialty in School Psychology and I have been certified to practice in Pennsylvania schools since 2000.

Additional Training

• Certificate in Trauma Series (Bryn Mawr University)-2018
• Institute for Family Professional Enhancing Trauma Awareness Course-2016
• Motivational Interviewing for PTSD and Trauma-2015
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSIST)-2014
• Incorporating Neurobiology into Social Work Practice-2014