Dr. Ben Gallenson

Do you replay conversations in your mind to make sure you didn’t offend anyone? Worry that your boss sees you differently after a small mistake? Feel like a burden when asking others for reassurance? Many high-achieving people struggle with this kind of mental pressure—overthinking interactions, questioning their worth, and feeling like they’re one mistake away from being “found out.” You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

I’m Dr. Ben Gallenson, a licensed clinical psychologist who helps professionals and college students understand their patterns, restructure old narratives and develop a calmer, more grounded relationship with themselves. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and trained in university counseling centers, hospitals, and VA medical centers. My work includes college students and young adults, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and individuals experiencing intrusive thoughts, stress, and depression. I also have experience with neuropsychological and personality assessment to provide diagnostic clarity.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and structured. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy or sessions that feel directionless. Instead, we work together to understand the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater clarity and self-trust.

My work combines evidence-based approaches with insight-oriented and supportive psychotherapy. When helpful, we may use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). As we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and restructure the beliefs that sustain them, many clients find they feel less anxious, more compassionate toward themselves, and more confident making important life decisions.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what has brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about the challenges you’re facing, the patterns or stressors contributing to them, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll ask questions about your history, current concerns, and goals so we can begin prioritizing what would be most helpful. You’re also welcome to ask questions about how I work.

By the end of the session, my goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and to have a clearer sense of how we might approach the work together. Many clients tell me they feel noticeably less overwhelmed after the first conversation because there is a tangible plan and someone to support them in making the changes they've wanted for some time.