Transform your life.

Your past does not need to predict your future

Mariah Gallagher, trauma therapist in Philadelphia

Iā€™m Mariah Gallagher, trauma therapist in Philadelphia.

Iā€™m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree from Columbia University. My expertise also includes an Advanced Therapy Certificate from NYU, post masterā€™s training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).

I specialize in adult recovery from childhood attachment wounds. Often, childhood trauma (big or small) shows up in our adult lives. Trauma can manifest as: cycles of familiar and frustrating relationship patterns; dating and relationship anxiety; perfectionistic and anxious thoughts and compulsions; co-dependency with family, friends, and partners; and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the way life looks and feels.

Iā€™ve always been fascinated by this phenomenon. Youā€™re fun, grounded, smart, and well connected. You know what you want and how to get it most of the time. However, you struggle to feel a deep sense of self love. Or you struggle to find healthy, secure relationships in which your needs are met. You've yet to find yourself feeling prioritized or valued. I am here to help you change all of that!

Mission

My mission is to help you heal from past traumatic events or dynamics, recover from unfulfilling interpersonal and romantic patterns, and transform your mental health and wellbeing. My aim is to help you deepen your understanding of your needs and desires in relationships, uncover the links between your upbringing and repetition of patterns with others, and heal from inherited family trauma in a tangible and sustainable way.

Core Values

You Make Sense

Heal from unresolved trauma and its impact on your neurobiology and relational dynamics.

Embody Your Healing

Learn to regulate your emotions and create a greater sense of inner peace.

Take Ownership

Change the role you play in your life and love life without shame or self criticism.

Specialty Areas

  • Emotional distance, intimacy recovery, and communication issues in couples

  • Romantic relationship insecurity, avoidance, and anxiety

  • Confidence and self esteem improvement

  • Attachment trauma

  • Complex childhood and developmental trauma

Methods

As a trauma therapist, I view all individuals and couples through a trauma-informed lens, meaning an emphasis is placed on the long term effects of trauma on the brain, body, and relational experience. This approach assumes that more often than not an individual is likely carrying a trauma history, the symptoms of which are playing an impactful role in their lives and relationships. Instead of typical corrective and shame-based behavioral tools, a trauma-informed therapist focuses on empowerment, safety, trust, and choice when healing the relationship with oneself and with others.

Interested in learning more about working with a trauma therapist in Philadelphia?

Iā€™d love to hear from you.

Book a complimentary introductory call today!