After finishing his undergraduate studies, Dr Galea took a missionary experience in Lamu District and Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. Later he read for an M.Th. from Heythrop College, University of London, U.K. Furthermore, Michael studied at the University of Loyola, MD, USA, where he read for an M.Sc. in pastoral psychology. He received his doctorate in Psychology in 2003 from the same university, focusing his dissertation on the complex impact of childhood trauma among Maltese students. As part of his doctoral studies, Dr. Galea pursued supervised clinical internships at: Taylor Manor Psychiatric Hospital, in Ellicott City, MD; Frederick Ozanam Shelter for the Homeless, Baltimore City, MD; and at Lighthouse Family Services Centre, located in Catonsville, MD, USA.
His work experience included posts in London, UK and in Baltimore & Ventnor City, USA. Prior to joining the University of Malta, Dr. Galea worked with the Education Department, as well as a psychologist with Appogg Agency (addictions and CCF), SEDQA and Moviment Era Gdida. He was also a visiting lecturer at St. Martins Institute of IT, University of London.
Michael joined the Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, in 2010. He has participated in various conferences, both locally and abroad. His current research focuses on spirituality and mental health, positive psychology, post-traumatic growth, and stress amongst others.
Dr Galea is highly involved in the social media. He has published books in Maltese related to mental health: Ma' Niket il-Mewt lejn Tama u Hajja Gdida (2006), Nghix Hajja Sabiha (2019) and F'Qalbi Ma Tmut Qatt (2020). His latest book, Nghix f'Armonija, is in print. He has contributed chapters in a number of edited books. He also contributes regularly in the local mass media. He produced a daily pre-recorded TV program which was aired on fLiving TV channel on mental wellness. He still is a regular guest in the popular and live fLiving Show on fLiving TV local channel, with phone-ins. Moreover, Dr Galea runs a YouTube channel, 'Psychology Minute with Michael Galea' (2021- ). Presently, the series is being revamped.
NUR4327 - Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy
NUR5116 - Professional Issues in Mental Health Care
'Shanti' is a pre-recorded, brief TV program on the local station fLiving Channel, aired daily. It is produced by Dr. Galea, in Maltese, with interesting and formative material related to holistic mental well-being. It ran from April 2018 to December 2021. A new series is being planned.
Weekly guest at fLiving Show, a live-program with phone-ins, relating to topics addressing various mental health topics.
