Samantha Valdez

LPC, 1 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I offer telehealth counseling for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, mood concerns, trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges. Many of the individuals I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or unsure how to move forward despite wanting meaningful change. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed principles, and person-centered care. I help clients identify patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building practical skills to regulate distress, improve communication, and increase self-awareness. For clients navigating trauma or relational wounds, I prioritize stabilization and emotional safety before engaging in deeper processing. I strive to balance warmth with thoughtful directness. Sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented, yet client-paced. I work alongside clients to clarify their goals, strengthen coping strategies, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop healthier relational patterns. My focus is not only symptom reduction but sustainable growth that extends beyond the therapy room. Above all, I aim to create a steady, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is simply a starting point. It’s a space to talk, ask questions, and begin building trust. You won’t be expected to have everything figured out. We’ll move at your pace, focusing on what feels most important to you. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the work ahead.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets me apart is my ability to balance warmth with thoughtful directness. I create a space that feels safe and grounded, while also helping clients look honestly at patterns that may be keeping them stuck. I don’t believe in rushing the process, but I also don’t believe in avoiding the deeper work. Clients often find that I notice connections they hadn’t yet seen — linking present reactions to past experiences, attachment patterns, or long-standing beliefs. I gently reflect these patterns in a way that builds awareness rather than shame. My goal isn’t just symptom relief, but deeper understanding and meaningful change. I’m especially attuned to individuals who are high-functioning yet internally overwhelmed — those who appear strong on the outside but carry anxiety, self-doubt, or unresolved trauma beneath the surface. In our work together, we focus on emotional regulation, practical tools, and insight so that growth feels both grounded and sustainable. At the core of my practice is steady presence, honesty, and accountability. You can expect compassion — and you can also expect growth.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are individuals who are tired of surviving and ready to understand themselves on a deeper level. They may be children or teens struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioral challenges, or the impact of trauma. They often feel misunderstood — labeled as “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or “difficult” — when in reality they are overwhelmed and in need of tools, structure, and a safe place to process. I also work well with adults who are insightful but stuck. They’ve developed coping strategies that once protected them but now create distance in relationships, self-doubt, or chronic anxiety. Many have experienced trauma, emotionally unhealthy relationships, or long-standing patterns of self-criticism. They want change — not just symptom relief, but clarity, growth, and emotional stability. My ideal clients are willing to reflect, even when it’s uncomfortable. They value honesty and are open to learning practical skills to regulate emotions, challenge distorted thinking, and build healthier relational patterns. They may not have all the answers yet — but they are ready to do the work. Together, we focus on understanding patterns, increasing emotional awareness, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful, sustainable change.

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Virtual
My treatment methods

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is powerful in couples therapy and with individuals healing relational trauma.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is especially helpful for anxiety, depression, and maladaptive belief systems. I often blend it with trauma-informed pacing.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I use DBT as a skills-based stabilization framework, especially with adolescents and adults struggling with emotional regulation.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I use TF-CBT when working with youth impacted by chronic trauma, abuse, or PTSD symptoms. Stabilization always comes first.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

This is the core lens through which I approach all modalities. Techniques matter — but the therapeutic relationship drives change.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.