I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and have been working in the field for approximately five years. I have a master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, so it is not uncommon for me to provide family and couple's therapy in addition to individual therapy. I treat a number of disorders and issues including but not limited to: ADHD, anger, anxiety, autism, behavioral disorders, depression, family difficulties, OCD, PTSD and other trauma disorders, relationship difficulties, and social anxiety. I am trained in EMDR and working toward certification for EMDR. EMDR is helpful, especially for individuals with a history of trauma or other experiences found distressing, as it helps people change the way the brain has stored the traumatic or distressing memory so that it no longer has the same negative impact on the individual. I aim to build a strong therapeutic rapport with clients as this is beneficial to treatment and, often, helps expedite treatment. I take into account the unique experience of each individual and offer a safe space free of judgement for clients to feel heard.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

From the very first interaction, clients can expect to feel safe and heard by me. The first session generally consists of an intake which is a session to gather basic information as you set some goals you would like to work on during your time in treatment. Clients can expect homework on a pretty regular basis as I believe that the majority of the work that needs done to effectuate lasting change occurs outside of the sessions. In sessions, I put you in the driver's seat of the 'therapy bus', and my job is to keep us on the road! This means that your treatment is self-driven and focuses on the things you want to focus on. Some basic skills and techniques to alleviate negative symptoms are typically offered as soon as the first session as well.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to remain open-minded to the uniquity of the experiences of individuals and try to put myself in their shoes to understand those situations to the best of my ability. I have received a lot of feedback from past and current clients stating that they appreciate not feeling judged and having someone who is truly interested in helping them achieve greater wellness- not just mentally - but holistically as well. I use a strength-based approach to treatment that focuses on the client's strengths rather than weaknesses.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I love working with clients with anxiety and other related disorders as I have seen such dramatic changes in this particular population. Clients who have had otherwise crippling social anxiety and can now function well in those public spaces that once terrified them is a glorious sight to behold. I like working with adolescents as I believe that this generation's youth bring something different to the table which demands critical thinking and innovative ideas or approaches to treatment. I also like helping client's find ways to heal from past traumas and learn to live a meaningful life worth living. I am also well positioned to serve families and couples who are struggling in their relationships with one another.

About Valerie Nolder