LCSW, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
Welcome. I’m Valerie, a Clinical Social Work Psychotherapist who believes that healing begins with being truly seen and heard. I meet my clients where they are—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—honoring their values, lived experiences, and personal truths. Through my own personal growth, I discovered the transformative power of empathy, active listening, and emotional resilience—qualities I now bring into every session. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can unfold organically.
In our sessions, you’ll find a safe space to explore what matters most to you. Together, we’ll define your goals—whether it’s building confidence, improving relationships, or simply feeling more grounded—and work toward outcomes that feel meaningful and empowering. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom and move forward with intention. I’m here to walk beside you on that journey.
My journey into this field began with a lifelong compassion for others and a commitment to self-reflection. I’ve learned that healing starts with understanding—not just of our pain, but of our patterns, our resilience, and our capacity for change. That insight fuels my work every day. What makes my work unique is how I blend clinical expertise with a deep respect for your lived experience. I use a flexible, integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities—always tailored to your goals, values, and pace. Therapy with me isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s a co-created space where your voice leads the way.
Clients often come to therapy seeking clarity, emotional relief, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we will explore your strengths, uncover patterns, and develop practical strategies to help you move forward. The expected outcome is not just symptom relief, but a deeper understanding of yourself, improved coping skills, and a more empowered approach to life.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to collaboratively explore the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering clients to develop healthier coping strategies and more adaptive perspectives. CBT sessions are structured and goal-oriented, often involving practical exercises such as journaling, thought records, and behavioral experiments. I tailor these tools to each client’s unique needs—whether addressing anxiety, depression, or stress-related challenges—ensuring that treatment is both evidence-based and personally meaningful.
I specialize in Couples Therapy to help partners navigate relational challenges, improve communication, and rebuild emotional intimacy. In practice, I guide couples through identifying negative interaction cycles, exploring underlying emotional needs, and developing healthier ways to connect and resolve conflict. Sessions are tailored to each couple’s dynamic, fostering mutual understanding and long-term relationship resilience.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult emotions and commit to values-based actions. My experience with ACT focuses on guiding individuals through mindfulness techniques, cognitive defusion, and values clarification to reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and feelings. In practice, ACT empowers clients to shift from avoidance to acceptance, fostering resilience and purposeful living. Whether addressing anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I help clients reconnect with what matters most and take meaningful steps toward personal growth.
My experience with Jungian Therapy involves helping clients uncover unconscious patterns, archetypes, and personal symbolism that shape their emotional and relational experiences. This depth-oriented work fosters insight, meaning, and self-integration. In practice, I pair this with ACT’s emphasis on mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven living. Clients learn to observe their thoughts without judgment, embrace emotional complexity, and commit to actions aligned with their authentic self. This integrative approach is especially effective for those seeking both psychological insight and practical tools for transformation.
I incorporate Mindfulness-Based Therapy to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. My experience includes guiding individuals through mindfulness exercises such as breathwork, body scans, and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and feelings. These practices support clients in reducing anxiety, managing stress, and improving overall well-being. In practice, mindfulness is woven into sessions to enhance self-awareness and interrupt automatic reactivity. Whether used on its own or integrated with modalities like CBT or ACT, mindfulness empowers clients to respond to life’s challenges with clarity and calm.