Valerie Seagle
Life can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families can heal, grow, and build resilience. I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, grief, and relationship challenges. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs, incorporating evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and attachment-focused interventions. I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, understanding, and compassion. Whether you are healing from past experiences, facing life transitions, managing difficult emotions, or seeking healthier relationships, I am here to support you in developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful, lasting change. It is a privilege to walk alongside clients as they reconnect with their strengths, cultivate self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
First session
Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and your first session is a chance for us to begin getting to know one another in a safe and supportive space. We will take time to talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to work toward. You can expect a conversation about your background, your current challenges, and the things that are important to you. I may ask questions to better understand your story, but you are always welcome to share at your own pace. There is no need to have everything figured out before you begin. Your first session is also a time for you to ask questions, learn more about how therapy works, and see if we feel like a good fit. Together, we will create a plan that supports your goals and helps you move toward greater understanding, healing, and growth. Thank you for taking this step. I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you in this process.
Strengths
I believe one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a safe, compassionate, and supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I bring more than a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a variety of mental health settings, allowing me to understand that each person’s story and healing journey is unique. My approach combines evidence-based therapies with genuine connection and collaboration. I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, eating concerns, grief, relationship challenges, and other life difficulties. I draw from approaches such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, and attachment-focused interventions to help you develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and build resilience. I value meeting you where you are and working together to identify your goals, recognize your strengths, and create meaningful change. My goal is to help you feel empowered, develop greater self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more balanced, connected, and fulfilling.
Ideal clients
There is no such thing as an "ideal" therapy patient. People begin therapy with different mindsets, goals, and concerns. Some feel hopeful and ready for change, while others feel skeptical, overwhelmed, uncertain, or unsure what to expect. Some have clear goals, while others simply know that something isn't working. All of these starting points are normal. You don't need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. A skilled therapist will meet you where you are, helping you better understand your experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies that align with your values and needs. Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the patient. When you feel heard, respected, understood, and safe to discuss difficult topics, you're more likely to benefit from the therapeutic process. While the treatment approach matters, a trusting, collaborative relationship provides the foundation for meaningful change. The people who tend to benefit most from therapy are not those who are already highly self-aware or emotionally healthy. Rather, they are individuals who are willing to engage in the process over time. This includes attending sessions consistently, communicating openly about their concerns, participating in treatment, and remaining open to new perspectives and skills. Progress doesn't require perfection—it requires a willingness to learn, reflect, and make gradual changes. Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we'll identify your concerns, clarify your goals, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you create meaningful, lasting change.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy approach that helps people heal from traumatic or distressing experiences that continue to affect their daily lives. During treatment, the therapist guides the client in recalling difficult memories while using bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, alternating taps, or tones. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity so it feels less distressing while the memory itself remains intact. EMDR is one of the most well-researched treatments for trauma and PTSD, with studies showing it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve emotional well-being. It has also been found to be effective for many people experiencing anxiety, depression, phobias, and other concerns related to difficult life experiences. While everyone's healing journey is different, many individuals notice meaningful improvements in fewer sessions than with some traditional talk therapies. EMDR is most effective when provided by a licensed therapist who has received specialized training in the approach.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 112853