(she/her)
New to Grow
I'm Valerie Harris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate some of life's hardest moments. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life transitions, and everything in between. My approach is warm and direct — I'm not going to just let you sit in your feelings without helping you figure out what to do with them. I believe therapy should feel like a real conversation, and I'm committed to creating a space where you feel genuinely seen and supported.
Our first session is really about getting to know each other. I'll ask questions to understand what's been going on, what's brought you to therapy at this point in your life, and what you're hoping to get out of our work together. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before you walk in — that's what we're here for. By the end of our first session, you'll have a clearer sense of how I work and whether I feel like the right fit for you.
What sets me apart is that I bring both clinical expertise and genuine human connection to every session. I'm trained in evidence-based approaches like CBT, the Gottman Method, and Solution-Focused therapy, but I know how to make those tools feel accessible — not clinical and cold. One of the things clients tell me most often is that talking to me feels like talking to a friend — someone who gets it, remain honesty, and isn't going to judge you. The difference is I also have the training and tools to actually help you move through it. I have years of experience working with individuals and couples across a wide range of life challenges, and I'm committed to making sure every client feels like a person — not a diagnosis.
People who are ready to do the work — even if they're not quite sure where to start. I work well with adults navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and the kind of stress that builds up when you're trying to hold everything together. I also love working with couples who are committed to each other but know something needs to change. My clients tend to appreciate a therapist who is warm, direct, and won't just nod and smile — they want real tools and honest conversation. I'm especially passionate about working with women, elders, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for a safe, affirming space.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In our sessions, we work together to identify patterns of thinking that may be keeping you stuck, and we practice tools to shift those patterns in a way that actually fits your real life. CBT is one of the most well-researched approaches out there, and I find it works especially well when clients want something structured and goal-oriented — but I always make it feel like a real conversation, not a worksheet.
Gottman method
I use the Gottman Method to help couples build a stronger foundation — one that can actually hold up when things get hard. This approach is backed by decades of research on what makes relationships work, and it gives us a real roadmap to follow in session. We focus on things like how you communicate during conflict, how well you know each other's inner world, and whether you're making enough deposits into the relationship to cover the withdrawals. It's practical, it's evidence-based, and it meets couples where they are.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is something I weave into almost every session because I believe understanding what's happening in your mind and body is half the battle. When clients know why they're feeling what they're feeling — whether that's the stress response, attachment patterns, or how trauma shows up — it takes some of the fear and confusion out of it. Knowledge is empowering, and I've found that when people actually understand what's going on, they're more motivated and better equipped to make real changes.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy keeps our eyes on where you're going rather than staying stuck in what went wrong. Instead of spending all our time digging through the past, we focus on your strengths, what's already working, and what small steps can move you toward the life you actually want. This approach is great for clients who are ready to take action and want therapy that feels productive and forward-moving from the very first session.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is all about meeting you exactly where you are — no pressure, no judgment. A lot of times people come into therapy feeling stuck or ambivalent about change, and that's completely normal. MI helps us explore that ambivalence together and tap into your own reasons for wanting things to be different. I'm not here to tell you what to do — I'm here to help you find your own motivation and build confidence in your ability to get there.