Valerie (She/Her)
Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
I BELIEVE IN PEOPLE. I BELIEVE IN THE POWERS OF SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND I BELIEVE THAT INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, AND FAMILY ARE INCLINED TOWARDS POSITIVE GROWTH AND CHANGE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS CAN GET IN THE WAY OF ONE'S ABILITY TO ACTUALIZE A DESIRED WAY OF BEING.
AREAS OF FOCUS
To help clients identify and pursue their goals, I primarily work from an integration of the Satir Model with Intersectional Feminism. I focus on the development of compassion for self and others. I work with individuals, couple and polyamorous relationships. I work with all diagnostic presentations.
COUNSELING TECHNIQUE
I see acceptance as the starting point on the road to change. I work from an affirmative stance and welcome people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientation and abilities. I strive to create a therapeutic space in which clients feel seen, heard, and respected. My goal as your therapist is to provide a supportive space where you can laugh, cry, grieve (to name a few) in the service of your growth.
I love working with couples and polyamorous relationship configurations. I am a member of the Queer community and especially enjoy working with others within my community.
EDUCATION CREDENTIALS
I hold a master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon. I also hold my doctorate degree in human development and family science with an emphasis in couple and family therapy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Major course work included therapy skills, group therapy, addictions, working with children and adolescents, therapy with diverse clients, marital and relationship therapy, and family therapy. I have received doctoral level training in the practice of couple and family therapy and the role of development among individuals and families across the lifespan. My doctoral research focused on the clinical treatment of sexual issues among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, R7283 and I am supervised by Janese Olalde, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Oregon T1478, Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.
AREAS OF FOCUS
To help clients identify and pursue their goals, I primarily work from an integration of the Satir Model with Intersectional Feminism. I focus on the development of compassion for self and others. I work with individuals, couple and polyamorous relationships. I work with all diagnostic presentations.
COUNSELING TECHNIQUE
I see acceptance as the starting point on the road to change. I work from an affirmative stance and welcome people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientation and abilities. I strive to create a therapeutic space in which clients feel seen, heard, and respected. My goal as your therapist is to provide a supportive space where you can laugh, cry, grieve (to name a few) in the service of your growth.
I love working with couples and polyamorous relationship configurations. I am a member of the Queer community and especially enjoy working with others within my community.
EDUCATION CREDENTIALS
I hold a master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon. I also hold my doctorate degree in human development and family science with an emphasis in couple and family therapy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Major course work included therapy skills, group therapy, addictions, working with children and adolescents, therapy with diverse clients, marital and relationship therapy, and family therapy. I have received doctoral level training in the practice of couple and family therapy and the role of development among individuals and families across the lifespan. My doctoral research focused on the clinical treatment of sexual issues among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, R7283 and I am supervised by Janese Olalde, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Oregon T1478, Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.