Valerie
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Pronouns: She/her
Services: Telehealth and in office appointments Accepts private pay and insurance |
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Philosophy and Approach:
I believe in people. I believe in the power of supportive relationships and I believe that individuals, couples, and families 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. 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 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 orientations, and ability statuses. I strive to create a therapeutic space in which clients feel seen, heard, and respected. My goal as a therapist is to provide a supportive space wherein clients can laugh, cry, celebrate, and mourn (to name a few) and to do all of these things in the service of 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. I am comfortable working with all diagnostic presentations. Formal Education and Training: I hold a master’s degree in couple and family therapy from the University of Oregon. 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 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. 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. Qualifications:
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