I’m so glad you’re here
it’s nice to virtually meet you!
Hi, I’m Valerie
I opened this practice to support people who feel stuck because of painful emotions, difficult life experiences, or unresolved trauma. I know how exhausting it can be to carry those burdens, and I believe meaningful healing is possible.
Many of the people I work with have spent years functioning on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside. They often appear successful, capable, and dependable, yet privately wrestle with anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or the lasting impact of childhood experiences. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
My role is to help you understand the patterns that have kept you stuck, where those patterns began, and how they're showing up in your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and daily life. Together, we'll work toward healing the root of the struggle, not just managing the symptoms.
our guiding principles
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We will see you and accept you for who you are meant to be.
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We will support you in your emotional and personal growth, by gently challenging you to achieve your goals.
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This is a collaborative process. If you commit to your healing, we will commit to guiding and supporting you.
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You deserve to feel happy and healthy, both in mind and body. We see you as a whole person.
You have spent most of your life pouring your care into others, setting aside your own needs
It’s time you invested in yourself. Our work in therapy together will be tailored to your needs and goals.
The beginning of our time together will be equal parts motivating and hard work. We’ll be getting to know each other and uncovering what is going on beneath the surface. You may find yourself saying, “Oh that makes sense!” as we gain a deeper understanding of what is going on.
When unexpected challenges show up in your life, we’ll work through those together. I’m consistently inspired by the hard work my clients dedicate to their healing and the changes they achieve within themselves.
Get to Know Me
Favorite book: Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle had me feeling all sorts of ways… sad for the trials and tribulations and empowered for overcoming them.
Favorite weekend activity: Saturdays are known as family day and Sundays are for BBQ.
Favorite smell: There’s something about eucalyptus that calms my nervous system.
Special talents: I was a dancer throughout high school and college, then taught competitive dance until I was 30. I'd like to think I can still keep up with a good beat!
Pets: A very hyper and lovable golden doodle, Beau.
Siblings/how many: I'm an only child. I don't think I have "only child syndrome"... but I guess that's exactly what an only child would say. 😄
If I could live anywhere, it would be: My favorite view is beachfront. Santa Monica vibes.
How do you conduct self-care: Therapy is non-negotiable for me. I also prioritize monthly massages, manicures, and pedicures. On a daily basis, I make time for deep breathing and exercise to reconnect with my body and support both my mental and physical well-being.
I feel most content when: I feel present. In my body. In my power.
How tall are you: A whopping 4’11 – I stand tall.
Pet peeve: Just use your blinker! Also, stand 6 feet away from me while waiting to pay…
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Social Work at Texas-Pan American University in 2003
Masters of Science in Social Work at Texas-Pan American University in 2006
CREDENTIALS
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Texas Board Approved Supervisor
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
Completed Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Trained in Narrative Processing & Cognitive Processing Therapy
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
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Your mind races through the irrational thoughts leading you to an abyss of overwhelming fears and nothingness. You can’t help it; it’s like something in you is taking over. We can help.
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You’re in a constant back and forth dialogue with yourself about life. No matter how hard you try, you still feel undeserving and hopeless. You don’t have to go through this alone.
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Have you ever experienced something so disturbing or distressing that it’s affecting your mind and body? Healing is possible.
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Communication is lacking, trust is questionable, and commitment is getting harder to hold on to. We can help you find your way back to each other.