Creating positive changes in your life can seem daunting, but when done in collaboration with another it eases the burden of knowing where to begin. Valerie has been helping individuals and families for over 30 years to create their best lives. She began her career as a child protection investigator which really laid the foundation for understanding how trauma, poverty, lack of education, untreated mental health issues and substance abuse impact not just the individual, but their family and community. She has worked cross culturally through her entire career and values diversity and inclusion.
Valerie has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota and is also a Certified Case Manager from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). She has worked a variety of jobs in case management from child protection, seniors, and military to discharge planning at hospitals. It’s through this extensive, cross-continuum of care experience that she brings a wholistic approach to counseling. It’s not just talking about feelings, but your overall health, wellness and vision for your life. She’ll develop a plan of care tailored to your goals. Valerie uses a variety of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic, and Solution-Focused to name a few.
Specialties
- Anxiety related disorders, including PTSD
- Divorce support and creating a new life
- Childhood trauma (physical/sexual abuse, neglect)
- Spiritual exploration and empowerment