Valerie Smith (she/her)

Throughout my career, I've developed a variety of effective tools to help individuals like you. My aim is to equip you with at least five reliable techniques that you can use anytime, anywhere, to quickly alleviate anxiety, trauma, and depressive symptoms. I customize my treatments based on the needs of the person, incorporating in EMDR, TF-CBT, and DBT for a myriad of skills. Together, we'll begin by tackling what's happening right now, helping you gain control over your body and thoughts. For the past decade, I've specialized in alleviating trauma responses, utilizing transformative, powerful techniques learned from advanced trainings. We’ll delve into the workings of your brain during a trauma or grief response and teach you how to engage different parts for relief. Additionally, we’ll explore how your body responds to difficult emotions and how you can swiftly calm yourself. Ultimately, you'll build resilience, while also learning how to effectively cope with life's challenges.

I believe that everyone has the potential to change and grow at any stage of their life. There are no limits to what we can achieve. Mental health issues often stem from unhealthy learned behaviors, which means they can be unlearned and replaced with healthier habits. As someone who once suffered from severe CPTSD due to a horrific upbringing, I understand the struggle. Through therapy, I learned to manage my emotions and overcome the trauma, and I haven't felt consumed by symptoms in years. I want you to experience that same freedom and control in your life. Additionally, I lost both of my parents as a young adult, which gives me a unique approach to working with people who have experienced the same loss. Unlike other therapists who say they "get it" but don't, I get it.