About Valerie
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you are navigating relationship conflict, a difficult transition, or patterns that feel difficult to change. As a Couple and Family Therapy student at Antioch University Seattle, I am interested in how relationships, communication, and larger systems shape the way we understand ourselves. I approach therapy with optimism and curiosity, viewing the therapeutic relationship as something we build together. I want to understand your experience and collaborate with you to explore the life you would like to live, rather than assume what you need. I believe there are many ways to engage in therapy, and I try to remain open to whatever helps you feel understood in the process.
My experience working with neurodivergent youth has deepened my appreciation for the many ways people communicate and experience the world. I have also spent much of my working life in food service, which has taught me to listen, adapt, connect with people from many different backgrounds, and stay grounded when things become challenging. These experiences have shaped my commitment to cultural humility and to approaching each client with openness rather than assumptions. As part of my training, I offer art therapy as another tool for exploring experiences that may be difficult to put into words. I believe everyone is creative. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist to engage in art therapy; together, we can find forms of expression that feel useful to you. I hope therapy can be a place where you feel safe bringing your whole self, develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships, and discover new possibilities for connection and change.