All therapy sessions are offered online, on a secure video platform.
Hello, I’m Valerie.
I’m a somatic psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist licensed in Quebec, Colorado and California; I provide therapy services in English and French.
I help individuals and couples who are dealing with major life transitions.
Whether it's a new baby, the loss of a loved one, a betrayal, tension in relationships, or a recent relocation... sometimes we lose our footing.
You may find out that your usual coping tools are no longer bringing you the same relief.
Unlike blogs and books that offer one-size-fits-all advice, or unlike your friends and family who mean well, but are too emotionally-invested to give you clear guidance, I offer you effective tools that are unique to your needs and situation, in a non-judgmental and safe space.
We can work together to:
Decrease your anxiety
Understand and process traumatic events
Learn effective coping skills to manage difficult situations
Have more satisfying relationships at home, school or work
Become more confident and at ease in social situations
Learn to be more mindful, and more relaxed
Feel better adjusted to a new culture
Discover and nurture your true self
Together we can get to the core of your issue, and bring more awareness to patterns that no longer serve you.
You deserve support and tools customized to your situation to help you stay serene, increase your confidence, or nurture your relationships.
Let's connect today.
You don’t have to keep enduring; start thriving in your life and relationships.
Working with me
Finding the right fit for your needs is an essential part of the therapy process, and searching for a therapist may feel daunting. Here’s some information on the way I work, which I hope will help you in this process.
My approach with individuals and couples is very collaborative. Most of my clients are not interested in a quick fix. They want to dive in, and are committed to doing the work that leads to lasting change and healing. Together, we can explore with curiosity and respect patterns that no longer serve you well in your life, or relationships.
We tend to run our life based on an old operating system that has been working in the background for many years, or decades, and that we’re barely aware of. And yet, this operating system is running our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and actions. Therapy can help you become aware of the organization of this operating system, and help you create the upgrade you want that is more aligned with your current life.
I offer you a space and time to be your true self, where all parts of you are welcome. I strive to create a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment.
Individual Therapy
As a somatic therapist, I take a holistic approach to therapy: I have learned that healing includes not only the mind but also the body, and spirit.
I am trained in EMDR as well as somatic modalities including Natural Processing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and the Hakomi Method. These modalities are mindfulness-based and body-centered in order to support self-discovery, healing and transformation.
A somatic therapist believes that thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs can have an impact on our physical functioning. Additionally, physical factors such as diet, exercise, and posture may positively or negatively affect our mental and emotional state.
I believe that the mind/body will move toward healing and growth of its own accord, when the right environment and interpersonal interactions are present, and when they take place in a safe and respectful way.
Couple Counselling
In couple counselling, I coach clients to practice new skills, and I support their healing process as a couple. My work is informed by the following modalities:
Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) by Dr. Stan Tatkin
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by Dr. Sue Johnson
Developmental Model of Couples Therapy by Dr. Ellyn Bader
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) by Terry Real
I also integrate key elements of the Gottman Method and somatic therapy for couples.
If you are interested in working with me, you can schedule a free 20-min consultation below.
(Credit: Hydrangea photos by Rovin Ferrer on Unsplash)