Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Missoula, MT

I use a person centered approach, meeting you where you are at, identifying strengths, and promoting inner processing through EMDR, somatic awareness, and empowerment. I am also a certified psychedelic assisted therapy provider, providing preparation and integration for psychedelic journeys.

You have probably been managing this longer than you let on, to yourself or to the people around you.

I work with people across every stage of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors, and I have been doing this work long enough to know that no two people carry things the same way. Whether you are navigating anxiety, processing something painful from your past, managing shifts in mood, or simply trying to figure out who you want to become, I want to help you get there. My goal is to help you find the version of yourself that you actually want to be.

I am a dedicated practitioner focused on providing evidence-based, compassionate care. My professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding human behavior and fostering meaningful growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving women in Montana and Florida through my private practice, Heart Development Strategies, LLC. I earned my Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University and hold a graduate certificate in Rural Community Social Work. I am trained in EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and strengths-based, person-centered approaches.

I specialize in working with emotionally and mentally exhausted women navigating anxiety, burnout, compassion fatigue, trauma, and major life transitions. Many of the women I work with are leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and caregivers who have spent years holding everything together while quietly losing touch with themselves. Women often come to me because they want someone real, warm, honest, and straightforward. I am not here to impress you or give you a script to follow. I meet you where you are with truth, compassion, and practical support.

Please note, outside of Headway insurance I also accept Mountain Health Co-Op, Peak PPO.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.

As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I enjoy learning about ways we can change and understand our human existence. We are thinking, feeling and doing beings. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides a framework to identify ways to do it differently and better. Trauma treatment modalities like EMDR may support processing neurological and physiological reactions and being able to feel secure and safe while staying connected to others more fully. Our story is just that; we write it and edit it. We get to choose the chapters and path of our lives, through the unknowns, mysteries and celebrations.

Hello, I'm Valerie!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana and Ohio with a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves.

​I founded Wild Living Therapy not only because of my deep love for wildlife and nature but also because I believe we all carry untamed, misunderstood aspects of ourselves—parts that may feel "too wild" or difficult to accept. My goal is to create a space where you can honor these parts, step into your power, and recognize your worth.

You're not broken—you are whole. Let’s navigate this journey together.

I am a depth-oriented clinical psychologist who treats clinical symptoms through traditional talk therapy. I treat depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and mind-body symptoms without a clear medical origin (psychosomatics). I specialize in spiritual, religious, and existential issues. I earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, a leading school for depth psychology in the world.

Are you struggling with anxiety, relationship, or addiction issues? I specialize in all three of those. With my 20 years of experience I can help you get the change and relief you are looking for. Most of my clients start to feel better within a couple of sessions. Therapy can be short or long term and I will work with you on a plan that works best for you and your needs. Some of my other experience includes, depression, mood disorders, couples/family issues, major life changes, grief, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, trauma, and adjustments to adult children.

Are you carrying the weight of trauma and PTSD and hoping to feel safer, more connected, and understood? I specialize in supporting Veterans, first responders, and individuals and couples navigating trauma, PTSD, and the impact these experiences can have on daily life and relationships. With 18 years in a VA PTSD clinic, I bring experience, compassion, and a collaborative approach to helping you move toward healing and a better quality of life.