LGBT therapists in Syracuse, NY

Thank you for visiting my profile, I hope to be able to guide you along your mental health journey. For over ten years, I’ve specialized in the treatment of anxiety and depression, especially in the context of life transitions. I have an expertise in helping people who feel stuck and unhappy gain confidence, advance in their careers, and form healthy interpersonal relationships.

I believe that you and I will work as a team to find the best solutions for you. I am so glad that you have made the hardest step in therapy- seeking help. In the time that I have been practicing, I have had many types of clients with many different issues they wanted to address with my help. I like to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the start of our time together.

I have been in the health care field for over 10 years. When working with individuals, I believe it’s important to take a humanistic approach and focus on what a client’s goals. Providing a safe non-judgement space is important in order to have a successful relationship. I like to meet individuals where they are and utilize a person-centered approach when discussing coping skills or creating goals for outside of the counseling session.

You've overcome every challenge life has placed in your path. You've built a successful life, a meaningful career, and a reputation for being the person others can count on. From the outside, it looks like you have it all together—and in many ways, you do. But lately, something has changed. The things you used to manage with ease now feel overwhelming. Everyday responsibilities require more energy than they once did. You're exhausted from carrying so much, yet you keep showing up because that's what you've always done. You're not falling apart. You're the one holding it all together, but it's becoming harder to do it alone.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.

To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.

Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy based on psychoanalytical self psychology training.

Welcome, my name is Valerie. Since receiving my Masters in Social Work at Columbia University in 2014, I have worked with diverse populations and several topics like depression, anxiety, grief, managing medical illnesses, relationship issues, etc. I also have a passion for supporting parents of special needs children. I’m excited to get to know you and see how I can be of help to you!