About
Valerie
Valerie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Professional Counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Connecticut. She is currently pursuing a Psychotherapy Diploma in Existential Analysis which has profoundly enriched her therapeutic approach.
Valerie approaches both life and the healing process holistically, recognizing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. In a compassionate and collaborative manner, she embraces the uniqueness of each client -- taking into consideration each one's personality, strengths, and cultural background. Her style of counseling involves creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where clients can achieve a deeper sense of self-understanding, and ultimately find the passion to face life with courage, wisdom, and joy.
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Originally from the New England region of USA, Valerie has lived and worked around the world in various countries including the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Indonesia. She brings extensive experience with people from a wide range of social backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, and faiths. She particularly enjoys working with internationals and helping them recognize the incredible opportunity that living abroad can offer for personal growth and transformation.
In keeping with her passion for offering culturally sensitive compassionate care, in 2019 Valerie founded East to West Counseling, a faith-based practice community of international mental health providers.
On a personal note, Valerie has been living in Germany since 2002, where she shares her life with her Austrian husband and their two daughters.
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Licensure
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Connecticut, USA
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Licensed Practitioner of Psychotherapy (HpG) - Stuttgart, Germany
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Qualifications​​
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Psychotherapy Diploma in Existential Analysis (in progress) - GLE-International - Vienna / London
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M.Sc. ​Existential Analysis (in progress) - Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg, Austria
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M.A. Professional Counseling - Liberty University, USA
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B.A. Psychology; minor in Sociology - Central Connecticut State University, USA
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A.A. Human Services - Lasell University (formally College), Newton, MA, USA​
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Additional Training​
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EMDR - EMDR Institute (Completed Basic Training)
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Attachment-focused EMDR for Healing Relational Trauma and Adults Abused in Childhood
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Trauma Treatment Certification
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Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator ​
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Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP)
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Foundations of Logotherapy - The Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy
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As an avid lifelong learner, Valerie enjoys keeping up with the most recent research in the field of psychology.
She continually participates in seminars and other educational opportunities to expand her understanding of the human experience. Guided by an existential holistic approach, she is particularly interested in the connections between neuroscience, psychology, and ancient spiritual practices, which inform her work in addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
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