VALERIE'S STORY

Registered Psychologist

Adult and Adolescent Therapist

In-Person and Telehealth Sessions

I grew up in a rigid and demanding family. Driven by a constant need for approval, the pressure of needing to be perfect impacted my self-esteem and mental health. As a teen, I struggled with an eating disorders which soon became an unhealthy preoccupation in my life. Walking through my mental health journey, it allowed me to learn how to be vulnerable, finding courage and strength in my story.

I have a special interest in helping individuals with personality disorders. I understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with a need to be perfect, wanting to be loved and valued by family and friends.

I strive to help individuals to fulfill their potential and maximize their well-being by drawing upon different approaches such as Strength-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I believe that mental health is a process that can be improved by healing our inner selves with the right support.

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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Areas of Practice

Populations

Adults
Adolescents

Presenting Concerns

Anxiety and Depression
Relationship Concerns
Grief and Loss
Trauma
Addictions

Education and Credentials

Professional Membership

Valerie is a member in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists as of 2021.

Master of Counselling

Valerie graduated from Walden University in 2016 with a Master of Clinical Psychology degree. Valerie also graduated with a degree in Social Work and undergraduate psychology degree in 2011 and 2014, respectively.

Post-Graduate Training

Valerie is passion about working with individuals who have experienced trauma. With extensive experience in addictions and community mental health, Valerie considers how anxiety and mood disorders can be treated from a trauma-informed lens to adequately address what may be the root cause of symptoms.

Addition Training:

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (C.P.I.) – Standard
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Medication Delivery Training
Culture Awareness Training
Protecting Human Research Participants
Seven Challenges Certificate
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Mental Health Experience

With over 9 years in the mental health field, Valerie is passionate about bringing awareness to the importance of mental health and supporting adolescents and adults in Fort Saskatchewan.

Teaching Assistance

Valerie's teaching assistant experience includes planning and developing material for a psychology course at Cegep Regional de Terrebonne in 2013. Providing post-secondary student support in Montreal, QC was important in deepening her understanding of psychology, serving those in her university community.

Professional Experience

Since 2011, Valerie has worked extensively with individuals who have been impacted by homelessness and addictions. Valerie provided rehabilitation and reintegration supports in multiple settings including psychiatric units, transitional housing support programs, and for individuals impacted by substance use.

Valerie is passionate about advocacy and providing liaison work to support clients within their community. As a Registered Psychologist, considering the greater environment and the impacts of society on mental health is important, including the context into therapy.