About Valerie
Valerie, her horse Mack and her dog Max
Photo credit: Carly Stern
Photo credit: Carly Stern
Over the past 10 years, I have had offices in Culver City and Sunland CA, but I have recently relocated to Templeton, CA.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual therapy.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help my clients effectively address personal life challenges. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Where am I from?
I am originally from a rural, mountainous part of France.
How did I get here?
I moved to the U.S. in 1997 for college. Born hearing, I became progressively deaf by the age of 23. Consequently, I faced many difficulties finding my place in this world. I am now fluent in sign language, and two cochlear implants have restored my hearing.
And what about the horses?
Later in life, I found that horses helped me discover much about myself, thanks to their uncanny ability to sense and mirror human emotions. Horses can help you discover new ways to problem-solve, be more assertive, and build your confidence. They can even teach you about effective communication.
Certified as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), I can incorporate horses into your treatment plan.
Education and Experience
I earned my Masters in Social Work at California State University, Long Beach in 2004.
In the past I have worked with survivors of domestic violence and rape, adults, children, teenagers and older adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, people who are homeless, people in recovery from substance or alcohol abuse, people who are severely mentally ill and people living with AIDS.
I have been trained in Motivational Interviewing, Inter-Personal Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Oriented Services and Seeking Safety, and I am certified as a Positive Parenting Program provider.
As a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), I deliver Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to people in recovery, foster children and youth-at-risk at Special Spirit, Inc., located in Shadow Hills, CA (www.specialspirit.org) from 2012 to 2020. I am currently building my own ranch and program in Templeton, CA and all should be operational by Summer 2021.
I am fluent in English, French and American Sign Language.
Professional Activities and Memberships
I am a member of:
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual therapy.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help my clients effectively address personal life challenges. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Where am I from?
I am originally from a rural, mountainous part of France.
How did I get here?
I moved to the U.S. in 1997 for college. Born hearing, I became progressively deaf by the age of 23. Consequently, I faced many difficulties finding my place in this world. I am now fluent in sign language, and two cochlear implants have restored my hearing.
And what about the horses?
Later in life, I found that horses helped me discover much about myself, thanks to their uncanny ability to sense and mirror human emotions. Horses can help you discover new ways to problem-solve, be more assertive, and build your confidence. They can even teach you about effective communication.
Certified as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), I can incorporate horses into your treatment plan.
Education and Experience
I earned my Masters in Social Work at California State University, Long Beach in 2004.
In the past I have worked with survivors of domestic violence and rape, adults, children, teenagers and older adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, people who are homeless, people in recovery from substance or alcohol abuse, people who are severely mentally ill and people living with AIDS.
I have been trained in Motivational Interviewing, Inter-Personal Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Oriented Services and Seeking Safety, and I am certified as a Positive Parenting Program provider.
As a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), I deliver Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to people in recovery, foster children and youth-at-risk at Special Spirit, Inc., located in Shadow Hills, CA (www.specialspirit.org) from 2012 to 2020. I am currently building my own ranch and program in Templeton, CA and all should be operational by Summer 2021.
I am fluent in English, French and American Sign Language.
Professional Activities and Memberships
I am a member of:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
- The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
Valerie in Tortilla Flats, AZ