Valerie Castillo, MS LMHCA

When our nervous system feels threatened, it cannot fully access safety, and progress toward healing slows. Growth unfolds more steadily in spaces where we feel secure, emotionally validated, and understood. I strive to cultivate that sense of safety through a nonjudgmental, curious, and culturally considerate approach- especially in a world that can at times feel invalidating or critical. I am honored to walk alongside you as you navigate your healing journey. I look forward to working with you! 

About myself: I am a first-generation American and College Graduate. When I don’t have my therapist hat on, I am likely spending time near the water with my dog, listening to an audiobook while running errands or creating, appreciating art, playing video games, or studying my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique. 

Approach to Therapy:

I believe that there is 'no one-size-fits-all' model to therapy, my style of counseling is trauma-informed, openly collaborative, and eclectic. We will work together to identify realistic and achievable ways to work toward your unique counseling goals. I pull from a blend of approaches: person-centered, humanistic, social justice and multicultural, solution-focused, ACT, CBT, DBT, relational, existential, narrative therapies, to name a handful. 

Specialties:

• Ages 16+
• Individuals • Recovering from emotionally immature parenting
• Breaking free from people pleasing
• Parenting
• BIPOC
• LGBTQIA+
• ADHD management • First Generation Americans
• Values • Grief
• Trauma, PTSD and CPTSD
• Attachment
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Body Image and Appearance
• Life Adjustments
• Communication and boundary setting
• Self Care