Valerie was born and raised in Cape Breton and is now living in Prince Edward Island with my family. Valerie has a Master’s of Arts in counselling psychology, a 4-year Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Psychology Major and a Biology Minor from Cape Breton University, and a 4-year Child and Youth Studies Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Her career began as a Resource Specialist in a children's center in Halifax, where she discovered her passion for working with children and families, with a focus on Autism, ADHD, and Behaviour Modification. For the past 23 years, Valerie worked in Prince Edward Island schools, delivering programs on Anxiety, Resilience, Anger, Emotional Regulation, OCD, Perfectionism, Mindfulness, Negative Thinking, Goal Setting, Social Skills, and Executive Functioning. Valerie will now be working closely with the schools as a counsellor clinician with the Student Well-Being Team.

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Her natural, warm disposition, along with her experiences and education, has shaped her therapeutic approach. She commits to creating a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore feelings, challenge limiting beliefs, and make meaningful changes in your life. Continuing education is a key focus, encompassing training in sand tray therapy, play therapy, and supporting families through postpartum adjustments. Additionally, ongoing training in Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Somatic exercises and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy will be integrated into the session depending on client needs.  

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When she is not in the office, Valerie can be found at the hockey rink, taking a virtual exercise class, or simply enjoying life as a mom of teenagers.

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Areas of Focus:

• Stress, Anxiety, Depression
• Burnout & Compassion Fatigue
• People-Pleasing, Setting Boundaries & Assertiveness
• High Functioning Anxiety & Perfectionism
• Self-Esteem & Self-Compassion
• Emotional Regulation
• Executive Functioning
• Life Transitions, Behaviour Change & Personal Growth
• Neurodivergence (ADHD & ASD in children, teens and adults)