My personal practices ensure that I am an objective listener, an authentic presence and an effective therapist. I am committed to help people heal in an integrative way so they have more meaningful and peaceful lives.
In 2001, I graduated from JFK University with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Transpersonal Psychology. I recognize the importance of knowing your spiritual presence as a part of your psychological understanding.
After working as an intern gathering hours for counseling clients, I received my Marriage and Family Therapy license from the State of California in 2005.
I have been a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) since 2003 and have had many years of studying and working with people with trauma.
I study EMDR and am currently working to get my EMDR certification. EMDR is "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing" and is a very effective way to work with traumatic experiences.
I use EFT™ or Emotional Freedom Techniques, which uses the energy meridians in your body to help clear places that you feel stuck energetically.
I have been a student of ancient and contemporary approaches to consciousness and self-realization for many years. Most recently, I have 13 years training in the Diamond Approach of the Ridhwan Center of Spiritual Development, which also informs my work with people.
I also integrate all Learning Styles into my practice to provide my clients with another perspective which could lead to greater self understanding.
Here's what some people say about their experience working with me.
Working with Valorie has been an absolute honor . She offers holistic insight into my healing journey and helps me cultivate skills that create impactful change in my life and relationships. She is a true gem in this world; I am so grateful for her guidance . (M.B.) Valorie de Leña is a very compassionate and nurturing therapist. She provides great insights on your personal journey of self-discovery. (Anonymous client) Valorie always has the right question to help me inquire within and reveal the truth along with accepting where I'm at. (G.T.) Valorie completely changed my life's trajectory. She was not only kind and compassionate, but she also challenged me--mostly challenging the beliefs I had been carrying around about myself for decades. She gave me tools to help me through the aftermath of a traumatic event, helped me work through and understand the physical and emotional reverberations of that event, and left me feeling more empowered than I had before the event happened. I know I worked hard, too, but her support and encouragement helped me immeasurably. (A.C.)
