Deborah Valerio

Deborah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years of clinical experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy. She works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and school-related concerns. In addition to her clinical background, Deborah spent 13 years as a classroom teacher and has worked as a K–12 school counselor since 2020, giving her a unique understanding of the academic, social, and emotional challenges faced by children, adolescents, and families. She is also trained in EMDR and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Deborah’s approach to therapy is warm, interactive, collaborative, and individualized. She believes meaningful change begins with a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring their concerns without judgment. She integrates evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and developmental approaches, while incorporating EMDR when appropriate. Treatment is tailored to each client’s needs, strengths, experiences, and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

During the first session, Deborah focuses on getting to know the client, understanding what brings them to therapy, and identifying the concerns they would most like to address. Clients can expect a supportive, relaxed, and nonjudgmental environment where they have the opportunity to share at their own pace. Together, Deborah and the client will begin identifying goals for therapy and discussing an individualized approach to treatment. Her goal is for clients to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the work ahead.