Valata Jenkins-Monroe

I am an African American woman and licensed psychologist, Southern-raised and grounded in strong values, compassion, and a life-long commitment to social justice.

I believe therapy begins with feeling seen, heard, and respected. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. While I welcome clients from many different backgrounds, I have particular experience working with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color and understand the importance of having a space where culture, identity, family, and life experiences can be openly explored and honored.

In our work together, I strive to create a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself. We will work together to heal from trauma, manage stress, strengthen your sense if identity, and address the barriers that nay be keeping you from moving forward.

I believe you bring strengths, wisdom, and resilience to therapy. My role is to help you recognize and build upon those strengths while supporting you in creating the healing, growth, and meaningful change you want to have for your life.

Most importantly, I want you to know that you do not have to leave important parts of who you are outside of the therapy room. Your story, your experiences, and your goals matter here.

My approach to therapy is person-centered, culturally responsive and strengths-based. I believe you bring valuable strengths, experiences, and wisdom into the therapeutic relationship. Together, we build upon those strengths while working to increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and a greater sense of empowerment in your life.

I strive to be open, patient, compassionate, and supportive, meeting you where you are. At the same time, therapy is also an opportunity for deeper exploration and growth. When appropriate, I will gently challenge you to look beneath the surface, consider different perspectives, and explore patterns that may be keeping you from moving forward.

Through thoughtful questions and honest conversation, we may explore then places where you feel stuck, fearful, uncertain, or hesitant to let go of behaviors, relationships, or ways of thinking that may no longer serve you.

I believe meaningful change happens through collaboration. My goal is not to tell you who you should be, but to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and feel empowered to make choices that support the life you want to create.

I now provide therapy virtually, offering greater flexibility and the opportunity to meet from a private, comfortable space that works for them. Even in a virtual setting, creating a warm, safe, and genuine connection is an important part of our work together.

Our first session is primarily an opportunity for us to get to know one another. I want to hear, in your own words, "Why now?" What has brought you to therapy at this point in your life and what are you hoping will be different as a result of our work together?

Although I will have reviewed the background and intake information you completed before our meeting, I see those forms as a starting point-not your whole story. During our first session, we can clarify what you have shared and, when you feel ready begin exploring experiences, concerns, or parts of your story that may have been difficult to put into words on a form.

I also recognize that simply showing up for a first therapy session can take courage. I am interested in understanding what helped you take that step, what you hope to experience with me as your therapist, and what will help you feel safe enough to engage honestly in the process.

You should not feel pressured to tell me everything in our first meeting. Trust develops over time. My goals is for us to begin identifying what matters most to you, what you would like help changing or understanding, and the strengths you already bring to the process.

By the end of our first session, I hope you will have a clearer sense of how we might work together-and, just as importantly, whether you feel that I am someone with whom you can feel comfortable, respected, and supported as we move forward.