Valeria Castanos

Hi there!

My name is Val and I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed professional counselor (LPC). If you are feeling like life if overwhelming, you are dealing with stress/anxiety, interpersonal conflict, major life changes, or just feeling stuck, I'd like to help. My goal is to provide a warm and safe space where you can slow down, feel heard, and deepen your understanding of yourself as you move through change. One of my favorite quotes is, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate" by Carl Jung, This resonates with my approach to therapy because I believe that greater self-awareness can be the first step toward meaningful change. At times, we may find ourselves repeating patterns, reacting in ways we don’t fully understand, or feeling stuck without knowing why.

I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and Liberal Studies from Florida International University, followed by a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Rutgers University. Throughout my professional experience, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping people better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning I draw from different modalities to tailor what is needed for you. I have experience with working with individuals with anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma.

In our first session, we’ll talk about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to get out of it. My goal is to get to know you as a person and create a space where you can be open and honest without judgment. My approach is also practical and I want you to get the most out of your time and investment in therapy. My approach is warm and supportive but I also won’t shy away from challenging you when it’s needed. I believe growth often happens when we’re willing to look at the things that may be uncomfortable, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t gently call you out when it could help you move forward.