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Headshot of Valerie Dorn, LPC

Valerie Dorn

Therapist
4 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Stress management, Women's issues, Identity issues
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I am a proud introvert who prefers deep conversations. Most people would describe me as quiet, but don’t let that fool you—I have a gritty, determined side that doesn’t back down in the face of injustice. In my free time you can find me outside exploring the beauty of nature. I am also an avid meditator and have completed several silent meditation retreats. I love listening to podcasts on psychological well-being and nerd out on all things related to spirituality and living a meaningful life.

I find great meaning and fulfillment in helping people like you: smart, driven women who feel overwhelmed by all the must-dos in their lives. You find yourself running on empty, so tired that you can’t sleep, your thoughts constantly running, over-analyzing every decision you make. You are trying to balance your career with raising a family and are tired of feeling like you can’t do both as well as you want to. You are trying to figure out how to be more present with their partner and yourself, to reconnect with who you were before you became a wife or mom. You are bombarded by images of women living perfect lives, happy all the time. Having had my own experience with trying to live up to the ideals thrust upon us by society, I know the value of letting go of others’ expectations and living a life that is authentically, imperfectly perfectly YOU.​

I have had my own struggles with anxiety and being highly sensitive and I have learned how to mange my anxiety so that it no longer gets in my way. I have also learned to view my sensitivity as a superpower that enables me to connect with and understand others deeply, with an open heart. My sensitivity makes me a great therapist and I would love to partner with you on your path to peace!

You don't have to struggle on your own anymore. If you are ready to let go of constant worrying and move into the driver’s seat of your life, let’s talk!​

My approach to therapy

I help smart, ambitious and stressed out women let go of guilt and resentment so that they feel confident, balanced and thriving in their lives.

My clients struggle with feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Despite being successful at work, taking care of their family at home, and being a supportive friend, life is difficult.

When they come to see me, they feel pulled in a million directions. Everyone needs something from them. They have given everyone else so much that at the end of each day, they have nothing left for themselves.

They wake up feeling exhausted and irritable. While they have been able to successfully juggle all of the competing demands for their attention and energy so far, they wonder how much longer they can continue to keep their head above water.

Their mind races as they think about all the things they have to take care of throughout the day and week. Their never-ending to-do list is getting in the way of living the peaceful life that they long for. They worry that they are not the kind of wife and mother that they want to be. They feel like they are failing in their marriage, and lack confidence in their parenting skills.

Before they came to see me, they feared that there was something wrong with them. Why is everyone else able to manage life without complaint and a smile on their face? They worried that they were the only one who struggles to keep up. And they were pretty certain that no one would be able to help them calm their anxious mind.

Like my clients, you deserve to be able to stop letting anxiety run your life.

If you want to step into the driver’s seat of your life so that YOU are in control and anxiety isn’t, I would love to help you get there.

What you can expect from me

I am passionate about helping high-achieving perfectionist women discover their sensitive strengths and learn how to use them to overcome anxiety, overwhelm and burnout. If you find yourself running on empty, so tired that you can’t sleep, your mind constantly running on overdrive, overanalyzing every decision, you have come to the right place! You CAN learn how to prioritize taking care of yourself, pursuing your goals and dreams, while still being a kind, compassionate person who gets stuff done! I create a confidential, sensitive, and respectful working relationship, where you can increase your coping skills and heal, learn, and grow from your past and current challenges to thrive. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for everyone and stand with the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. I look forward to working with you soon!

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Holistic, Affirming

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    4 years of experience
  • Training
    MEd (Master of Education) at University of Delaware, Other - Masters at University of Pennsylvania
  • License type
    LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) (New Jersey)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Stress management, Women's issues, Identity issues
  • More specialties
    Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Relationship issues, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Humanistic, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Strength-Based, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Positive Psychology
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults
  • Languages
    English