Josie Valderrama (she/they)

The malady of our times, anxiety seems to be everywhere. It's not really a surprise, what with real life existential threats as well as a modern society geared towards the removal of all discomfort. Because anxiety is actually fed by avoidance. So though it may feel better in the moment to change the subject, not talk to those people or otherwise disengage, such action tends to increase our hypersensitivity to distress. I work with folks to compassionately and gently face their fears.

Much of what I call "old school" ways of being contain codependency. The idea that suffering along with someone shows that you care. The idea that good friends should never question one another. The idea that other people need to make you feel better. Or that it's your job to take care of others' emotions. Codependency tends to be fostered by maladaptive guilt and shame, as well as social circles where codependent thinking is normative and enforced under the threat of disapproval or exile.

Ethical consensual non-monogamy has become increasingly normative. Drawing on my personal and professional experience, I endeavor to create a safer space for healing and actualization. Having a therapist attuned to this shared reality--and also of a generation when both sexual freedom wasn't a given, and alternative relationship practices had less of a sense of "orthodox" templates--allows me to provide a rich and nuanced framework for therapeutic exploration.

Ethical consensual non-monogamy has become increasingly normative. Drawing on my personal and professional experience, I endeavor to create a safer space for healing and actualization. Having a therapist attuned to this shared reality--and also of a generation when both sexual freedom wasn't a given, and alternative relationship practices had less of a sense of "orthodox" templates--allows me to provide a rich and nuanced framework for therapeutic exploration. Contextualizing culture is also key

The mind-body connection can be a vital dimension of therapy. Before I became a psychologist, I struggled with chronic pain in my own life--these challenges have informed my somatic approach. I also have a background in yoga, qi gong, bodywork, and dance. In addition, I integrate my 2 modules of Somatic Experiencing training into a holistic approach which asks questions such as: Where do you feel this emotion in your body? How old is this feeling? Are you noticing shifts in your body right now?

Depth therapy is about working with both the unconscious and conscious. Moving from just talk into experiential modalities such as guided imagery exercises which tap into the wisdom of your own psyche. I approach depth work with humility, gentleness and an open-minded spirit. Many clients report depth therapy sessions to be like "sober journeying" or "dreaming while awake." We may utilize sounds (drumming, sound bowls) or other layers to enrich the experience further. Excellent in person.

Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapies such as ACT & DBT are helpful frameworks for healing and growth. ACT is akin to the serenity prayer: courage to change the things you can, acceptance of the things you cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference. I also have authored 2 ACT-based books, providing e-versions free of charge to my clients. ACT is great for those feeling lost or indecisive as well as people feeling stuck or avoidant.