Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy

 Valerie has worked as a counselor and psychotherapist in private practice for over a decade. She approaches both life and the healing process holistically, recognizing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.  In a compassionate and collaborative manner, Valerie embraces the uniqueness of each client -- taking into consideration each one's personality, strengths, and cultural background.  Her style of counseling involves creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where clients can achieve a deeper sense of self-understanding, and ultimately find the passion to face life with courage, wisdom, and joy.

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Existential Therapeutic Approach

Valerie is highly influenced by an existential therapeutic philosophy that focuses on living a fully authentic and meaningful life in the here and now. She has been deeply impacted by the work of Viktor Frankl and often draws from his Logotherapy approach to psychotherapy. In addition,  Valerie utilizes tools from several other evidence-based therapeutic models, ranging from Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy -- oriented toward changing maladaptive thought and behavioral patterns; to a deeper psychodynamic focus on uncovering deeply embedded beliefs and values that may be having an impact on the healing process. 

Valerie makes it her priority to listen to each client's individual story and get to know the whole person: Who are you? What brought you here? What are you struggling with physically, emotionally, and/or mentally? What has motivated you to seek change and healing? What has meaning for you? As the therapeutic relationship develops, sessions become a time of collaborative and deep exploration.

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Originally from the New England region of the USA, Valerie has lived and worked around the world in various countries including the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Indonesia. She brings extensive experience with people from a wide range of social backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, and faiths.  She particularly enjoys working with internationals and helping them recognize the incredible opportunity living abroad can offer for personal growth and transformation. 

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Valerie has been living in Germany since 2002, where she shares her life with her Austrian husband and their two daughters.​ 

In 2019, she founded East to West Counseling -- in keeping with her passion for providing culturally sensitive compassionate care to international clients.

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Services​

At East to West, Valerie offers services for individuals with a focus on:​​​

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• Anxiety or Fears

• Grief + Loss

• Relational Issues

• Trauma + PTSD

• Depression

• Spirituality / Spiritual Crisis

• Christian Counseling

• Cross-Cultural Issues

• Life Transitions