Hi, I’m Valerie

I'm a credentialed art therapist, licensed professional counselor,

and psychedelic-assisted therapist with 20 years in mental health.

I see clients in my Wheat Ridge office minutes from Denver but I see clients

online anywhere in Colorado. At Focal Points Therapy I guide adults into

deeper self-understanding, healing, and growth with creative

mind-body psychotherapy.

Recent Advanced Training

End-of-Life

• End of life/Existential Distress Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training, Psychedelic Research and Training Institute, June 2025

• Psychedelic Core Course for End of Life Care, End of Life Psychedelic Care (EOLPC)- Nov.-Dec. 2025

  Relational Psychotherapy

• Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Instituto Quatro Ciclos, March 2025

  Spiritual Healing

• Embodying the Tree of Life (Kabbalah & Personal Growth), The Kabbalah Experience/Rooted Expansion, Nov.2025-Feb.2026

• Tending the Spiritual in Psychedelic Care: Clinical Settings, Harvard Divinity School, September 2025

• How to Be a Healer, Clairvoyant Counseling, April 2025 - spiritual techniques for healing and energy clearing

Neurodivergence

• Polyvagal Theory Applied to Neurodivergent Clients, Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy Training Institute, March 2025

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

• End of life/Existential Distress Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training, Psychedelic Research and Training Institute, June 2025

• Psychedelics and Art Therapy- Level 2, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, Feb.-Apr. 2025, Art Therapy for prep, journey, and integration

• Enhancing Psychedelic Therapy with Essential Oils, Aromagnosis, January 2025

• Psychotherapeutic Touch and Psychedelics, Fluence- May 2024

• Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Certificate Program, Innate Path- February-April 2024 - Ketamine and Cannabis assisted therapy

  Attended with a training scholarship from the Usona Institute to support increased access to underserved consumers of PAT

A Space That Feels Like Home

From our very first contact, I want you to feel welcome.

My therapy space is cozy, creative, and intentionally non-clinical. Picture an artsy mid-century living room, not a sterile office. With a plant-filled waiting area offering water, tea and coffee, my office includes a comfy seating nook framed by two large windows, and a separate space for art-making. In our space, you are welcome to take off your shoes, wrap up in a blanket, or walk around. Therapy should be a chance to rest and be yourself, even if you have hard work to do.

I Meet You Where You Are. I Stay True to Who I Am.

I’m laidback, deeply sincere, and I bring my full personality into the room—including my “funny-because-it’s-true” humor. Please be who are as well. Therapy need not always be serious and no topic is off limits—spirituality, politics, gaming, substances, sex—these are all meaningful aspects of life and may deeply affect your mental health. I am here for whatever matters for you.

As an expressive arts therapist, I weave together a variety of creative practices if you’re open to it. Therapy with me might involve rearranging furniture to sprawl out with art supplies on the floor, or taking a mindfulness walk in the park near my office.

I Dive Deep when you do.

Though I’m naturally introverted, I thrive on authentic connection. I believe that everything about you—your quirks, passions, favorite TV shows—is meaningful in our work together.

Whether you're creating what you think is an absurd scene of figures in a sand tray or unraveling a complex emotional pattern, we’re not just checking boxes. We're uncovering what makes you you—and finding ways to support your growth and healing.

I Practice What I Preach

I'm a therapist, but I'm also a human—a hands-on mom, partner, and person navigating midlife with curiosity and determination to continue to follow my interests, expand horizons, and be in service to others. My own wellness practices include:

• Singing in a small, queer-affirming choir

• Hiking and paddleboarding

• Movies & TV, reading

• Making art and writing poetry

• Seeing live music and art in the community on the regular

• Doing yoga, Ecstatic Dance, and Zumba to take care of my body + spirit and be in community

• Exploring the healing power of psychedelics in ceremony with others and on my own

• Traveling, dining out, and spending time with friends and family.

My personal focal points are relationships, the arts, and caring for Self and others. In therapy with me you’ll clarify your focal points and together we’ll find ways for you to nurture and protect them.

I Am an Adult

Unlike many therapists in private practice, I am not fresh out of school or new to adulthood. I’m a seasoned clinician, embracing (and sometimes cursing) the imperfections and depth that come with middle age.

I’m not gonna lie, 50 hit hard. But after the shock wore off, I realized how much wisdom, empathy, and curiosity the last 50 years have cultivated in me. These are now the tools I bring into every session.

I Trust the Process

Grad school taught me to trust the process. Life taught me what that really means.

Now, with over 20 years in mental health and 15 years in private practice, I’ve seen the power of creative, courageous work. I’ve been through the hard stuff—and so have my clients. Watching them emerge more whole, more grounded, more themselves, is the greatest reward of my work.

Ready to Begin?

If you're ready to explore what you need to live your best life—and how to get there—reach out.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation by phone or in-person. I do my best to return all messages within 1-2 business days.