Valerie Barela

Through a decade of experience in the mental health field, Valerie Barela has cultivated a profound belief in three fundamental principles: the innate power within each individual, the healing that occurs through authentic and respectful interactions, and the possibility of change for anyone willing to embrace new approaches. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), Valerie specializes in creating unique therapeutic relationships that combat feelings of isolation, overwhelm, and hopelessness.

Valerie's approach is rooted in Relational Cultural Therapy, a framework she uses to construct personalized therapeutic experiences for each client. She skillfully integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while also drawing upon trauma-treatment concepts from renowned theorists like Bessel Van Der Kolk and Peter Levine. Her toolkit is further enriched by relationship therapies from the Gottman Institute and Sue Johnson, allowing her to offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to mental health care.

With a diverse clientele ranging from 5 to 65 years old, Valerie demonstrates expertise in addressing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. Her areas of focus include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress management, trauma processing, self-harm prevention, suicide intervention, substance use treatment, addiction recovery, relationship issues, and identity exploration. Valerie's practice is inclusive and informed, catering to all gender identities and relationship types.

Valerie's professional journey is complemented by her personal background as a cisfemale Mexican American who grew up in El Paso. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Denver. This blend of academic achievement and cultural understanding allows her to bring a unique perspective to her work, particularly in serving her hometown community.

As a mental health provider, Valerie is committed to ensuring that clients have an active role in directing their therapeutic work. She explores how interactions with others influence well-being, openly discusses the impact of various identities on daily life, and focuses on nurturing what is already working well for her clients. Her approach emphasizes mindfulness, self-awareness, and the development of healthy patterns of being and functioning. For those seeking a therapist who combines professional expertise with cultural sensitivity and a passion for personal growth, Valerie Barela offers a welcoming and transformative therapeutic experience.