Valyne Craig

With a passion for creating safe, non-judgmental spaces, Valyne Craig, LMFT, has dedicated her 14-year career to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of trauma and mental health challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Valyne brings a wealth of experience and a diverse therapeutic toolkit to her practice, Blooming Desert Therapy.

Valyne's approach is both comprehensive and adaptable, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities. She skillfully employs Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, and Play Therapy to support her clients in addressing their symptoms and identifying paths to recovery. This eclectic approach allows her to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs and circumstances.

Throughout her career, Valyne has gained valuable experience across various settings in social services. Her journey began in an adolescent group home for teen boys, where she provided therapeutic support and facilitated daily groups. She then transitioned to working as a Therapeutic Behavior Specialist, offering in-home counseling, therapy, and behavior modification support. Valyne's experience extends to crisis work in psychiatric hospitals, where she ran group therapy sessions for individuals on psychosis wings and those on 5150 holds.

One of Valyne's notable achievements includes launching an art therapy program in the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. There, she led groups for individuals on mental health modules, using art therapy activities to promote healing, recovery, and rehabilitation. This innovative approach demonstrates her commitment to finding creative solutions for mental health support in challenging environments.

Valyne places a strong emphasis on addressing barriers related to cultural background and socio-economic factors that may impair an individual's well-being. Her extensive experience in crisis work has fostered a deep passion for supporting individuals during their most challenging moments. At Blooming Desert Therapy, Valyne continues to build healing and supportive relationships, offering a nurturing space where clients can work towards improved mental health and overall well-being.