Natasha Valdez

Hi there, my name is Natasha Valdez. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working in the mental health field for over 9 years with children and adults. My approach to therapy is a collaborative individualized approach, tailored to each client's needs. During the process of building rapport and assessing the client's needs, we as a team (I and the client), will determine the best therapeutic approach, to support the client along the journey of healing and understanding of oneself.

My approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping individuals identify the unhealthy patterns of thinking that impact their emotions and behaviors. CBT is evidenced based in treating various mental health disorders. However, other approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Based-CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy are also alternative evidence-based modalities utilized to treat various mental health disorders.

My focus

I have experience working with children ages K-12. My experience includes treating anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suicide ideation, bipolar disorders, and low self-esteem concerns.

My communication style

The environment I provide is a safe, trusting, supportive, and calming environment that allows clients to express themselves without judgment. Sessions feel at ease, as my focus is on the client and building a therapeutic relationship with the client.

My journey to mental healthcare

While working in a juvenile facility as a Juvenile Correctional Officer, I talked with many youths who shared stories about the past, self, family, and friends. These youth had experienced trauma, abuse, fear, worry, being unloved, and a lack of confidence in themselves. I realized I wanted to do more to help our youth. I wanted to support them, empower them, and instill hope that they can grow and persevere through their childhood experiences and be successful and happy.

My goals for you

When goal setting with clients, it is important to build rapport with clients and see beyond their mental health symptoms of who they are. Goal setting is a collaborative approach with the therapist and the client. Together we will identify their strengths and challenges, and identify short-term and long-term goals.

My first session with you

The first session consists of building rapport, limits of confidentiality, session structure, rules of therapy, scheduling therapy sessions, and learning about the client and what brings them to therapy.