Valerie Cartwright, MS
LMFT #121472
🌿 How I work
I believe deeply in the importance of our relationship as a a space to practice new ways of relating overall. Wherever our work takes us, my goal is always to be a trustworthy traveling companion with whom you can start to try new ways of seeing yourself and other people in the world.
I use a psychodynamic / relational framework that is grounded in traditional psychodynamic thinking with feminist / relational theory. I believe that a therapist’s authenticity is key to the healing process, especially for those of us who have struggled to experience others as trustworthy. You can expect to talk about early childhood experiences because they shape us in fundamental ways and help guide the work; you also will see me laugh, feel concern, express righteous anger at the unfairness of the world, and generally be the opposite of a blank slate. You will often hear me make jokes… though I cannot promise they will always make you laugh.
🌿 How I got here
I first opened my private practice in 2020. When the world became quiet with longing and loneliness, like so many others I reached out through video to offer, and receive, connection.
In late 2021, I was diagnosed with ADHD and began a new role in my district as a special education mental health provider—primarily working with students who also have ADHD. Before I knew it, I had begun specializing in neurodivergence, building on my existing expertise in treating developmental trauma and its long-term impacts.
Most of the human beings who make their way to me have a sense of brokenness; a disconnect from their feelings, from others, and a profound wish to understand why. Or for those who have been on that journey for many years already: a frustrated desire to change how they relate to themselves and the people they interact with.
This is a path I have walked for many years; I know the pain and fear and cold behind the castle walls we build to protect ourselves.If you can come to the gate, I can meet you there.
🌈 Who I am
I am a solo parent to a child with ADHD. A nerd, a warrior, an artist. I will momentarily look a little sad when my Star Trek references pass by without comment; you might then hear me attempt a joke about whether Star Trek is better than Star Wars (of course it is) and if that doesn’t get you I will probably stop trying for at least the next hour.
Activities I have loved over my 40+ years on this earth: reading, writing, music, textile art, coloring, drawing, arguing, rollerblading, running…
The list is long.
Therapy is at the top of it.
