about me
Valerie Uy (she/her/hers)
As an Asian American cisgender female, I have experienced my own share of -isms, but I also know I experience much privilege. In the last few years, I have become more aware of my own implicit biases and have had to unlearn much of what I learned in our society and through my own experiences.
As a therapist, I strive to be a social justice advocate and to be aware of my privileges and implicit biases by seeking out diversity trainings in anti-racism, spirituality, sex positivity, consensual non-monogamy, and LGBTQIA+ affirming practices. As a trauma-informed therapist, the process of consent is key in our work together and valuable in creating safety for your journey of healing. We will openly discuss privilege and sociopolitical impacts on your mental and emotional well-being. I am passionate about destigmatizing labels and being curious about you as an individual so we may uncover patterns in your life that may have been functional in the past but are no longer serving you. You are the expert in your own life and I provide a safe space of warmth, compassion, and genuine empathy to help guide you towards being a more authentic you in all aspects of your life.
My Therapy Approach
I work through an Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment lens to help identify deep-rooted hurt and pain that now impacts your relationship with your partner, your family, your work or your confidence and your ability to trust in your own intuition. I have a passion for supporting couples with racial trauma, generational trauma, infidelity, trauma, substance use, interracial partner dynamics or individuals (adolescents or adults) with challenges in self-esteem and anxiety who are looking to grow in self-love, find their voice, and show up as their authentic, genuine selves in all areas of their lives.
​
The process of looking for a therapist can be intimidating. I understand that meeting with someone you do not know and sharing vulnerable details of your life may be frightening, and I want to reassure you that your feelings are valid and normal. You are resilient, and we can work through this together. I can reassure you that I have your best interests at heart and I encourage you to shop around for therapists to see what is the best fit for you. Feel free to reach out via phone call or email to set up a free 20 min phone consultation to see if it would be a good fit for you.
Theories & Modalities
I use various evidence-based therapeutic models that will be personalized to address your specific needs. My specialties include the following:
​
-
Emotionally Focused Therapy
-
Experiential Therapy
-
Humanistic Therapy
License
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #131478
Professional Associations
-
American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT), Member
-
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT), Member
Credentials
-
Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship
-
Seeking Safety: Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Abuse
Education
Alliant International University, CSPP
-
Master of Arts, Marriage & Family Therapy - COAMFTE Accreditation
​
University of California, Irvine
-
Bachelor of Arts, Cognitive Psychology