About Me
Hi, I’m Val.
Helping others has always felt like my calling. Irvin Yalom, one of my favorite psychologists, posited that becoming a therapist is a thing we are called to, rather than a profession, “a way of life for people who care about others”. I studied Psychology directly and through into a clinical Masters degree in Clinical Health Psychology and Neuroscience and had several internships and positions. Then, some years ago, I founded my own practice.
A couple years ago I also founded a collective - Queer Care Collective Berlin. We are a group of helpers and healers, and those passionate about collective resilience, seeking to help others more accessibly, equitably, and holistically.
I am comfortable working with clients of all ages.
Queer-positive; body-positive; polyamory-affirmative; feminist.
Registered K.A.P. (kink and polyamory aware professional).
I'm very interested in trades! Especially for tattoos, art and prints :)
Read more about me here.
My Approach
My approach is eclectic, systemic and informed by intersectional feminist theory. I believe each person needs tailored therapy that pulls from all relevant theories and toolkits; some methods are better suited to some people and I adapt my approach based on the individual (or couple), the specific problems they are encountering, and their goals.
My work is based on psychological theory and research. Though I think the most enlightening moments, interventions and tools I have gained by studying queer theory, feminism, anti-racism, activism, somatics and transformational justice. These have become the backbone of my practice - which is at its heart, a place for resistance and empowerment, rather than an attempt to “normalize” people as much as possible. I believe in bringing my full self to the therapy room, to show up authentically, in an honest, powerful connection with clients.
I stand by deprivatizing therapy and healing: I let you in on my tools and resources, so that you may continue the work by yourself and within your communities.
I strive to create a thoroughly safe, warm, and informal environment in therapy, where clients can be radically honest and experience relief, understanding, and compassion. This creates the right basis for then doing the necessary work to see changes and to evolve and grow past the things that are holding you back. As research consistently shows, the relationship comes first.
My approach to couples therapy is informed by the Gotmann's Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (in which I am currently getting certified), and queer-political approaches to love and kinship.
I currently am offering both in-person and online sessions, as well as gathering the next group for queer* group therapy.
My Experience
Freelance Psychological Counselor
Collective Founder
Workshop Facilitator
Group Therapy Facilitator
Psychologist in Training
MSc in Clinical and Health Psychology
Thesis in Neuroscience
Sessions for individuals, couples or groups for a variety of issues.
Heilpratiker*in für Psychotherapie
Gottman’s Couples Therapy Level 1 Certified, How to work with the Traumatised Brain, Anti-racist Mental Health
Founder of Queer Care.
Facilitator for workplace workshops. Worked with Westwing, SoundCloud and HeyCar, among others.
Several years of experience facilitating group therapy sessions with a variety of focuses, ranging from drug rehabilitation to stress-management, sexual trauma and mindfulness.
Intern at a private psychological clinic. Work included: intake assessments, diagnostics, treatment trajectories, private sessions, and research.
Comprehensive Master's program in clinical and health psychology, including rigorous research classes and practical training. Focus on neuroscience.
Activist Group Supervisor
Supervision and group support for Trans S*x Works activist group.
Psychologist on call
Psychologist on call for WHOLE festival. 2022-ongoing.