About Val
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Somatic and Arts based Therapist, and Bodyworker. I have over 20 years of client experience. I work with kids, teens and adults online and in-person from Cortes Island and Victoria, BC.
I hold an intersectional viewpoint, grounded in feminism and anti oppression. I have a heart-centered approach, gravitating towards somatic, mindfulness and art-based modalities and ways of working. I believe that everyone has the answers they need within them. I aim to support my clients to slow down, tune inwards, and listen to their own innate wisdom. I have experience working in front-line, anti-violence agencies supporting women and genderqueer people escaping violence. I draw upon relational therapy, attachment therapy, internal family systems, family constellations and somatic psychotherapy.​​
As a Bodyworker, I have worked with hundreds of bodies, conditions and states of health. I have a 2,200 hr Massage Therapy Diploma from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. I am knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology, musculoskeletal treatments and massage therapy technique. I specialize in holistic treatments integrating stone massage therapy, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, and ayurvedic abhyanga & shirodhara massage.
Counselling Qualifications
Registered Clinical Counsellor, British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
MA. in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology, European Graduate School, Sass Fee Switzerland
Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy, Vancouver School of Healing Arts, Vancouver BC
BA. in Health Sciences, Graduated with Honours, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops BC
Somatic Psychotherapy CE, The Hakomi Network
Spiritual Healer Practitioner Certification, with Julie Kramer
5+ years experience offering trauma counselling and art therapy in non-profit, anti-violence agencies supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse.
Massage Qualifications
20+ years experience in wellness clinics and private practice
2,200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma, Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, Calgary AB
Ayurvedic Massage Certification, MA Yoga, Victoria BC
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy CE, Body Intelligence, Victoria BC
A lifetime of continuing education that includes thai massage, reflexology, myofascial release and many, many, other workshops
Yoga & Aerial Arts Qualifications
500 hour RYS Yoga Teacher Certification, Seattle WA
5+ years teaching yoga and aerial yoga classes and workshops
A lifetime of love, devotion and personal practice