Couples Counselor in Mesa, Arizona
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COVID-19/Coronavirus update – Video conference or Phone sessions available as an option. Contact us if you prefer a remote session.
Call or Text: 480-744-5864
Email: info@AZConnectionCounseling.com
Valerie Alston-Southwick, LPC, specializes in helping couples repair their relationship. She has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, EFT, which research has shown to be highly effective in helping couples strengthen their relationship and stay together.
She also has training in and uses a type of therapy called EMDR to help individuals overcome trauma.
Valerie has also done training sponsored by the American Association of Sex Addiction Therapy, AASAT, for sex addiction, pornography and affair recovery.
Valerie’s specialized training in attachment therapy, EFT, which has been proven successful for over 75% of couples as supported by clinical research with over 90% of couples reporting improvement in fewer sessions can help you. Whether you are looking to:
- Strengthen or rebuild existing relationships by repairing and reconnecting with whomever matters the most in your life.
- Find and create new lasting healthy relationships.
Connection is the most basic human need. Our survival is dependent on whether or not we have someone we can turn to when we are most vulnerable. Individually we experience disconnection in a variety of ways such as:
- Conflict in our significant relationships
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or break-ups
- Betrayal
- Loneliness and isolation from others
When we experience the prolonged pain of disconnection it often leads to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sometimes to numb out from this pain we develop unhealthy coping strategies such as addictive behaviors, eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, etc.
Valerie’s mission is to guide you through your own journey of growth and healing while developing satisfying personal relationships.
Relationships and Interpersonal Skills
Do you love your partner but struggle with intimacy? You are not alone. You may have questions such as:
- How can we facilitate better physical and emotional connection?
- Can our marriage recover from an affair? or Can we make it affair proof?
- Or even How do we talk to our kids about sex?
Valerie can help you address issues ranging from decreased libido and inhibitions about sexuality to sexual addiction, pornography and infidelity in a safe and supportive environment.
Does your relationship get stuck in the “content” loop of communication rather than addressing the deeper underlying unmet needs?
Often what looks like pushing or pulling away from your partner is almost always a misguided attempt at connection. Valerie can help you filter your experiences good or bad through a lens of attachment.
Trauma and Life Stressors
Trauma is a normal experience of life. Depending on how we experience that trauma it can feel like either a straightjacket, paralyzing us with fear, or a doorway, leading to growth and freedom. Stressors can also come in a variety of forms including the challenges associated with major life transitions:
- young adults: career & education, autonomy, missions, relationships
- Loss and grieving: guilt, emptiness, fear, reaching out & setting boundaries, coping skills, hope
- divorce and separation: children, boundaries, healing, dating again
- blended families: children, step-children, step-parenting, boundaries, the exes, the marriage
- retirement: changing bodies, changing roles, changing expectations, caring for an aging parent
Valerie offers a variety of therapies including EMDR, a technique which allows the brain to reprogram painful events. She is currently Level II EMDR trained and supervised. She also utilizes art, music, mindfulness and some SE methods.
Areas of Specialty Include:
- Attachment/EFT
- Addiction & Compulsive Behaviors *
- Sexual Issues & Intimacy *
- Pornography
- Betrayal & Affairs
- Couples Counseling *
- Pre-Marital Therapy
- Parent-Child & Family Relationships
- Divorce and Co-Parenting *
- Self-Esteem & Self-Awareness
- Eating Disorder & Body Image
- Healthy Boundaries
- Anger Management
- Grief and Loss
- EMDR
- Trauma/PTSD *
- Anxiety & Depression
- Life Transitions
*Indicates an area of Top Specialty
Rates for Counseling Services
The following are the rates she charges for therapy services.
- 50-Minute Therapy Session = $150
- Non-session work or requests not limited to letters, paperwork, forms, FMLA, and disability are assessed at the regular session rate.
Valerie is contracted with the following insurance providers:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ)
- Tri-Care West
Client Feedback
 Sep 14, 2018 |
Empathetic professional My experience with Valerie has been better than others by far. She has actively listened to the struggles in my life and is proactive and intuitive about how to move forward. |
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Aug 22, 2018 |
Excellent Therapist Valerie is an excellent therapist. She is both friendly and professional and handles every situation with grace and patience. When I first started going to therapy I wasn’t quite sure how it would work, but Valerie helped me identify how to heal from my trauma and move forward. |
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Oct 4, 2017 |
Great first visit This is my first time seeing a counselor, but so far, amazing experience. Valerie was so easy to talk to and provided a very non-judgmental opinion and insight. I am greatly looking forward to my following visits. |
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Sep 2, 2017 |
Great first visit Valerie made the first visit not intimidating and very comfortable. I was extremely nervous but it felt like a safe environment. |
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| Feb 25, 2017 (before rating system) |
I honestly followed Valerie from another practice and I keep coming back because of how she helps me through my problems and conflicts that arise in my life. I enjoy talking with Valerie, she has lots of knowledge and wisdom, and she helps me to feel important. | |
| May 27, 2016 (before rating system) |
My experience with Valerie has been extremely fulfilling and life changing. I have felt very safe in every session. I would recommend her services. |
Scheduling a Counseling Session
To schedule a counseling session click on the booknow button.
Contact
Phone or Text: 480-744-5864
Email: info@AZConnectionCounseling.com
Location for Services
Therapy will be provided at the following location:
Non-session fee schedule
The therapist does not provide disability letters, companion pet letters, or letters regarding your ability to work, or any letters that would inform providers of your mental health letters. You must discuss these needs with your medical or primary care provider.
Non-session phone calls. Non-session phone calls are rarely covered by insurance companies. Fees for telephone calls are $150.00 per hour rounded up to 0.5 hour increments.
Court Appearance. Clients are discouraged from having the therapist subpoenaed. Though the client’s attorney, who initiates the subpoena request is responsible for the court appearance and testimony fees, it does not mean that the therapist’s testimony will be solely in the client’s favor. The Therapist will only testify their professional opinion and to the facts of the case.
The following fees apply for court/legal related items:
Preparation time (including submission of records), phone calls, depositions, email or written letters, travel and/or waiting time, time required in giving testimony, filing a document, $320/hour plus any court or other fees incurred. Mileage $0.58/mile. Time away from office due to depositions or testimony $320/hour. The minimum charge for a court appearance $2500. Fees are cumulative. Any and all legal fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the therapist as a result of the legal action. PLEASE NOTE: A retainer of $2500 is due in advance. If a subpoena or notice to meet attorney(s) is received without a minimum of 48-hour notice there will be an additional $450 “express” charge. If the case is reset with notice of less than 72 business-hours, the client will be charged $500 (in addition to the retainer of $2500). All fees are doubled if the therapist has to postpone or interrupt plans.
Individual and Marriage Counseling is provided to individuals who live in the following areas in Arizona:
- Gilbert, AZ
- Queen Creek, AZ
- Apache Junction, AZ
- San Tan Valley, AZ
- Johnson Ranch, AZ
- Mesa, AZ
- Tempe, AZ
- Chandler, AZ
- Ahwatukee, AZ
- Phoenix, AZ
- Scottsdale, AZ
Zip Codes
85140 85240 85201
85202 85203 85204
85205 85206 85207
85210 85211 85213
85215 85275 85233
85242 85212 85225
85234 85295 85296
85297 85298 85299
85242 85142 85209