Valerie Labanca, LCSW
she/her
Licensed in CA #29083
Insurances Accepted: Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Health Net/MHN, Blue Shield of CA
Speaks spanish
My Focus Areas
Anger Issues, Animal Loss, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Caregiver Burnout, Cultural Issues/Racial Stress, Depression, Divorce, Family Conflict, Grief, IPV/DV, Immigration, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Panic, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Relationship Concerns, Sleep, Stress, Women's Issues, Workplace Stress
My Therapy Style
As a licensed psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I have had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. I believe in meeting people where they are, and I value each person as an individual, therefore treatment planning is coordinated with my patient(s) to address their specific concerns and needs.
I have extensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy, and relational therapy. I have had many years of experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, mood disorders, ADHD, postpartum depression/anxiety, issues related to infertility, interpersonal relational challenges, panic disorders, immigration challenges, parenting challenges, insomnia, trans-related challenges and much more.
My approach is warm, accepting, and interactive. My goal is to help my patients feel supported and assist them in feeling symptom relief, which means I provide immediate feedback, tasks to focus on in between sessions, and tools to learn coping skills.
My Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Harm Reduction, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
Education & Training
BA - Sociology, University of California Santa Barbara
MSW - Social Work, San Francisco State University
Get to Know Me
Why did you become a mental health professional?
I grew up with immigrant parents and noticed the challenges they went through and the little support and resources they had from an early age decided that I wanted to be a resource and support to others. I began volunteering as an elementary school student in the younger special needs classrooms due to my passion for helping others. I believe that people need people and I enjoy supporting and assisting others in their journey through life.
What are your interests outside of work?
I love to be in nature, especially mountains and the beach. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family. I love to exercise, whether individually or in group settings. I love to read.
How do you recharge?
I recharge through ensuring I get quality sleep, eating well balanced meals, spending quality time with people I love and/or getting alone time with a good book.
