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Valerie Labanca, LCSW
My goal is to help my patients feel supported and assist them in feeling symptom relief.

Our Team

Valerie Labanca, LCSW

Location

Licensed in

CA

Other Languages

Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), Couples [The Gottman Method], Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Harm Reduction, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based

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.

Education

BA - Sociology, University of California Santa Barbara

MSW - Social Work, San Francisco State University

License Number and State

CA 29083

Pronouns

she/her

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.