APPROACH
Your coach and consultant, Dr. Valerie, brings thoughtful attention to the many factors that shape meaningful change and healthier relationships -- with yourself and with others. Naturally curious and highly perceptive, she asks insightful questions that encourage deeper understanding, challenge assumptions, and expand perspective. Drawing from the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and unconscious dynamics, her work emphasizes whole-person exploration rather than relying on any single theory or technique.
Sessions are guided by genuine curiosity, warmth, and authentic conversation rather than clinical jargon. Valerie believes that empathy and honesty belong together, recognizing that what is most helpful is not always what is most comfortable to hear. Rather than simply affirming existing perspectives, she offers compassionate, direct feedback that gently challenges unhelpful patterns while remaining deeply respectful of each client's values and autonomy. She practices with integrity, guided by ethical principals, while remaining creative, open-minded, and willing to explore thoughtful solutions that extend beyond conventional approaches. Committed to lifelong learning, she continually integrates new research, skills, and wisdom to ensure each session remains fresh, relevant, and effective.
Whether clients seek psychological insight, relationship guidance, accountability, creative self-exploration, practical strategies for lasting change, or simply a supportive space to think more clearly, Valerie meets them with warmth, humor, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping them create the life and relationships they truly desire.
Your Therapist
Valerie Bellenger, PsyD
Valerie is a doctor of counseling psychology, a certified dating coach and a registered mental health clinician specializing in intimacy and relationship concerns.
Before her psychology career, Valerie worked in media and erotic entertainment - experiences that provided her rare insight into the role of fantasy, vulnerability, and desire in shaping human intimacy. These perspectives continue to inform her integrative, relational approach - where curiosity, compassion, and a respect for the full spectrum of human experience are central.
Beyond her supervised post-doctoral clinical training in addiction treatment and independent work as a coach and consultant, Valerie enjoys adventure, creative expression and facilitating meaningful social interactions. She is the organizer of Dîner En Feu, a developing event meant to bring people together to engage in exciting, thought provoking discussions about sex and relationships that are all too often avoided.
Her dissertation, Integrating The Sexual Shadow: A Jungian Approach to Strengthening Relationships, was written to better understand the depth behind the consumer's experience of purchased intimacy, and what the phenomenon of transactional eroticism can teach us about designing healthier relationships.
Let's Work Together
Individuals curious about beginning their journey may book their consultation here. Returning clients are also welcome to book an appointment anytime online. No need to fuss with back-and-forth emails about schedule and availability. Valerie’s calendar is available to everyone directly from the site for the easiest booking process available. Confirmation and reminder emails are sent automatically and payments are processed securely all from one place at one time. Further details, such as rates and conditions, are available through the "Schedule Appointment" button below.
Are We A Match?
The best paired clients are motivated adult individuals (single or in relationships) who identify with any of the following. They:
* wish to better understand the way they relate to others
* would like to better understand jealousy or infidelity
* are or have been affair partners
* practice non-monogamous, or CNM/ENM lifestyles
* are in the kink community
* are partners at a crossroads their relationships
* wish to experience a more vibrant, erotic life
* are healing from an erotic wound
* are experiencing midlife issues, perimenopause, or andropause
* are, have been, know or wish to better understand sex workers
* feel misunderstood or marginalized
* would benefit from general, supportive check-ins
* would benefit from accountability or activity partnering
* would feel more inspired with motivational coaching
* are seeking to create a more conscious space through feng-shui inspired, design therapy
* are interested in creative writing or narrative therapy guided exercises
* seek self-realization
* would like help getting into or back into the dating pool
* want to become better communicators
* wish to develop their erotic identity
* want to break free from normative life scripts
INITIATE THE CONNECTION
Change the way you relate
Initiate the connection and drop a note! Begin the conversation here to be given an email and phone number for more fluid communication.
Alternatively, send a DM through the socials linked below.
CLARIFY
You may find answers to your questions below. If it doesn't live here, don't be shy, please reach out.
FAQs
Do you offer therapy for people with challenges outside of relationships?
Absolutely. Although many people seek me out for my work with relationships and intimacy, my approach is grounded in depth-oriented psychotherapy rather than a single specialty. Many of the struggles we experience—whether anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, low self-worth, grief, career uncertainty, or life transitions—are connected to the same underlying emotional patterns that shape every aspect of our lives.
My role is to help you better understand those patterns, develop new ways of responding to them, and create meaningful, lasting change. Whether your goals involve relationships, work, confidence, creativity, or simply feeling more like yourself again, our work together is tailored to your unique needs.
Do you take insurance?
I'd like to work with you but I'm on a budget at this time.
I believe quality psychotherapy should be as accessible as possible. For that reason, I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for individuals experiencing financial constraints.
Sliding-scale openings are limited and may not always be available, but if cost is a concern, I encourage you to reach out. I'm happy to discuss your circumstances and determine whether a reduced fee may be appropriate.
Is your therapy "hands on"?
While we may discuss topics related to intimacy, sexuality, relationships, or desire, there is never any sexual contact between therapist and client.
My practice is grounded in professional ethics, psychological safety, and mutual respect. If you are seeking erotic services or physical experiences, my practice is not the appropriate setting.
Not at this time. My practice currently operates on a private-pay basis, which allows me greater flexibility in tailoring treatment to each client's unique needs without many of the restrictions often associated with insurance plans.
I may begin accepting insurance in the future, so if insurance coverage is important to you, I encourage you to check back or reach out to inquire about any updates.