Valerie Abitbol, LMFT | Couples Counselor | Psychotherapist |
My name is Valerie Abitbol and I am the founder of Flow Counseling. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in Colorado, California and Quebec. I believe that our past experiences shape who we are today and I’d like to share a few of mine.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in a variety of settings, which give me a unique ability to relate to my clients. In previous lives, I was a modern dance teacher, a waitress, a paralegal, and an advertising account director. I've remained a serial student.
The Good and the Bad
My early years working in the advertising world have provided me with great insights into a fun and fast-paced environment, as well as into the office politics, the emotional volatility dealing with different personalities, and the difficulty of having a personal life while working long hours.
Alone in the City, Isolated in the Suburbs
I've lived in Paris, New York and San Francisco, which made me acutely aware of the stresses of city life… the odd sensation of feeling alone while being surrounded by millions of people. And I'm also familiar with the challenges of adjusting to a suburban life, particularly when coming from a busy city, with a toddler in tow. Being away from the bustle can be a double-edge sword.
Support for Small-Business Owners
As a small-business owner, I am also aware of the daily war that is fought to stay afloat. I know the fears and anxieties of risking everything on an idea, starting from zero, worrying about the slow weeks, doubting the choices made and going through the growing pains. I also know the excitement and the passion that fuel the long hours of work while doing it all.
No Perfect Mom Here!
As a mom striving to find balance (or rather flexibility) between my professional life and my family life, I'm aware of the demands, the stress, the compromises, the isolation, the lack of personal time, the guilt, and also the incredible joys that are part of the motherhood experience.
Culturally-Sensitive Therapy
My multicultural background informs my approach to therapy in a unique way as well. My experience of living abroad, together with my multicultural marriage and my bilingual family make me particularly sensitive to the issues experienced by those not living in their countries of origin (and even city or state). I get that adjusting to a new culture or lifestyle can be challenging and takes time.
Self-Care
When I'm not working, I can be found kicking the ball with my son (and dog), practicing yoga at a forever beginner-level, and trying to bake the best chocolate cake. I love humor, anything with praline, and going on road trips.
My Approach - Mind /Body Therapy - East meets West
I'm no stranger to life's experiences, the ups and the downs. My experience as a therapy client has informed my personal and professional choices for the better. My passion for therapy stems from having personally experienced its healing power, and from a genuine desire to be of service. I take a holistic and integrative approach to therapy: I have learned that healing includes not only the mind but also the body and spirit, and I draw from various therapeutic modalities to provide you with tools that are custom-made to your situation and needs.
My style is very collaborative and respectful of your own process and state. I offer you a space and time to truly be yourself. I strive to create a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment.
I will support you in your struggles, guide you while sorting through your feelings and thoughts, and provide you with practical tools to prevent and handle challenging life situations.
When appropriate, I may challenge your perspective; nudge you to try something different, while always making sure you're on board with it.
Benefits of therapy with me
In therapy with me, you will get support and tools customized to your situation to help you remain serene in the midst of chaos, increase your confidence, and nurture your relationships.
You may also practice new skills such as becoming aware of your own triggers for anxiety, stress or other negative patterns, so you can nip them in the bud before they take a life of their own, and cope with daily life challenges in healthier and more productive ways.
You can also learn to:
assert yourself;
build intimacy in your marriage or your romantic relationships;
increase your self-esteem;
be more successful in the workplace;
communicate more effectively.
Professional and Educational Background
I have a diverse professional and educational background that include:
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, California
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Colorado
JD level law education in Human Rights and Civil Liberties, University of Paris X, France
BA in French and Anglo-American Private Law, University of Paris X Nanterre, France
I'm passionate about helping people going through major transitions in their lives, especially Expats and other global nomads.
I've been honored to spend over 6,000 hours supporting people on their journeys. To support this work, I've developed specific tools and unique interventions based on my practice, education and additional workshops and trainings.
For more details, you can visit my LinkedIn profile
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Don't let unhappiness and stress rob you of months of your life. Let's connect today.
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