Valetta Kirchner, LMFT

My professional practice of 15+ years provides an extensive and varied experiential base that informs my pragmatic and eclectic approach to treatment. I choose from a variety of psychological schools tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual’s specific challenges and needs while nurturing awareness and self-compassion. I believe each person deserves a holistic approach that integrates psychological factors with overall health, social environment as well as economic and physical circumstances. I view presenting symptoms as coping strategies and the therapist’s role as facilitating the fine tuning of some strategies and the exploration of more effective solutions for others. I aspire to provide dynamic therapeutic services that reflect professional best-practices in a comfortable and non-judgmental setting while striving to be welcoming, genuine, transparent and empathetic. Most people find they connect with me easily. I invite you to see for yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages with mild to severe symptoms; individuals, couples, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQ+. I am experienced in treating a wide range of presenting issues such as: • Stress, anxiety, panic • Depression and other mood disorders, anger, trauma, suicidality • Grief and loss, life transitions including postpartum mental health, acculturation issues • Challenges with (sexual) identity and/or sexual orientation • Relationship issues, incl. open relationships and dating • Eating disorders and substance use/abuse (familiar with 12 Steps) • Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia • As well as the influence of mental and physical health on well-being and life satisfaction with its effects on self-esteem, concentration, productivity, etc. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California, fluent in English and German.