Vista Counseling: Meet Valerie Falcone
MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern @ Vista
Throughout the majority of my life I’ve always had an interest in why things work the way they do; particularly with people and the decisions they make. I remember falling in love with psychology well into high school, though deciding to become a doctor to challenge myself- and Grey’s Anatomy was very compelling! However, I was still heavily invested in learning about people’s livelihood and helping them through their trials and tribulations based on my own personal experiences with mental health. After embarking on a lengthy journey through both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I knew I made the right choice when I finished my practicum and started my post-graduate internship. I’ve had incredible opportunities in the field of mental health such as working at an intensive-outpatient center in the heart of my hometown to help veterans, first responders, and their spouses heal, rediscover themselves, and reconnect with the world.
Though, as we know, life throws curve balls when we least expect it. I chose to try crisis support a little further from home and expand my knowledge in the field with a more diverse population where I worked with a multitude of clinicians specializing in a variety of mental disorders. This facility reminded me of the importance of support and compassion. While I learned substantial skills between both facilities, I ultimately decided to move into private practice back in my hometown and specialize in trauma-focused care, grief support, women’s issues, and self- empowerment. All of which are highly needed and desired areas of help, as I’ve come to recognize. To continue, I believe in whole self-alignment through healing all parts of our being. While the majority of this work can be completed through trauma-focused care such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapy, I also incorporate elements of discovering values, identity, authentic living and emotional balance. This can be achieved through treatment planning tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals as well as a harmonious therapeutic alliance.
On the days I am not in the office, I am typically granting gratitude at the beach on sunny days or at sunrise practicing mindfulness. I enjoy hobbies like crafting with friends (beading, scrapbooking, creating quarterly vision boards), walking with my dog, roadtrips and traveling. These days I am especially busy working on schoolwork for my PhD at local coffee shops or on the beach- thank goodness for remote days!
At the end of the day, I am eternally grateful to have these experiences and to be able to give back to others in need through therapy. Tip: make sure to put yourself first some days :) Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding mental health.
If you’re interested in working with me, you may reach me at 321-475-4265. I offer evening and weekend appointments!
