Val Sanders
There's a reason for all of the problems and challenges in life--and the reason is not that there's something fundamentally wrong with you (or any of us).
I work with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, imposter and other difficult feelings, career struggles, and interpersonal challenges, and couples contending with unresolved conflict, dissatisfaction, or feeling stuck in their relationships. I help my clients map the behaviors and patterns that are causing distress, understand where they come from, and support each person in finding the best tools to change those patterns in service of living happier, more fulfilled, and more connected lives.
One of the benefits of individual therapy is that it allows me to customize a toolkit for each client or couple. I employ a combination of psychodynamic and CBT-based therapy augmented with tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other modalities, figuring out where each person is and offering tools we can try together.
I am receiving advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a leading couples therapy modality which is focused on helping couples understand stand each others' emotional and attachment needs, learning to help each other through difficult times instead of having challenges drive the individuals further apart. I am excited to offer a special rate of $125 per session for couples interested in experiencing EFT and willing to be videotaped for training purposes. Please complete the intake form and indicate that you are interested in the EFT training rate to explore this opportunity.
I am a graduate of Cornell University (BA) and the University of Texas at Austin (MBA) and hold a Master's in Counseling from Bowie State University. I came to counseling after a two-decade career in business and eight years as an executive coach, helping hundreds of individuals find career direction and success, establish healthy boundaries and work/life balance, and deepen relationships.
I live with my spouse, two wonderful teenagers, and many animals on a mini-farm in Potomac. I enjoy time with my family and friends, being outdoors, and going to the theater. I am also an avid reader, reading non-fiction, sci fi, and great fiction from any genre, and am on track to finish 50 books this year.
Clinical Degree: Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor
Additional Trainings: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship (ICEEFT), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Core Skills (ICEEFT)