Hi, I’m Kat valentine.

I first started thinking about becoming a therapist in high school when my school guidance counselor helped me navigate coming out to myself and those around me. That experience ignited my passion for helping others discover and embrace their authentic selves.

Since then, I’ve studied my way around the world, as an undergraduate in Scotland, getting a PhD in social psychology in Singapore, and getting my Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy here in California. I’m now working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #131427) with Best Self Psych, supervised by Pam Shaffer (LMFT #91321). I’m LGBTQIA+, kink, and non-monogamy affirmative. I specialize in helping people overcome internalized shame around identities, process religious trauma, learn to manage and find joy in their ADHD, decide whether they want to be a parent, and navigating non-monogamy.

My Approach

I take a humanist, collaborative, attachment-focused approach in my therapeutic work and believe it’s often useful to examine the stories we tell about ourselves and our relationships in order to weave new narratives that better serve us. I’m here to help you identify your truth and build your confidence in sharing it with others.

Individuals

I tailor my therapeutic method to what brings you to therapy. I use narrative therapy to help you reexamine stories your family or society has given you and move forward embracing your own values. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and question ways of thinking that are holding them back (e.g. fixating on worst-case-scenarios). I use solution-focused therapy to collaboratively create concrete weekly goals to help you towards your larger goals one step at a time. I use Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy to help you process attachment wounds from past relationships that are negatively affecting you now. Which approaches I use is tailored to what kind of positive change you’re hoping to achieve.

50-minute session: $150

Couples

There are two evidence-based couples therapy approaches, and I integrate both into my work. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based approach, to help you 1) Identify and deescalate patterns of conflict; 2) Vulnerably communicate your needs to your partner and create a more positive interaction pattern; and 3) Affirm your new secure attachment skills. I have completed my EFT Core Skills Training. The second approach I use is the Gottman Method. It focuses on building communication skills and positive regard between partners. I also sometimes use bibliotherapy (e.g. going through the Polysecure workbook together or working through The Baby Decision). These books can bring in new perspectives and create a shared framework for discussing issues. I fit the approach to the clients’ needs.

50-minute session: $175