Valarie McKenna, LMHC

Valarie McKenna

Valarie McKenna’s Therapist Disclosure Statement  <<< (Clickable)

Over the last 7 years as a professional counselor, I have been helping people who are seeking relief from severe and persistent mental health disorders. Oftentimes, these conditions manifest from untreated trauma that haunt clients despite their best efforts to “get over it”. For clients with untreated trauma, something as “simple” as going to the store can seem like an impossible feat. When a person’s nervous system is overwhelmed, every situation can feel dangerous. But there is hope for you. I can offer you the tools to relieve both the emotional and physical aspects of post traumatic stress so that you can find the peace and contentment for which you have been searching.

When I am not helping others, I can be found in jeans and hiking boots headed for the mountains of North Central Washington, where I have lived for 25 years. I enjoy the peace and solitude of the great outdoors amongst the trees and rivers. I love to pick wildflowers and watch my dogs play with the chipmunks.

Specialties and areas of focus

  • Whole Health
  • Life Transitions
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Self-Esteem
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Grief/Loss
  • Women’s Issues
  • Christian/Biblical Counseling

Q&A with Valarie

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

I typically like to address the more immediate problems in a client’s life first, especially as it relates to Maslow‘s hierarchy of need, and then work backwards in time to the more deeper issues as rapport and trust are developed.  So I feel comfortable addressing either type of issue, it just takes longer, sometimes months, to get to the deeper issue. 

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I will lead or follow depending on my client’s presentation and preference.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

I am easy to talk to, which helps clients feel comfortable.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would extent the lifespan of dogs because they are man’s best friend and we need them longer than 10-15 years.

5.) What makes you laugh?

Slapstick and satire comedy.  I grew up on Saturday Night Live with John Candy, Chevy Chase, and Dan Aykroyd.

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

Abraham Lincoln