About
Valerie Sydnor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, AFC
Valerie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), Certified Financial Social Worker and founder of Just Breathe Consultation Services. Valerie has 14 years of experience in the mental health and healthcare system, and transitioned into private practice to be able to serve individuals in a more intimate setting.
In addition to mental health services, Valerie added financial health and well-being to her practice in order to serve individuals, couples, mothers, and families with the complex experience of financial management. Anxiety related to money management is on the rise. Finding financial resources that address your unique situation is difficult, time consuming, and hard to know if what is generically recommended will actually work. Valerie is passionate about democratizing financial literacy and empowering her clients to move forward with the confidence they need to create the life they want.
Valerie is a mother, an animal lover, nature enthusiast, and enjoys filling her weekends spending time with family and friends, meandering around farmer’s markets, exploring local attractions & treats, and filling her passport with new adventures.
Credentials:
CALCSW 79388
NCLCSW C017535
AFC® 53986809 CA
CA Dept of Insurance 4100561
My Expertise:
Depression/Anxiety · Self-esteem · Caregiver Burnout · Workplace Stress
Grief & Loss · Trauma · Financial Therapy · Insurance · Relationship Issues Around Money · Retirement
My Approach
I am passionate about creating a safe space for growth and healing. My goal is for my clients to not just survive but to thrive. I create a custom culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and solution-focused plan for each client.
My therapeutic approach includes but is not limited to mindfulness practice, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. When appropriate, I refer out and connect to related resources.
Engaging in therapy can help you build new tools and find your way to solid ground where you can breathe freely and live your best life.
I am a social worker first and a financial services provider second. This means that my core values include service, social justice, dignity & worth of a person, importance of human relationships, integrity, & competence.
