When Val Tate walks into a room, you feel it. Her openness to life, her genuine curiosity about the potential that lies in each moment, in every encounter, is palpable. Valerie is a deeply collaborative spirit -- always looking for that spark, for that place in you that is on the verge of coming alive. Like a loving gardener (with a tinge of playful mischief!), she knows just when it's time to dig deep, just when it's time to let go and have fun, just when it's time to sprinkle some cleansing water, and just when to shine some light.

Valerie has an unusually open mind. She's not here to judge, but to explore, to experiment, to dance, to delve, to feel, to grow, to be... in connection. Val sees every experience as a learning opportunity. While she intuitively encourages clients and students to take risks, she remains patient and flexible -- always honoring the unique timing, pacing and life path of each person who comes to her.

Walking her talk, Val both creates and thrives in environments that are based on trust, openness and personal authenticity. She welcomes uncomfortable feelings; for she sees them as the sacred portals through which all of us can discover our precious life energy, creative potential & relational genius.

When you say 'yes' to working with Valerie, it's like saying, "You know what? I may be scared. I may have no idea how this process will transform me. But I'm willing to enter this experiment. Because deep down, I know that there's an aliveness, a playfulness, a depth of feeling in me I haven't yet touched." Val brings the adventurous spirit out in even the most cautious of souls. People can't help but sense her trust-worthiness, and even more importantly, to come to trust themselves in her presence.

Education:

M.A. in Counseling Psychology & Expressive Arts Therapy (California Institute of Integral Studies)

Masters Level Summer Immersion Program in Expressive Arts Theory (European Graduate School, Saas Fee, Switzerland)

B.A. in Journalism & Psychology (University of St. Thomas, MN)

Training:

Meditation: Levels I, II & III (Psychic Horizons)

EMDR (EMDR Institute)

Visual Art, Dance/Movement & Drama Therapies (California Institute of Integral Studies)

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Work Experience:

Private Practice Psychotherapist (San Francisco, CA 3059 Fillmore Street)

Psychotherapist Staff Member & Group Leader (Acupuncture Kitchen, San Francisco) Offering Thematic Counseling and Teaching in:
     - Pre-natal Connection
     - Fertility as a Journey
     - New Baby, New Life
     - Parenting in Balance
     - EMDR

Psychotherapy Associate (Marina Counseling Center, San Francisco)

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Interests & Passions:

African Drumming

Volleyball

Painting

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