Valerie Kirby, M.S.Ed., E-RYT 200

Valerie is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia and holds an E-RYT 200-hour yoga certification. Her passion is the power of the mind and body connection to heal and provide clarity to focus on what is most meaningful and purposeful.

Clinical Focus Areas

Valerie offers online therapy for individuals aged 16 and up. She works with clients seeking support for stress, emotional eating, healthy habit and lifestyle building, anxiety, depression, and significant life events including major life transitions, changes in family structure, grief/loss, and trauma.

Counseling Approaches

Valerie creates a personalized combination of therapy styles for each of her clients, drawing upon elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational interviewing, Reality therapy, Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD (BEPP) and Relaxation techniques such as grounding, breathing techniques, imagery, and mindfulness for calming the nervous system. Walking meditation and yoga can be introduced as additional methods of balancing the nervous system if of interest.

Professional Philosophy       

From Valerie’s own perspective, “I believe that the mind and body remain in constant communication, working best when restored and well. An impact on the mind creates a corresponding impact on the body and vice versa. Therefore, I focus on my clients’ whole being throughout the therapeutic process. Having the support of a counselor in unsettling or challenging times can really help clarify what belongs to you and what belongs to others inside those challenges. Collaboratively exploring and discovering strategies to help you get unstuck, map your best pathway forward, and find a greater sense of calm and healing – with a sprinkle of joy – is a privilege and a pleasure.”

Educational Background

Valerie received a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degree in Counseling with a minor in Health from Old Dominion University. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Also, she holds her E-RYT 200-hour yoga certification since 2011, maintains a weekly practice, and attends ongoing professional training.

Professional Experience

Valerie’s depth of experience spans a wide range of settings: outpatient hospital, clinical fitness center, outpatient counseling, university health clinic, and university counseling center sites.  She has worked alongside people in cardiac rehab, cancer survivors, young widows, clients with anxiety and/or depression, those seeking lifestyle change, and new retirees.  She holds her E-RYT 200-hour yoga certification (obtained in 2011), taught yoga classes for over 10 years, and maintains a weekly practice.

Fun Facts About Valerie

  • Valerie loves being outdoors, biking, kayaking, and walking..
  • She also enjoys gardening herbs and vegetables. She finds all these activities soothing and they use all of the senses.
  • Her favorite colors to wear are seaglass green to purple and for home décor are yellows and blues.
  • Her favorite music performers are Santana, Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan.
  • The background you see in Valerie’s photo is from our office “The Wish” here at Free Spirit.

 

Contact Valerie directly to schedule an appointment at valerie@freespiritonline.org or 757-241-5945.

 

**SPECIAL NOTE Resident Sessions: As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, Valerie is in-network with Cigna/Evernorth commercial insurance and the following Medicaid Plans: Aetna Better Health, Anthem Healthkeepers+, Sentara Health Family and Community Plans (formerly Optima/VA Premier), and United Healthcare Community Plan; processing for Molina. She is also able to see other non-Medicaid clients for a sliding scale, negotiable fee.

 

Valerie works directly under the supervision of Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin; 757-204-1866 and jill@freespiritonline.org.