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In this episode," host Jamie Vollmoeller welcomes Valerie Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Sugar Maple Counseling. Valerie specializes in forest therapy. They discuss Valerie's background, motivations for becoming a therapist, and how her tumultuous childhood with parents suffering from severe mental health issues influenced her career. Valerie shares her personal story, emphasizing the connection between personal trauma and the desire to help others. The episode highlights the transformative power of therapy and the importance of empathy and connection in the healing process.

The Conversation:
- Valerie Smith's background and motivations for becoming a therapist
- The concept of forest therapy and its benefits
- The connection between personal trauma and the desire to help others
- Valerie's childhood experiences in a chaotic environment
- The impact of her parents' mental health issues on her upbringing
- The role of empathy and connection in the therapeutic process
- The influence of domestic violence and child protective services on Valerie's life
- The significance of personal history in shaping a therapist's approach
- The transformative potential of therapy for both therapists and clients
- The resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity

Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of a private practice in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York. She specializes in grief, new motherhood, complex trauma, and caregiver stress. Certified in EMDR, TF-CBT, and DBT, Valerie utilizes evidence-based therapies to address trauma and its effects. In addition, she is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, enabling her to incorporate nature-based healing practices into her therapeutic work.

Connect with Valerie:
http://www.sugarmaplecounseling.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieannesmith, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sugar-maple-counseling-and-ecotherapy-putnam-valley-ny/963557

"Good Enough with the Trauma Therapist" is your companion on this transformative journey. Tune in for heart-to-heart conversations, expert interviews, and a sprinkle of humor, because, after all, you are good enough, and your journey to a fulfilling life starts here.

If you are looking for trauma-informed therapist:

New Yorkers visit www.liemdr.com

Missourians visit resilient-mo.com