10300 49th Street N, | Suite 112
Clearwater, FL 33762
About Me
Are you struggling in areas of your life that are affecting your general well being? Have you hit a roadblock that feels too tough to tackle alone? Family, interpersonal and career relationships suffering from emotional obstacles? Have you grown powerless over you addiction and found your life becoming unmanageable on your own? I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years experience in Addiction Recovery and treat associated factors such as PTSD and other Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Interpersonal Conflict dilemmas. I am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and take a compassionate and solution-focused approach with my patients using Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Schema Therapy to explore underlying core belief systems and how they show-up in or daily lives. I am theoretically oriented and certified in Applied Positive Psychology (APP) and through this framework I will help you identify and develop your Character Strengths, shifting the focus from "What went wrong?" to "What is or will again be right?!" I am ready to join you on your journey toward emotional healing, personal growth, and optimal well-being as you discover how to flourish once again within the blueprint of your life.
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We have all experienced life's curve-balls and the contributing factors of our pasts can result in unexpected changes in mood, resurfaced memories of trauma that's not been adequately resolved and negative energy that seems to set our daily agenda more often than not. However, these things do not define us and I am here to help you re-establish, re-calibrate and re-align the True You and get you are back on the path towards thriving in the life you deserve.
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Learning about who you are and how I can help is why I do what I do - it's my passion! Please send me a message, text or call anytime. I am more than happy to help and I assure you we will work together to set up a strategy for long-term positive growth!
Realism...
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while Daring Greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
~Theodor Roosevelt ~
Dr. Val Andersen, PSYD
I challenge everyone to face life while "Daring Greatly!" This means utilizing your Character Strengths - Bravery, Curiosity, Perspective, Zest...the list goes on.
Let's identify and develop the strengths you need to live you Best Life !!
Specializing in Addiction, Trauma & Mood Disorders
Addiction
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Relapses can happen abruptly and the earlier Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is detected and treated, the shorter the time to reach full sustained remission.
Trauma
Trauma can be an ongoing pervasive problem. It results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or perceived as life-threatening. Unresolved trauma has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being. Trauma can make you more vulnerable to developing mental health problems if left untreated.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders or affective disorders are described by marked disruptions in emotions (i.e. depression, anxiety, anger). Typical symptoms include irritability, aggression or hostility; ongoing sad, empty or anxious mood; changes in appetite or weight; changes in sleep patterns, and; difficulty concentrating. They are common psychiatric dysfunctions often brought on by increased life stressors and can lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality if gone unrecognized.
Addiction Recovery
Recovery from a substance use disorder is defined as a process of improved physical, psychological, and social well-being and health after having suffered from a substance-related condition. Due to the chronic nature of substance use disorder, the risk of relapse remains elevated even after long periods without symptoms. It can take a while to adapt to the demands of recovery, even after treatment. Continuing care and support for individuals in recovery therefore remains important for years following active addiction, and not just days or months. Compared to many other medical and psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorder is associated with a good prognosis. If you are struggling with Addiction, I can help!
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology has been described in many ways and with many words, but the commonly accepted definition of the field is this: “Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2008). Essentially, Positive Psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses. I use this framework in my practice to build on the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of my patients up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving away from struggle up to “normal.” We enter therapy because life became "bad" or in some way unmanageable. I choose to focus on the "good" and will help you get back to that state and flourish in your approach to life!
Emotional Regulation
Emotion regulation is the ability to exert control over one’s own emotional state. It may involve behaviors such as rethinking a challenging situation to reduce anger or anxiety, adapting to signs and symptoms of sadness or fear, and focusing on reasons to feel happy or calm. While there are many ways to influence one’s emotional state for the better, emotion regulation often involves a process called reappraisal which helps change how you think about something in order to change your resulting response. I can help you with mindful acceptance of emotions, shifting attention away from the source of negative emotions, and reframing emotional situations as opportunities to learn and move forward differently.