Smiling woman with long hair and tattooed arms sitting on a couch.

Hi, I’m Kaitlyn Valdez.

We all have a story to tell… So let’s tell yours.

We all uniquely interact with the world, and life can become hard when we feel judged because our path may be "different". Trauma or ongoing illnesses create a set of struggles that many may not understand, leading to unwanted advice and shame. My primary goal is to provide you with a space in which you feel validated, heard, and supported.

Book a consultation

My Approach

If you have ever done an elimination diet or discovered allergies or intolerances after years of pain, I see you. The trauma that can come from the legitimate fear of food is not always understood. Add in medical trauma from the pain, or worse, providers who blame the condition on weight, and the shame can become too much. When chronic illness fractures your relationship with food and your physical body, disordered eating patterns can easily take root. Instead of walking this path alone, I want to help you navigate that recovery together.

I use a relational, strengths-based approach in sessions so you don't have to go through the pain alone. I also incorporate motivational interviewing, somatic techniques, and mindfulness into sessions. My eating disorder training derives from a Health at Every Size (HAES) framework, so sessions focus less on appearance or weight and more on habits and feel.

Specialties

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Eating Disorders
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Chronic Illness
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Trauma/cPTSD
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Anxiety
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Life Changes
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techniques

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ACT
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Positive Psychology
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CBT
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Mindfulness & MBCT
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DBT Techniques
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Somatic Techniques
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Education

Ma - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

New Mexico State University

Graduate Assistant - Clinical Psychopharmacology (Post-Doctoral MS)
Graduate Assistant - 4-H Research

Ba - Psychology, Minor - Journalism

University of Missouri - Columbia

Mindfulness & Interpersonal Relations Research Lab
Multicultural Certificate

Experience

A New Hope therapy Clinic

Internship — Las Cruces, NM

Embrace Strength Counseling

Post-Graduate Supervision, Professional Practice — Broomfield, CO

Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (c-eds)

Certification — In Progress

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Certification