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Reframe Psychology Group
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Reframe Psychology Group · California

Meet the Team

Valarie Gardner, M.A., AMFT

Valarie Gardner, M.A., AMFT

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

My Approach

Most of the people I work with are insightful, reflective, and emotionally aware, yet still feel stuck in emotional patterns that no longer feel sustainable. They may struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or relationship dynamics that leave them feeling exhausted, disconnected, or resentful.

Often, these patterns once served an important purpose. What helped someone survive earlier experiences can later make it difficult to feel safe, connected, or fully present.

I believe meaningful healing involves more than insight alone. My approach integrates talk therapy with EMDR, somatic work, and nervous system-focused approaches that help clients process experiences emotionally, physically, and relationally, not just intellectually.

Our bodies often carry experiences that words alone cannot fully capture. In therapy, we gently explore how stress, past experiences, and emotions show up through tension, overwhelm, or disconnection. As clients develop greater nervous system regulation and self-awareness, they often feel more grounded, resilient, emotionally safe, and connected to both themselves and the people they care about.

Above all, I strive to create a space that feels compassionate, collaborative, and affirming. I believe healing begins when we stop fighting ourselves and instead learn to understand and care for the parts of us that developed to protect us.

Beyond Therapy

Outside the therapy room, connection is how I best recharge, through connection with nature, family, close friends, and meaningful community.

I live in a multigenerational household with extended family, and I deeply value the closeness that comes through shared meals, conversations, and everyday moments together.

I also love book club nights with longtime friends, walking our dog, baking, reading, spending time outdoors, and occasionally unwinding with good snacks and guilty pleasure television.

Specialty Areas of Practice

Mind-Body Therapy & Nervous System Regulation

Addressing stress, trauma, and emotional patterns in the body, building regulation and safety

EMDR, Trauma & Emotional Healing

Processing unresolved experiences, helping clients move out of survival states such as fight, flight, freeze, and shutdown

Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Parts Work

Exploring protective parts, healing wounded parts, and building deeper self-compassion

People-Pleasing, Burnout & Over-Functioning

Addressing chronic caretaking, perfectionism, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty setting boundaries in relationships and work

Relationship Patterns & Attachment

Healing repetitive relationship dynamics, resentment, and emotional disconnection

Life Transitions & Feeling Stuck

Supporting change, working through stuckness

Background and Education

Valarie Gardner, M.A., AMFT is a clinician at Reframe Psychology Group under the clinical supervision of Wendy Eifert, Psy.D. She has been working in the mental health field since 2020. Valarie graduated from UC Santa Cruz with Honors and received a bachelor's degree in English Literature. She obtained her teaching credential from California State University, Northridge, and pursued a career in education before transitioning to mental health.

Valarie has completed advanced training in EMDR, trauma treatment, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and nervous-system-based approaches to healing. She is currently working toward EMDR certification under consultation and continues to pursue specialized training in trauma, attachment, couples therapy, and relational healing.

Ready to Work with Valarie Gardner?

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