Magen Vallillo, MDiv, MA, Registered Social Work Intern

My therapeutic approach is a bit different in that I believe we were all born with the tools we need to heal ourselves in our own unique ways. I understand my job as a therapist to be someone who helps another person find those tools within themselves and in doing recognize their strengths, their worth, and their ability to make meaning. The population of clients that I typically work with are single adults, couples, and adolescents. The latter hold a special place in my heart as I can remember my own teen years so vividly and therefore have a tremendous amount of compassion for what they are going through. Whether adults or adolescents, together we will cultivate a safe and sacred space where hope and healing can occur. 

I offer a holistic approach to counseling in that while engaging clients with a mixture of psychodynamic theory and cognitive therapy, I also like to employ mindfulness techniques and open the door for spiritual engagement. I have seen, first-hand, the transformative healing that faith can usher into people’s lives. Conversely, I have also seen how faith communities and belief systems have wounded and damaged people, especially as it pertains to gender, race, and sexuality. 

My practice is a safe harbor welcoming people to come rest, and begin their healing journeys. It is an honor to be a part of someone’s lightbulb moment when they are able to change their perspective and begin to understand the meaning behind something painful, and their capacity to transcend something hurtful into something that emboldens and strengthens their perception of self and the world around them. Our experiences, especially the hard ones, do shape us, but they do not have to define us. We have the ability to move past them and learn how to carry on even though. You are worthy of a beautiful life.