VALERIE BLANDINO
Issues Treated:
Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Relationships
Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Solution-Focused
At my core, I treat every connection as a true collaborative partnership. I believe in being deeply approachable, leading with humor and candor, and meeting people exactly where they are at with compassion and an open heart. Whether I am helping someone navigate a tough ethical dilemma or simply offering a listening ear, I bring my whole, authentic self to the table. I am incredibly passionate about fostering spaces where people feel seen, valued, safe, and genuinely empowered to be themselves.
What I love most is witnessing the "lightbulb moments" when a clinician connects theory to practice and finds their own unique clinical voice. Clinical work is deeply rewarding but can also be incredibly heavy. Being able to provide a safe, supportive space where therapists can process complex cases, build their confidence, and learn to navigate high-risk situations with competence is deeply fulfilling. For me, human-centered leadership means protecting my team from burnout just as much as it means ensuring clinical excellence. When a clinician feels supported, that ripple effect directly elevates the quality of care their clients receive.
After spending years navigating the complexities of community mental health, I realized that the longevity and health of our field depend entirely on how we raise the next generation of practitioners. I remember how vital great mentorship was to my own development as a bilingual LCSW, and I wanted to pay that forward.
When I'm off the clock, my world revolves around my family. I love diving into creative, hands-on projects—most recently, that looks like throwing myself into elaborate, themed birthday parties for my kid (our latest adventure was an epic pirate theme!). I also highly value disconnecting to spend time out in nature and vacationing together, prioritizing intentional quality time where we can truly explore and bond without the distractions of daily life. For me, striking a balance between high-energy family fun and those peaceful, intentional moments outdoors is how I recharge my battery and stay grounded.
Education:
Master of Social Work with concentration in Community Mental Health from California State University, Dominguez Hills
Licensed Clinical Social Work, Board of Behavioral Sciences
Trainings/certifications:
Certified in Trauma Focused CBT
Certified Grief Educator
Languages:
English and Spanish