Valeria Scher-Arazi, Registered Social Work Intern 
"Helping Children, Teens, Adults & Families to Enhance Their Relationships & Live Happier Lives."

Counseling for Children:

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Working with children is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling parts of my work. As a play therapist, I take a child-centered approach that honors each child’s unique way of expressing themselves. Play is the natural language of children and through it, their inner world begins to unfold. Their hopes, fears, questions, and emotions often show up in subtle yet powerful ways during play, and it’s my role to gently help them feel seen, heard, and understood.

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For children who are age 10 and under, my primary goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where they feel comfortable leading the way. When children are allowed to guide the play, they gain the confidence to share what they may not yet have the words for. Through thoughtful, age-appropriate activities, I help children explore their emotions, build trust, and begin to make sense of the challenges they’re facing.

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Many children struggle with transitions, following directions, or managing big feelings when limits are set. These responses are often signs of deeper emotional needs that haven’t yet been met. Using play therapy techniques, I help children build emotional awareness, improve frustration tolerance, and develop healthier ways to communicate their needs. We do this through games, modeling, storytelling, role-play, and other engaging techniques that make therapy feel both safe and fun.

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Some children may be navigating major life changes like divorce, separation, or conflict at home. These experiences can be confusing and overwhelming, and children often need extra care and support to work through them. Play therapy gives them the space to process what’s happening at their own pace. Together, we can reframe troubling thoughts, build emotional resilience, and nurture their ability to cope with life’s challenges in healthy ways.

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I also believe the parent-child relationship is a vital part of the therapeutic process. That’s why I collaborate closely with parents and caregivers throughout our work together. When we join forces, we can create a stronger foundation of support for your child and for your entire family.

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Let’s partner together to help your child feel more confident, connected, and emotionally secure.

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Counseling for Teens:

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The teenage years can be incredibly complex and overwhelming. Adolescents are navigating rapid changes - emotionally, physically, and socially - all while trying to make sense of who they are and where they fit in. They may be struggling with peer pressure, relationship conflicts, academic stress, identity exploration, or challenges within the family system. This time of transition can also be tough for parents, who often feel unsure about how to best support their teen through these ups and downs.

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My role as a therapist for teens is to offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support for both teens and their families. I understand that trust takes time, especially with adolescents, and I approach each teen with genuine curiosity, patience, and respect. Building rapport in counseling with teens is the foundation of the therapeutic relationship and once that trust is established, meaningful healing and growth can begin.

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Using a strengths-based and collaborative approach, I work with teens to help them build confidence, improve communication, develop emotional awareness, and better manage stress. Whether they're dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or life transitions, I aim to create a safe space where they feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

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Family involvement is also an important part of the process. Whenever appropriate when working with teens in therapy, I include parents or caregivers to help rebuild connection, strengthen communication, and support a more harmonious home environment.

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If your teen is struggling and you’re unsure of the next step, you’re not alone. I’m here to support your teen and your family through this important chapter.

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Family Therapy: 

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Family therapy offers a supportive space where each member can feel heard, understood, and validated. It’s a place to come together, work through challenges, look at situations from multiple perspectives, and strengthen your connection as a unit. While it may seem like one person may be carrying the majority of the weight of the issue, the truth is that each member of the family plays an important role in the dynamics at play. Every voice matters, and everyone has the potential to grow.

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Whether your family is navigating a major life transition, coping with grief, experiencing conflict between siblings or parents, or simply feeling disconnected, family therapy can help. Coming together in a therapeutic setting creates an opportunity for healing, understanding, and deeper connection.

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Using a blend of experiential family therapy, intergenerational and psychoanalytic approaches, and emotionally focused techniques, I help families systemically explore the roots of their challenges and move toward more meaningful, supportive relationships. Together, we’ll work to uncover patterns, build empathy, identify collaborative goals, and create a path forward that feels healthier and more connected for everyone involved.

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Counseling for Adults:

 

Life can be incredibly challenging at times. You may have reached out because you know exactly what you need support with, or perhaps you just know that something feels off and you're looking for guidance. My goal is to walk alongside you in therapy as we work together to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface.

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Everyday struggles such as anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, family dynamics, grief/loss, and depression can impact nearly every aspect of your life. When left unaddressed, these issues often become more difficult to manage. Seeking support by finding a therapist near you is a courageous first step, and even the smallest changes can lead to meaningful growth over time.

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In our work together in counseling, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. We'll explore ways to develop healthier relationships, set boundaries, align your life with your values, and strengthen your skills for navigating conflict. We'll also look at patterns in your thinking and behavior that may be keeping you stuck, while building your confidence and ability to identify and foster healthy relationships. By addressing the root causes of your struggles, we can begin to create lasting change from the inside out.

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At the heart of the healing process is a strong therapeutic relationship. I take time to listen, understand, and build trust so that you feel truly supported along your journey. Through a personalized blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Theory, Psychoanalytic and Emotionally Focused techniques, and Faith-Based modalities when desired, we’ll work together to help you experience greater clarity, peace, and purpose in your life.​

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Counseling in Spanish:

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I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Therefore, I provide therapy in Spanish for children, teens, adults, and families who speak Spanish or feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their native language. For many individuals, being able to process thoughts and emotions in the language they use at home or grew up with can make therapy feel more natural, personal, and effective.

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At your request, we can conduct our sessions entirely in Spanish, using the same thoughtful and evidence-based approaches I use with all clients. Whether we’re working through anxiety, family dynamics, life transitions, or emotional challenges, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood.

 

Language should never be a barrier to accessing quality mental health care. If Spanish is your preferred language, I’m here to support you and your family in a way that honors your culture, your values, and your individual journey.

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Faith Based Counseling:

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In addition to evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I also offer faith-based counseling for those who wish to integrate their spiritual beliefs into the healing process. At your request, we can thoughtfully incorporate aspects of your faith, values, and guiding principles into our work together. This can be a powerful way to align your inner growth with the beliefs that matter most to you.

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I provide faith-based counseling to Jewish and Christian individuals, children, teens, and families who are looking to bring their spirituality into the therapeutic space. Whether you're seeking support through a challenging season or hoping to grow in alignment with your values, this approach allows us to explore your concerns with both clinical expertise and spiritual sensitivity.

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No matter your background or beliefs, my goal is to get to know you as a whole person. Together, we’ll explore your values, principles, and personal goals so that therapy feels authentic and meaningful to you. By weaving together your faith and the therapeutic process, we can create a path forward that supports healing, resilience, and long-term growth.

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