Marceli del Valle LPC-Associate

My approach to therapy is genuine, mindful, and emotionally focused. I believe that it is often not enough to challenge only negative thoughts. Thoughts are only one piece of the puzzle. We are complex human beings and our emotions are complex too! I strive to guide my clients to have a deeper understanding of who they are and who they want to become. We have all encountered different life paths all with their own particular obstacles and we all have obstacles we are yet to face. I want to empower my clients to build the resiliency necessary to face these challenges with open arms. My role as your therapist is not to “fix” your problems but to help you understand that you are capable of creating the change you desire.

I took my first psychology course as an elective in high school, and from that point on, I was captivated by the inner workings of the human mind such as how our emotions, experiences, and relationships shape who we are. During my undergraduate years, I volunteered in a research lab that studied personal relationships, which deepened my curiosity about how people connect, heal, and grow together.

On a personal level, my path toward becoming a therapist has been deeply influenced by my own emotional journey. I’ve had to confront and integrate parts of myself that I once avoided; the parts that were hurt, afraid, or ashamed. Learning to face my own shadow has been both humbling and transformative. When I resisted those parts, I felt disconnected, reactive, and lost. But when I began to integrate them, I discovered a deeper sense of compassion for myself and for others and a wholeness I hadn’t known was possible.

Through my own therapy, I’ve seen the power of genuine connection and the healing that comes from being truly seen. I am not the same person I was when I began this journey, and I’m endlessly grateful for that growth. Experiencing the profound change that can occur in the therapeutic process inspired me to help others do the same—to guide them toward self-acceptance, integration, and the freedom that comes with truly knowing oneself.

  I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), emotion focused therapy (EFT), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and the Gottman method for couples. During my undergraduate experience, I volunteered at a children’s grief center and I learned a great deal about the grief process through that experience. I also took a course in child centered play therapy (CCPT) which opened my mind about how I could work with children in expressing themselves and building self-esteem. EFT and the Gottman method prepared me to work with couple dynamics that often have perplexing emotions involved. I found that relationships are usually only hard work because we are not equipped with the tools to facilitate useful communication and confront complicated emotions. Especially if we have not had the chance to develop these tools in our relationships with our primary caregivers. Everything is connected! Lastly, I worked with the military population during my graduate school internship. EMDR, CBT and CPT taught me how to confront and challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts/beliefs and pinpoint where my clients get “stuck” in their healing. I learned how to help my clients combat traumas, depression, and anxiety by utilizing intersectional interventions.

I am passionate about what I do. If you are looking for a counselor that will give you a pat on the back and tell you to “just smile!”, I am not your girl! I want to dive deep into what makes you who you are and how the narratives that you hold for yourself impact the emotions that you experience.

For couples, I am not here to tell you who was right about that one thing that happened that one time years ago. I am here to facilitate deep understanding between both partners (or all partners for polyamorous clients) so that we can move forward and create a new story.

If you have never been to therapy before, I understand how daunting that first step can be. I once stood on that edge myself, worried about what it would mean to be a client in therapy. I encourage you to take the jump and dive right into one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. 

Outside of the therapy world, I am a total nerd. I love spending my free time reading fantasy, thriller, or philosophical books. Most of my free time is spent with my very spoiled Frenchie Storm, who you will probably see at some point during our sessions. Other than that, I do enjoy traveling and trying food from around the world.