LARISSA VALENTINO, LCPC
Larissa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, specializing in the treatment of Eating Disorders.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Larissa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Larissa has substantial experience treating adolescents and kids with eating disorders in higher levels of care. Larissa started her career treating Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Phobias in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) settings. After this, Larissa began working at a Residential treatment center and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and mood disorders. She spent the majority of her work treating adolescents, as well as working with families and loved ones of those struggling. Larissa has experience leading psychoeducational and process groups, as well as providing individual psychotherapy, family sessions, and parent coaching. Within treating eating disorders, Larissa has developed a lot of experience and skills around kids and adolescents with Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). In addition to treating eating disorders, Larissa specializes in working with adults and adolescents that are struggling with Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Self-Esteem Issues, Body Image issues, and Parent Coaching. Larissa is passionate about helping others live their true, and authentic self.
LARISSA'S APPROACH:
Larissa takes a warm, yet direct approach to therapy. She is down to earth and values humor as a part of the therapeutic process. After establishing a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship, Larissa works with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, explore and connect with values, and change behaviors by building distress tolerance through approaching anxiety in a supported environment. Larissa is passionate about helping others recognize their strengths and potential.
Larissa identifies as a Health At Every Size (HAES) clinician, and utilizes a HAES perspective with all of her clients. Larissa also utilizes Intuitive Eating approaches, Strengths Based Approach while weaving in evidence-based approaches which include, but are not limited to: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Larissa believes it is important to meet each client where they are at, and tailor therapy to meet each individual needs. It is imperative for Larissa, that she recognizes and values the differences of each client’s journey and needs.