Who is "Dr Valerie"?

Dr Valerie is the daughter of a veteran who has lived with a veteran (non ADF as she is a migrant) with PTSD growing up. She has lived experience of trauma and the world of veterans. Dr Valerie is a psychologist with 18 years of experience in private practice (full registration with AHPRA since 2003). She has specifically undertaken studies in trauma through the International Society for Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), as well as numerous professional development courses. She is a member of the Blue Knot Foundation and COTWA (Complex Trauma WA Association), as well as ISSTS and EMDRAA.

Dr Valerie holds several qualifications, including a Doctorate in Psychology (Occupational) and a Certificate in Trauma Studies (ISSTD). She is currently upgrading her skills through a Masters in Medicine (Psychotherapy for Trauma) degree at the University of Sydney.

Dr Valerie is certified at level 2 of EMDR, and has completed specialist training in EMDR for complex trauma. She is also currently undertaking a Certificate of Military Specialist course for EMDR with Dr E.C. Hurley, who runs the course certified by the EMDR International Association.

Dr Valerie has treated veterans and their families from every conflict since WW2 (yes, she actually had the wife of a WW2 veteran as a client!), including peace keeping deployments and training deployments. She has also treated veterans from other nations who are migrants to Australia.

Dr Valerie has large dogs that most people find helpful and comforting, one of which is a working line German Shepherd.