Hey there, I'm Valerie, the therapist behind Ryse Relationship Therapy. I'm so glad you're here!
Let me give you a glimpse into who I am beyond the therapy room. I've always had a passion for understanding relationships, which might have started when I was just a kid. Legend has it that during a trip to the bookstore with my dad, I bypassed the children's section and headed straight for books on relationships and couples therapy. Even back then, I was drawn to the complexities of human connection.
Fast forward to 2018, and that passion only grew. It was during my own therapy journey, grappling with my own relationship struggles, that I stumbled upon a book on couples therapy recommended by my therapist. I devoured it in days, and soon found myself immersed in the world of couples therapy literature. Sue Johnson's "Hold Me Tight" was a revelation for me, igniting a fire within and sparking my journey into the world of therapy.
In 2020, I married my person, Andrew, who gives the word "love" a deeper, more profound meaning than I ever could have imagined. I earned my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 2021.
I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, and I am proud to be a member of several esteemed organizations, including the Central Texas Center for EFT, AAMFT, TAMFT, and ICEEFT. In October 2021, I completed my EFT Externship under the guidance of Ali Barbosa and Rebecca Jorgensen, further deepening my expertise in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
When I'm not diving into therapy books, you'll likely find me curled up with a cup of tea surrounded by my furry companions. Yes, I'm a proud cat person who somehow ended up adopting three dogs – Penny, Clover, and Strawberry.
So why did I choose to become a therapist? It's simple – I believe in the power of human connection and the transformative potential of therapy. My own experiences showed me just how impactful therapy can be, and I'm passionate about guiding others on their journey towards deeper connection, understanding, and fulfillment in their relationships.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I'm honored to be a part of your journey, and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
At Ryse Relationship Therapy, my passion lies in guiding couples towards stronger, more fulfilling relationships. I specialize in couples therapy— helping couples overcome challenges, enhance communication, and rediscover joy in their connections.
I am committed to honoring diversity and inclusivity, with experience working with clients from a variety of racial backgrounds and a dedicated focus on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. As a trans-positive therapist, I am deeply invested in creating a safe and affirming space for individuals of all gender identities and expressions.
My practice welcomes clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and racial backgrounds. I strive to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected, recognizing and celebrating the unique aspects of everyone.
Ryse Relationship Therapy is founded on the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. EFT is rooted in attachment theory and the science of emotions, aiming to create secure, vibrant connections with self and others. Through EFT, clients experientially identify and transform negative processing and interaction patterns that create distress in relationships. The efficacy of EFT is well-supported by empirical, peer-reviewed outcome research. If you're interested in learning more about what EFT looks like and understanding the stages of our future work together, you can download the EFT Roadmap for Couples pdf file below.
Other tools Valerie Ryse, MS, LMFT may incorporate in her sessions include Gottman, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Valerie Ryse has completed Gottman’s Level 1 training, Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship, and Building a Lasting Connection’s facilitator training.
Photograph taken by Alec Kondush on @gru.dii
Love is a sculpture by Alexander Milov