Meet Your Therapist
What to Expect with Me
Carley Irwin
Licensed Professional Counselor
Clients sit down on my couch and say they are worried about “doing therapy right.” They’ve had experiences both in therapy and in their personal lives where no matter how hard they sought connection they felt unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They don’t trust that anyone could hold space for them the way they do for others. They want to be perfect even in the therapy space. Relationships for them are wrought with performance expectations, pressure to hold everything together, and weak intimate connections.
Therapy with me becomes a place where they can finally put down their manager role. My clients begin to understand their stuck places as we gently pull apart their struggles, observe them, and touch the real feelings underneath all their anxious striving for perfection.
My clients begin to discover what they really want and how to bravely show up as their authentic selves in relationships.
My Style
I pride myself on being both a compassionate and direct person. I share many observations and give a lot of feedback. I’m not going to sit there and stare at my clients hoping they sort through their suffering in front of me with no help.
I’m the right therapist for you if you desire a balance between being challenged while also being offered patience and understanding. I show up as my authentic self and encourage you to do the same. We will laugh, we will be serious, we will tread carefully when needed and deep dive when it’s safe to do so.
Credentials
Licenses
Carley: Ohio Counseling License
C.2506790
Superviser Julie Labanz
LPCC-S, CST-S:
E.2102378-SUPV
Education
Master of Education in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Kent State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Portland State University
Associations
Copley Chamber of Commerce
Member of AASECT
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist - Approved Provider
Approaches to Treatment
Every individual and couple requires a unique treatment. My clinical approach utilizes the following counseling theories, philosophies, and interventions as is appropriate for the client.
Attachment Theory
Trauma Therapy
Somatic Approaches
Psychodynamic
Relational Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Read to Get Started?
The first step is to book a free 15 minute virtual consultation. We will talk about what you’re looking for, I’ll answer any questions that you have, and see if we are a good fit.
What’s in a Name
Meaning Behind the Name Valerian Psychotherapy
Valerian
(valeriana officinalis)
latin root word “valere” meaning to be strong and healthy
Oh, valerian, such a vibrant plant. I wanted to name my practice after a plant I have a personal relationship with and one that holds value in my own life. I grow this flower in my backyard and each year when she emerges her scent overpowers the whole garden. She grows tall with strong, prominent arms and large tuffs of flowers. Her roots are used medicinally, often added to a tea to aid in sleep. But be wary, her dried roots are pungent and have an unpleasant odor and taste.
She lives in a plant category called nervines which are herbs that support, nourish, and calm the nervous system. Some of her nervine companions are skullcap, lemon balm, chamomile, and milky oats, to name a few.
To the gardeners among us, her characteristic of strength should not be overlooked… this beauty will spread her flowers without holding back. She’s not trying to make herself small for anyone.
Valerian is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep difficulties.