Larry Valentine

MS, CIT, PLPC, NCC

Who I am
I completed my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Missouri State University in 2023. As a Counselor-In-Training, I am under the supervision of Brian Vega, MS, LPC, NCC. Prior to beginning counseling studies, I spent 18 years in full-time professional nursing. Outside of the office I enjoy spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and walking meditation. I am a proud father of three adult children and grandfather to 13 grandchildren. After 38 years in a loving marriage, I became a widower in 2014.
Authenticity
From an early age I was different from other boys. Even after puberty, I had no words to describe that difference. Like so many others before and after me, coming from a conservative religious background, when I did begin to understand, I suppressed and denied my authentic self. It was only after 60 years in conservative religious spaces, and six years of being a widower, that I was finally able to accept who I had been all along: a cisgender homosexual male.
Living in authenticity has given me a great sense of freedom. I am now “comfortable in my own skin,” and have found the JOY of openly being my queer self. Through my counseling I hope to help others find that same freedom and joy as they live out their own authenticity.
My Approach
I believe that all of us need a place where we can feel safe and accepted, where we can talk with another human being without fear of judgment, censor or condemnation. That is especially true for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. We all need a place where we can be real—be ourselves—and be listened to. As a counselor, I want to provide that place and be that person for all who need it.
I provide individual counseling for adults (of all ages) and adolescents (15+). I follow a trauma-informed approach and, when appropriate, can offer EMDR therapy for traumatic memories. Anxiety, depression, grief, and loss of all kinds are common to human beings, and especially to queer folx. I have experience, both personally and in the counseling room, with these difficult life experiences.
In addition, if you are struggling with any of the following issues, I would be honored to address them with you:

Sexual orientation/Gender identity or expression
The coming out journey (especially late in life)
Being in a mixed-orientation partnership (where one is straight, one is not)
Experiencing religious trauma
The deconstruction of one’s faith

Fees

$75 per 50-minute session

Cash or card payment accepted at time of service. Receipt available for insurance.