Somatics, IFS, & Nervous System Regulation for Individuals & Couples with CPTSD, ADHD, or AuDHD

A Neurodivergent-Affirming Somatic Approach to Healing Complex Trauma

Valerie Schrader offers holistic, relatable, evidence-based virtual support in Ohio & Globally

Let’s be real...

It's frustrating as hell to feel like you can't control your emotions, trust your experiences, especially when you've tried so hard to get past your past and deal with the overwhelm.

 

New clients often tell me that:

  • They struggle to feel their emotions instead of intellectualizing them, something that talk therapy never helped them change.

  • Anxiety, stress, burnout, and hypervigilance overwhelm them to the point that they feel stuck.

  • They've tried everything, and yet nothing seems to change.

  • They feel like asking for help or receiving support makes them a burden.

You know where you’ve been, now’s your chance to go where you’ve never gone before

We live in a world that teaches us to mistrust & suppress our emotions, pathologizing normal responses to trauma. That's why it's so hard to break old patterns. Your brain's #1 job is to keep you alive, and your body helps protect you. When you've experienced trauma, it'll do that in very unhelpful and uncomfortable ways by maintaining old patterns and triggers.

 

That's why talk therapy, journaling, and trying to "think positively" or just "take a deep breath" haven't worked for you. But don't worry... you're not completely broken!

 

Because your body is remarkably resilient. Somatic healing can completely rewire the way your nervous system responds to making changes and feeling better. This isn't about fixing you, because you're not broken, and shame/judgment have no place here.

 

My goal is to create a safe, supportive space to validate your experiences, express your emotions, and develop better coping strategies as we collaborate to unravel the roots of your patterns. 

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to admit you need help!

Explore the options for working with me below & start your journey toward healing.

Hey! I’m Val,

A Somatic Trauma Practitioner with CPTSD & ADHD currently living in Columbus, Ohio. I have a background in Social Work and Women & Gender Studies, focused on marginalized mental health. I specialize in Complex Trauma and supporting neurodivergent individuals & couples with CPTSD, ADHD, AuDHD, and ASD. My expertise isn’t just based on professional training; it’s also my story. I’ve gone through the same big cannon events as many of my clients:

  • Growing up with a narcissistic mom & undiagnosed emotionally unavailable dad, knowing your feelings don't matter and nothing you do is good enough.

  • Never really fit in until you started masking, going to parties, sleeping with randos, and drinking to quiet your mind.

  • Getting into a relationship with the narcissistic asshole & having a child with him.

  • Experiencing chronic pain & severe depression due to all the abuse and wanting to end your life.

  • Starting a healing journey, going no/low contact with parents and family.

  • Trying talk therapy, reading books, journaling, meditating, and feeling like none of it truly helped.

  • Realizing that almost everyone in your life (partners, friends, and bosses/coworkers) is like your parents.

  • Raising your neurodivergent kid and trying to be the parent you never had.

  • Getting a late-stage diagnosis and grieving all over again after realizing how little support you truly had.

  • Navigating the world unmasked, lonely, and not sure how to build healthy relationships.

I've spent most of my life overcoming the effects of trauma, learning how to navigate triggers, my emotions, and unlearning everything I was taught about myself to embrace my neurodivergent self. Trust me when I say, I get you! Instead of shaming your experiences and emotions, I'm here to normalize and validate them. With compassion and curiosity, we’ll meet the parts of you that've been silenced.

Find out more about me…

Areas of Focus:

CPTSD ~ Attachment Trauma ~ Childhood Trauma ~ Intergenerational Trauma ~ Neurodivergent-Affirming Support ~ ADHD ~ AuDHD ~ ASD ~ Immigration & Displacement Trauma, and 1st Generation ~ Inner Child Healing ~ LGBTQIA+ ~ Dissociation & Freeze ~ Religious Trauma ~ Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents ~ Narcissistic Abuse ~ Relationship Concerns ~ Boundary Setting ~ Conflict Resolution Skills ~ People Pleasing ~ Perfectionism ~ Imposter Syndrome ~ Self Worth Issues ~ Shame ~ Body Image and Intimacy Struggles ~ Gender/Sexual Identity and Exploration ~ Anxiety, Burnout, & Stress Management ~ Emotional Overwhelm

Testimonials

  • Hélène

    "I can’t say enough about Valerie’s approach. She’s the first person I’ve worked with who sees and supports me for who I am. Her guidance is rooted in care and practicality, creating change that doesn’t overwhelm but truly lasts. Working with her feels safe, grounded, and aligned with my pace and my values. This work has transformed how I show up for myself in ways I never thought possible."

  • Nadia

    "I would wholeheartedly recommend Valerie Schrader. She takes a truly unique approach, focusing on your intuitive pace and creating sustainable success, rather than pushing quick, one-size-fits-all solutions. Her guidance is practical and trauma-informed, with a gentleness that works with your nervous system, not against it. She’s honest, caring, and truly invested in your long-term well-being.. Working with Valerie has been a game-changer, and I can’t recommend her enough."

  • Mariah

    "In therapy, I used to intellectualize my issues, trying to 'fix' myself through understanding my past. With Valerie, I learned self-acceptance, tuning into my mind and body to make mindful decisions in the present. Her coaching encouraged me to connect with my own intuition and inner guidance.Therapy helped with surface-level understanding, but working with Valerie brought me to a place of self-trust and clarity. I’m perpetually grateful for the growth I’ve achieved with her."

  • Joely, Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Therapist

    "Valerie creates such a rare, nurturing space that allows for both internal reflection and connection. Each workshop balances self-regulation with communal support, where we can explore ourselves without judgment. It’s a space for real healing that speaks to the senses and connects the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual."

Interested in 1:1 or Couples Support?

Book a free consultation and let’s chat…