A New Path to Ease, Confidence, and Lasting Change

Welcome! I’m Valerie, a Certified Somatic Trauma Practitioner based in Columbus, OH. I work with women and femmes ready to release the weight of past trauma, break free from old patterns, and live a life that feels grounded and fulfilling. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I’m here to support you.

My Mission: Personal and Collective Change

Why I Do This Work

I know how it feels to carry the weight of unresolved trauma and wonder if change is even possible. I’ve been there: questioning my worth, struggling with generational patterns, and feeling trapped by societal expectations.

My own healing journey drives everything I do as a coach. Over two decades, I’ve combined somatic embodiment, intuitive practices, and ancestral healing to help women and femmes feel safe in their bodies and empowered in their lives.

Clients often tell me they’ve made more progress in months of working with me than years of traditional therapy. That’s because this work isn’t about masking symptoms—it’s about addressing the whole of who you are to create deep, lasting change.

My Core Values

What I Stand For

Compassionate Accountability:
A supportive, nonjudgmental space to grow, feel seen and heard.

Reclaiming Your Truth:
Let go of societal “shoulds” and generational patterns so you can live life on your terms.

Connection & Community:
Healing happens in safe, supportive spaces. My circles and coaching offer just that.

Integrity:
Honoring your unique pace and needs with honesty and care.

Holistic Healing:
We’ll address emotional, physical, and spiritual growth for lasting transformation.

Sustainability:
You’ll leave with tools to build emotional resilience and self-trust for the long term.

My Story

Hey, I’m Valerie, and if I had to sum myself up, I’d say I’m a rebel at heart—a fierce advocate, and a proud witch, and mamma.

I grew up in a challenging family dynamic with a narcissistic mom and stepdad, family trauma, housing instability, and hardship. As an adult, I experienced domestic violence, multiple sexual assaults, undiagnosed CPTSD and ADHD, and health challenges with cervical cancer and chronic pain.

For years, I struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, and anxiety. I silently suffered because that’s what moms do right? I tried to “fix” myself, believing I was broken and unlovable. The weight of this nearly broke and took my life.

The journey to reclaim myself, my health, my joy, and my voice wasn’t easy, but it’s the reason I do this work today. Breaking free from generational cycles and healing from trauma became my life’s mission.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me hiking, reading, cooking, belly dancing, yoga, at a good summer concert (especially Hozier and Dave Matthews Band), listening to 90s Grunge, R&B, and HipHop while tending to my ever-growing plant family, losing myself in a good craft project, or gathering with friends for full moons and bonfires.

Halloween is a lifestyle for me and I’m a Leo sun, Aries moon, and Taurus rising, which explains my fiery determination and grounded personality.

I dream of owning and restoring a Victorian house with a big garden. Not surprising but my favorite place in the world is Salem, MA (I’m also a descendant of a witch trial victim).

I have an incredible daughter, daughter-in-law, dad, husky named Bo, and my cat, Nadja.

I’m a progressive, intersectional feminist and pro-sex worker (and former one). I’m laid back and if we work together, you’ll get all of me—my humor, honesty, and commitment to creating spaces where you are seen, valued, and celebrated.

I believe in living real, messy, with room to grow and be exactly who we’re meant to be.

Areas of Expertise

Explore key areas where somatic practices, trauma-informed coaching, and parts work can help you release trauma, reconnect with yourself, and create lasting change.

Emotional Stability

Feel calm and steady, even when life feels overwhelming.

  • Calm Stress & Anxiety: Learn simple tools to ease your racing thoughts and ground yourself.

  • End Survival Mode: Stop feeling stuck in “fight or flight” and start living fully.

  • Emotional Confidence: Trust your feelings and stop feeling like they’re in control of you.

Healthy Relationships

End old patterns and feel safe opening up.

  • Heal Attachment Patterns: Open up and move toward secure, fulfilling relationships.

  • Set Boundaries with Ease: Say no and express your needs without guilt or fear of rejection.

  • Build Intimacy: Let go of habits that keep you guarded and create trust.

Confidence & Self-Worth

Feel secure in who you are and the life you’re building.

  • Heal the Inner Critic: Shift “I’m not enough,” to “I’m worthy and enough.”

  • Body Confidence: Let go of shame and feel more at home in your skin.

  • Trust yourself: Stop second-guessing yourself and trust your body’s needs and intuition to guide your choices.

Releasing Trauma 

Feel lighter & free of the weight from the past.

  • Release Trauma from Your Body: Let go of pain and tension you’ve carried for years.

  • Break Generational Cycles: Stop repeating old habits and patterns and address toxic dynamics.

  • Process Emotional Pain: Heal past wounds without feeling overwhelmed.

Navigating Life Transitions

Find clarity during life’s big changes.

  • Start Fresh: Whether it’s a career shift, relationship change, or personal growth, move forward with confidence.

  • Aligned Decisions: Easily and confidently take action on your goals and needs.

  • Life Clarity: Redefine what success and happiness mean to you.

Career & Business Sucess

Grow your career or business without burnout.

  • Quiet Perfectionism & Imposter Syndrome: Take action with confidence and let go of “not enough.”

  • ADHD-Friendly Solutions: Build routines that work your brain and make tasks feel achievable.

  • Sustainable Growth: Align your work with your values and well-being.

My Credentials

With over 20 years of experience and 20,000+ clients served; I’m committed to providing trauma-informed, somatic healing that truly addresses the needs of the whole person.

  • Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification – The Embody Lab, 2022

  • Healing Intergenerational Trauma Certification – The Embody Lab, 2021

  • Inner Healing Journey & Resilience and Thrive Trainings – The Embody Lab, 2021

  • Broken Connections: Experiential Strategies for Trauma and Attachment with Dr. Diane Poole Heller, 2021

  • Anti-Racist Academy with Nima Mohammed, 2021

  • Vagina-Vulva-Pussy with Mangala Holland, 2021

  • VITA™ Coaching Method Certification for Sex, Love, and Relationships – 2019-2021

  • Anti-Racism and LGBTQ+ Diversity & Inclusion Training with Nikka Karli, 2019-2020

  • Crystal Egg Training with Layla Martin, 2019

  • The Abundant Life with Lisa Nichols, 2018

  • Comparative Studies in Sociology, Women’s Health & Sexuality Studies – The Ohio State University, 1999-2006

Client Love

  • "I can’t say enough about Valerie’s approach. She’s the first coach 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."

    Hélène

  • "Being part of this community with Valerie has been life-changing. I’ve found a space that’s safe, genuine, and supportive, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Each session gives me clarity, confidence, and the courage to be fully myself. It’s so much more than coaching—it’s truly a circle of transformation."

    Rachel

  • "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—unlike any other coach I’ve encountered. Working with Valerie has been a game-changer, and I can’t recommend her enough."

    Nadia

  • "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. Even the voice notes we shared helped me celebrate my wins and get unstuck when I needed it. 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."

    Mariah

  • "I’ve made more progress in 12 weeks with Valerie than in a lifetime of traditional therapy. Valerie’s coaching style is direct, no-nonsense, and spot-on. She’s helped me understand my relationship with my family and uncover how generational trauma shaped my life. With her help, I’ve started to unwind these patterns, and my relationship with my mom has improved significantly. Having a coach who is both kind and clear has been incredibly powerful for my growth."

    Kate

Featured Interviews and Articles

I’m grateful to have been featured in interviews and articles discussing trauma, embodiment, and healing. These conversations allow me to share my insights, experience, and mission with a wider audience.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you’re ready to move beyond old patterns and build a life that feels aligned, resilient, and fulfilling, let’s connect. I’m here to support you every step of the way