Trauma-Informed ~ Liberation Focused ~ Compassionate, Empathetic Support

Hey there! I’m Valerie (or Val) Schrader,

I’m a certified Somatic Trauma Practitioner with a fiery passion for collective liberation and individual healing! I’m a fierce (and slightly feral) advocate for clients feeling safe, seen, heard, validated, important, and free to be exactly who they are. I’ve spent 20 years teaching people to trust their own experiences so the past stops defining their future. A lot of that comes from navigating CPTSD, ADHD, and chronic pain, and knowing what a game-changer it is to have tools made for you, presented to you by someone who gets you!

My work combines Somatic Trauma Therapy, IFS (inner child healing), generational trauma resolution, and Nervous System Regulation adapted for neurospicy minds because let’s be real, the Western therapy model doesn’t quite work for us. I also place a high value on a decolonized approach to this work and being real with my clients while helping them let go of the need to heal “perfectly.”

Working with me means you get all of me—my humor, honesty, and commitment to creating spaces where we’ll get to the root of your struggles and change the way your body reacts to old triggers. That way you can start feeling more capable and confident. We’re not just gonna work on building your resilience to handle life’s challenges, we’re gonna work on getting comfy with happiness, joy, and things working out instead of always falling apart.

My Philosophies

The Western therapy model is deeply flawed and has a lot of racist roots.
Trauma is stored in the body. Healing requires addressing the body and nervous system’s response to trauma.
Colonization, capitalism, patriarchy, and religion create trauma. You can’t heal individual trauma without addressing the role systemic oppression plays.
Every part of you is lovable, even the shadowy parts.
You aren’t broken, you don’t need to be fixed, and you aren’t bad. Even if you’ve done things you regret, you still deserve healing.
Trauma impacts how you view yourself, the world, and how you interact with others, but it doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.
There’s no such thing as perfection or healing perfectly. You’re human, healing is messy, real, and raw and I welcome all of that!
You can still take meds (I’m an Adderall girlie) or need medical treatment AND holistically heal.
Your emotions aren’t your enemy, they just feel overwhelming because society values intellect over them.
You deserve compassion, understanding, time, energy, and care too. We’re gonna work on all that self-abandonment, neglect, and criticism!
Healing isn’t meant to be done alone; community is crucial for our growth.
You can’t think your way through healing. It’s something you have to practice and experience.

Areas of Expertise

Childhood Trauma
Generational Trauma
Attachment Issues and Relationship Concerns
Narcissistic Abuse
Anxiety, Stress Management, Emotional Overwhelm
Body Image and Intimacy Struggles

Explore Somatic Trauma Support

A Little More About Me…

I’m a Xennial mom (my daughter’s a legal adult), a cis woman (she/her pronouns), omnisexual, ADHD with CPTSD, a witch (descent of a Salem Witch Trials Victim too), and I have a husky named Bo and a cat named Nadja.
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, and health challenges with cervical cancer and chronic pain.
I’m first generation American (German Jewish on my dad’s side and German, Italian, and Turkish on my mom’s side)
I’m a progressive intersectional feminist, and humanitarian who believes in restorative justice, climate change, social justice, equity, disability rights, trans rights, land back, free Palestine, free Congo, free Sudan, etc., and pro-sex worker (I’m a former one).
I’m a Leo Sun, Aries, Moon, and Taurus Rising in case you wanted to know.
Some of my hobbies include yoga, belly dancing, pole dancing (I’m a former pro aerialist), hiking, going to lots of concerts (preferably in the summer, dancing barefoot with friends), buying an obscene amount of plants for my house, gardening, reading smutty books, going on road trips, and treating Halloween like a lifestyle.

My Credentials

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
VITA™ Coaching Method Certification for Sex, Love, and Relationships – 2019-2021
Anti-Racism and LGBTQ+ Diversity & Inclusion Training with Nikka Karli, 2019-2020
Social Work with a focus on Mental Health - Eastern Kentucky University, 2023-2025
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