Yvonne Valdes

Individual Therapy, Mental Health Therapist

Yvonne has a bachelor's Degree in Psychology and has completed the coursework for her Master's Degree. She is currently a Mental Health Therapist and is working under the direct supervision and tutelage of our Founder, Andrea McTague.

What is your name/nicknames?

Yvonne Valdes

What do you do at Shift?

I am a Mental Health Therapist at ShiftGrit. I offer individual therapy sessions for adults and adolescents at a student rate, to allow for more accessibility to a range of different clients. My aim is to gain experience and hone my abilities as I work towards being a provisional psychologist.

What are your academic credentials?

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Adlerian Psychology
Master of Counseling - City University of Seattle - Edmonton Campus 2021-Present
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology - University of Alberta 2003-2006

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

I have always been very interested in psychology, formally studying it as a young adult and implementing it through my business career. I decided to become a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of self-efficacy; building from strengths, planning and goal setting to reach ones potential. I believe a client can optimize their life by working with me to implement tools that they did not previously have or perhaps recognize, and this level of growth will open up avenues to enrich their lives.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

When working with clients, my primary goal is to help them focus on their strengths and skills, and ameliorate those to help reach their full potential and optimize their lives. Through collaboration, we work to lay out a specific, clear plan and then we take action toward those achievable goals. Goals can range from helping with everyday tasks like organization or time management, or involve improvement in broader goals like boundary setting and self-confidence building. By helping my clients recognize the power they already wield while uncovering more, I strive to inspire my clients to start carving out the life they are excited about.

Who do you work with?

Adults and adolescents

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I am passionate about the work done with clients to recognize and foster their abilities to optimize their quality of life. My clients instill a trust in me as their therapist to maximize benefit to them in my work, and I am passionate about that dedication to their highest quality of care. Additionally, my clients trust me to focus on the importance of their goals and optimize our time together. Helping people reach their goals and live fulfilling lives has an energizing effect on the client and a ripple effect out into the lives of their loved ones, and I am excited to help guide them there.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I dabble in many types of crafting, from making polymer clay jewellery, sculpting, painting, candle making and cross stitch. I am always open to trying a new crafting activity! I am an avid true crime reader and enjoy writing, singing and performing. I also love to go out dancing and socializing, and enjoy cooking and dinners out to laugh and catch up with friends. I deeply value time with my large extended family, and take such joy in being with my nieces and nephews.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

A skill that I am currently working on is the ability to enrich each valued area of my life while aiming for balance. I am someone who is very much effected when an area of my life that I deem important is lacking, so it is a crucial skill to hone for my quality of life. I also think this skill would be valuable to bring to clients who may feel the same about working towards balance in their lives.

What motivates or inspires you?

I am inspired by the sheer will of a client who is trying to change their life when they find themselves struggling. It takes bravery and grit to recognize one may not have all the answers and be willing to reach out to a professional to improve their situation. When I see my client being open and effortful to planning out their changes and striving towards their goals, it motivates me to keep working with them towards their success, increment by increment. It is each step along the way to the goal that gets one closer and closer to their achievement.