Psychotherapy
Meet the Clinical Team:
Shasterin Valentin, LCSW
Shasterin Valentin is a bilingual, licensed clinical social worker, with over 12 years of experience in the mental health and advocacy field. As an Afro-Latina, born and raised in Hartford, CT she passionate about bringing holistic healing and self-love therapeutic services to the inner city and BIPOC communities. As the founder of Respira Counseling & Wellness, she blends therapeutic expertise with cultural authenticity to create spaces that are inclusive, empowering, and deeply connected. With emphasis on helping women find their space to breathe, heal, and rediscover themselves beyond their roles as caregivers and caretakers, Shasterin leads with both heart and humor. Her relational approach focuses on infusing every workshop, group, and event with intention, compassion, and aiming to build community. Whether through talk, movement, or a good laugh, she’s here to remind others that their voice matters, and that healing is not only possible, but powerful.
Whitney Agyeman, MSW Clinical Intern
Whitney is a Master of Social Work graduate student in her final year, bringing both the latest in evidence-based training and meaningful life experience to her clinical work. Under ongoing direct supervision, she combines active listening, creativity, and collaborative goal-setting to meet each person where they are on their healing journey. Whitney offers empathy, respect, and an unwavering belief in your ability to grow into who you envision yourself to be. In addition to one-on-one sessions, Whitney curates a range of resources, from practical self-care tips to community wellness events, to raise awareness, provide encouragement, and challenge common misconceptions about therapy to her community. Don’t let her title as a clinical intern fool you: Whitney is deeply committed to helping you achieve your mental well-being goals and is excited to walk beside you every step of the way.
