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Shasterin Valentin, LCSW

Licensed by the CT Dept of Public Health- #011733

Hello! 

Growing up in Hartford, CT, I saw firsthand the challenges and barriers of living in an inner city and the impact of oppressive systems, both at home and in the community. Those experiences shaped my mission: to help people rise above obstacles and create the lives they envision for themselves. As a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I bring over a decade of experience and a deep passion for helping others heal and grow.

It’s important to me that therapy feels authentic and uplifting; a space where people feel seen, heard, and truly supported as they work toward transformation. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that healing happens when we honor our unique voices and embrace our differences. It’s an honor to walk alongside my clients as they take this brave step toward growth and self-discovery. Whether I’m working with someone navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, or relationships, I approach every interaction with compassion, empathy, and creativity.

In my personal life, you can find me snuggled up with my dogs Cookie and Cream, crafting, dancing, doing movie night with my husband and three kiddoes, and enjoying some ice cream! Oh and laughing, lots of laughing! I enjoy bringing my sense of humor into the session and welcome you to do the same!

Sincerely,

Shasterin

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What you can expect when we work together

  • I build authentic therapeutic rapport through a relational-cultural approach that centers on genuine connection, safety, and mutual respect. By prioritizing a warm, supportive environment, I foster trust and openness, empowering clients to explore vulnerabilities and discover strengths. This client-focused method not only deepens our working relationship but also accelerates healing and personal growth.

    Embracing relational-cultural therapy means nurturing a true sense of belonging and collaboration. As we co-create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, clients gain resilience and confidence to face challenges head-on. The result is a transformative journey of self-discovery, where individuals feel seen, heard, and fully supported in reaching their fullest potential.

  • I help clients uncover their unique strengths, build internal motivation, and drive lasting change. In a warm, nonjudgmental setting, I guide individuals to:

    • Recognize past challenges and triumphs as evidence of resilience
    • Deepen self-awareness and self-empowerment through reflective dialogue
    • Clarify personal values and set meaningful, values-driven goals
    • Strengthen autonomy and collaboration in every step of their journey

    By affirming clients’ capabilities and fostering a client-centered environment, this method not only boosts confidence but also ignites the internal drive needed for genuine personal transformation. The result is a resilient mindset, clear purpose, and sustainable growth which I believe to be key ingredients for positive, long-term change.

  • I offer trauma-informed therapy and harm-reduction support to help you replace unhealthy coping habits, including substance use-with lasting, healthier strategies. By meeting you where you are, I create a safe, nonjudgmental space that validates your experiences and honors your personal journey toward change. Using the SMART Recovery model, we set clear, manageable goals together so you can build confidence and see real progress one step at a time. Along the way, we address any co-occurring mental health challenges and develop stronger support networks-family, friends, or peer groups-to reinforce your new habits. My approach isn’t just about reducing harm; it’s about restoring trust in yourself, healing relationships affected by addiction, and empowering you to live with greater resilience and well-being.

  • I believe that humor and creativity are more than just “nice extras”-they’re the foundation for real connection, bold thinking, and lasting change. By bringing lightness and play into every conversation or workshop, I help people let down their guard, see old ideas in a new light, and feel comfortable sharing doubts or big “what-ifs.” This openness not only normalizes vulnerability but actively invites it. When everyone feels free to admit “I don’t know,” real learning and innovation happen.

    The result? Individuals move beyond rehearsed answers and tired beliefs. They embrace curiosity, take smart risks, and uncover possibilities they wouldn’t have imagined alone. By leading with humor and creativity, I help you show up as your authentic self, cultivate genuine trust, and build the confidence to explore new concepts together.

Specialities

We specialize in supporting individuals through life’s most challenging seasons with care that is both compassionate and evidence-based. Our psychotherapy services focus on helping clients navigate:

  • Building resiliency, safety, and self-understanding while gently untangling painful experiences.

  • Supporting healthier communication, boundary-setting, and healing from unhealthy relationship patterns.

  • Providing nonjudgmental, supportive counseling for those seeking to reduce dependency and/or maintain sobriety while strengthening coping skills.

  • Offering evaluations, tools, and therapeutic strategies that honor neurodivergent identities and promote success without shame.

  • Guiding clients through major changes such as career shifts, parenthood, loss, or personal growth with clarity and empowerment.

  • A therapeutic space dedicated to women who are seeking healing, balance, and connection with themselves. Sessions may focus on building healthier boundaries, navigating relationships, strengthening self-esteem, and practicing intentional self-care.

A variety of therapeutic setting options are available to fit your sensory, processing, and scheduling needs. Whether it is virtual, in the community, or the office, the flexibility allows for comfort to remain a top priority.

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In-Person/ In-Office Therapy

  • In-person individual therapy offers a unique opportunity to step away from your everyday environment and create an intentional space to focus on yourself. By physically separating from the routines and surroundings of daily life, you allow yourself the chance to fully pour into your personal growth and healing journey. Additionally, in-person sessions make it possible to incorporate more hands-on and creative approaches-like art, movement, or other experiential techniques-that can enhance your therapeutic experience and support healing in a holistic way.

  • 2317 Silas Deane Highway, Ste 3

    Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Telehealth Therapy

  • The option of Telehealth sessions allow you to keep your mental health a priority flexibly and sustainably! I have many clients who fit me into their day-to-day schedules by sharing their lunch breaks with me or in-between class time. Telehealth also allows for the ease of a before or after work/school routine. 

  • Prior to your scheduled session time you will receive a link via text and email that will allow you to log into your secure portal. No fancy technology required!

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Walk & Talk Therapy

  • Clients find that walk & talk sessions can alleviate the pressures and discomfort of eye contact during vulnerable discussions, allow them movement for those that soothe through fidgeting, and can enjoy a more open environment. Walking is a great way to introduce bilateral stimulation during the session which has been found to be a helpful tool in processing emotions and information.

  • Locations may vary depending on time and day of session scheduled. Walk & Talk therapy sessions are planned in advanced with client consent and mutually agreed walking trail in the community. Generally, within a 15 mile radius of our office location at 2317 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Languages: Spanish and English

Works with: Adolescents (11+), Adults, and Seniors


Modalities: Positive Psychology, Experiential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, Trauma Focused, Strength-Based, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic, and Attachment-based

Fees: 

Insurance: Medicaid

Self-pay: 

Intake- $150

53+ mins- $125

45 mins- $80

30 mins- $55

ADHD Evaluation- $160

(sliding scale available)