Peaceful Soul Healing: Salome Valencia Bohne

I am skilled at supporting people going through life changes, anxiety, trauma and depression, medical trauma, academia trauma, and grief and loss.

I use a combination of Behavioral Interventions (such as CBT and DBT) as well as narrative therapy. I also like to integrate mindfulness practices to help my clients build a toolkit for managing stressors.

I like to partner alongside my clients. I believe that the client is an expert in their lived experience. When working with me, clients can expect a collaborative, empowering, and non-judgmental space.

I have a passion for supporting people moving to the US from other countries/cultures. I understand that acclimating to a new environment can be stressful personally and professionally. During undergrad, I experienced the culture shock that comes from trying to navigate a new country as an international student. While completing my Masters in International Care and Community Development, I was responsible for developing programs and helped acclimate students to the US. I have also worked in organizations that support immigrants and refugees.

I am passionate about supporting BIPOC populations. I understand how systemic oppression has affected BIPOC folks in this country, and how it can effect someone’s self esteem and sense of safety. I am able to hold these stories with compassion.

The social justice movements over the last number of years have highlighted injustices in our country. I am able to hold space for non-BIPOC folks as they unpack what it means to be White in America.

I identify as a Mexican American woman. My family immigrated from Mexico, and I was raised in America. I have the lived experience of navigating different cultures at home and outside the home. I have an understanding of and deep respect for my Mexican roots, and understand the social and cultural rules that stem from that. I have also been able to successfully navigate American culture. I enjoy working with folks who have the similar experience of being held accountable to different social rules in different areas of their lives, and integrating both cultures to enable them to live their best life.

I enjoy working with folks of all ages, and have a special affinity for clients between 13 and 25. I am able to support in developmental transitions, including transitioning from Middle School to High School, High School to College, and College to the next step. I am also able to support folks going through the “Quarter life crisis”, when they transition to adulthood and start to question their values and identity.

I am a Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker (LSWAIC) in the state of Washington. I received my Masters of Social Work at the University of Washington. I also completed a Masters in International Care and Community Development at Northwest University. I completed my Bachelors of Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University. During this time, I was an International Student in Scotland for a couple of quarters.

I have specialized training in Medical Social Work and have worked on a Pediatric Palliative Care team.

I have a strong Social Justice lens. I like to partner alongside my clients to further decolonize the therapy space and co-create collective liberation.

I am very passionate about developing people to their fullest potential. I have served on and held leadership positions on boards of a number of different organizations that provide support and education for Social Workers in our community, including the Coalition of Healthcare Social Work (CHSW) and Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work (WSSCSW).

I also develop, conduct, and facilitate training on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I work hard to do my part in changing systems to be more equitable so my child will have a more level playing field when she’s ready to join the workforce.