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Please note: Our therapists are an essential part of our integrated care model, and they treat patients referred by one of our pediatric medical providers. If you're interested in therapy, book an introductory medical appointment below.

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Bluffdale Counseling Mental Health

Valerie Peterson, CSW

Valerie Peterson, counseling

About Valerie:

Valerie grew up in Utah as a member of a big family and learned how to navigate everyday conflict early on. As a child, her family nickname was “the peacemaker” because she was always stepping in to mediate some conflict or resolve some dispute. Helping other people has always been a part of who she is.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows her, then, that she ended up in a career helping families do exactly what she helped her own family do as a child: be happier. Valerie believes that strong and healthy family relationships are what drives happiness and good health, and that strong families make strong communities. Using a variety of creative therapies, she helps kids and parents increase their emotional intelligence and navigate life’s challenges.

When she’s not at work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening, hiking, and running. In fact, she hopes one day to hike the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile journey from a city in the French Pyrenees to northwestern Spain. Her favorite quote sums up her philosophy nicely, “I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”- Gandalf, “The Hobbit”

Specialty

Therapist

Location(s)

Accepting New Patients

Yes

Education

BS, University of Utah, 2000
MS, Arizona State University, 2022

Language(s)

English

Parent Feedback

I have been taking my baby to Families First Pediatrics for almost 2 years now. My son sees Dr. Gavin Behunin and he is amazing! He is super kind, takes his time to answer your questions and is super knowledgeable. This is the best decision I've made for the care of my baby. Everyone here has been super kind and welcoming. I have had nothing but the best experience.

—Andrea Huerta.

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