VALERIE TRAVIS, MA, CRS

Valerie Travis received her M.A. degree in Counseling in 2008 from Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology in 2003 from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. In June 2008 Valerie completed her requirements for the Certificate in Advanced Professional Counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary. Finally, in September 2020 Valerie entered a Doctor of Ministry curriculum with a focus on researching retreat care for those individuals who have been sober for at least 1 year or more post addiction.

As a successful drug and alcohol and mental health professional specializing in trauma, Valerie has been able to help improve therapeutic strategies and decrease the number of persons addicted to substances. She has extensive experience in redefining quality of life for those addicted to substances; her most recent role has afforded her to be in tune with the latest “street” drugs across the online landscape. As a result, she has developed persuasive tools and strategies for a success rate that are strong, client-centered, and adaptable for progress.

Since 1997 Valerie has maintained a lively client list, treated diverse populations, and consulted and taught seminars throughout the tristate area. Her clients enjoy a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and spirituality, she also advises clients amid Christian spiritual transformation. She has a wealth of experience providing and teaching appropriate information on topics such as repressed trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, and grief.

In 2009 she was awarded as a Certified Relationship Specialist (CRS) by the American Psychotherapy Association. She has also treated at risk inner-city youths, clients in the criminal justice system, clergy officials, and unusual issues that require creative clinical management, broad expertise, and elevated levels of confidentiality. In addition, she provides individual, marriage, family, group counseling and consultative services.

Valerie is the founder and CEO of Remnant Retreat Center in Royersford, PA. She has also managed to stay active in both the workplace and the community advocating for and promoting good mental health to organizations, churches, and other helping professionals. Her expertise in therapy/counseling has taken her to local communities where she visits those incarcerated or takes time to find runaway youth or counsel young adults in the neighborhood.

Former Montgomery County judge the honorable Cheryl Austin recommended that Valerie be added to the registry for Montgomery County family court. In this role, Valerie is available to see clients and give counsel on issues such as reunification counseling, custody cases and family counseling. She has been on the family court registry since 2014.

In 2013 Valerie worked for The Academy Schools, a network of award-winning schools for at-risk youth. Established in Western Pennsylvania and managed by leaders and innovators in the field of juvenile justice, these schools are both community-based and residential, serving local and out-of-state students. Valerie was responsible for drug and alcohol intervention for at risk youth ages 13 to 19. In this role she was successful in accomplishing literacy training for specialized students and decreasing the number of students taking ADHD medications.

Valerie has been a recurrent speaker at Graterford prison counseling and instructing inmates how to balance mental health issues. She has the uncanny ability to get to the root cause of problems related to mental health. As a result her recent work as a drug and alcohol therapist has given her the ability to observe large numbers of clients who were addicted become substance free.

In 2009 Pastor Val as she is affectionally known was assigned to the office of Pastor and installed in May of 2010. Pastor Val started Remnant Christian Church Inc. where she served as senior pastor until the Pandemic. She travels preaching and teaching the Word of God and is actively involved in church conferences as preacher, workshop presenter, conference speaker, ministry consultant, and Christian Counselor/Therapist. She is enthusiastic about serving Christ and leading others to Him. Her ministry and therapy skills will invite you into the immeasurable regions of the Word of God with simplicity, insight, humor, and wisdom; your life will be better because she came your way.