Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Akins.
Valerie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Social work and psychology have always deeply appealed to me. My own therapy journey began as a teenager while I was in foster care, where I experienced firsthand the impact of compassionate, effective support. Through counseling, I made meaningful life changes, and that experience inspired me to become that source of support for others.
After earning my degree, I worked in inpatient psychiatry and detox settings, where I developed strong clinical skills treating acute and severe mental health disorders. I then transitioned to the Eating Recovery Center and later to another partial hospitalization program, continuing to broaden my experience across levels of care. Eventually, I moved into individual counseling, where I was introduced to the concept of emotional overcontrol versus emotional undercontrol. This framework resonated deeply with me, and I quickly recognized a gap in effective treatment options for individuals struggling with overcontrol.
Today, my private practice specializes in the treatment of emotional overcontrol, utilizing approaches such as Radically Open DBT (RO DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapies.
In my personal life, I relocated from Texas to Asheville, North Carolina, to be closer to family, while continuing to maintain my Texas-based private practice through telehealth. Here in North Carolina, I have become increasingly involved in the ACT therapy community and currently serve as co-chair of ACT Carolinas. My ongoing goals are to foster social connection, bring positivity into therapeutic and professional spaces, and provide acceptance and openness to myself and others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. As a young therapist, there is a lot to learn about yourself, how you relate to people, and what style of therapy best suits you and your values. This meant lots of uncomfortable self-reflection, personal growth changes, trainings, skill practices and relationship changes. Some of the hardest parts I find of being a therapist are things I still struggle with today, such as people pleasing and assertiveness. Using the skills that I teach everyday is part of walking the walk.
Other struggles come with setting limits and finding the balance between work, family and personal time. I want to be a role model, and part of that is acknowledging the flaws I have in my own life and continuing to work on them.
Starting a business is not an easy task and requires significant time, energy, and dedication. There have been many growing pains and lessons learned while trying to live within my values, balance helping others, and navigate the realities of earning a living.
Like everyone else, I have faced personal challenges along the way. When I moved from Texas to North Carolina, I moved with an infant, with no friends in the area and was working from home. It was isolating, lonely and difficult to find the energy to put myself back out there and build connections after long hours as a therapist, wife and new mom.
In September 2024 Hurricane Helene hit Asheville area as a tropical storm and caused major damage. This impacted the community and created setbacks both personally and professionally.
Struggling is a part of life, in fact it’s guaranteed. Sticking with my values and reminding myself to behave like the person I want to be has helped me to make it through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a mental health therapist and substance use counselor who specializes in disorders of overcontrol. Overcontrol, in simple terms, refers to the restricted expression of emotions and thoughts, and highly controlled behaviors. I primarily work with overcontrolled personality styles and disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Schizoid Personality Disorder. Many of my clients also experience depression, anxiety, social anxiety, perfectionism, and varying levels of neurodivergence. In addition, I work with eating disorders, substance use disorders, and schizophrenia.
My work is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and complemented by specialized training in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT). To my knowledge, I am currently the only outpatient practice in the DFW area offering RO DBT. A core value of my practice is accessibility, which is why I accept insurance to help reduce barriers to care. Therapy can be life-changing, especially when you find the right fit and a counseling approach that truly meets your needs.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those who are just starting out as young clinicians, my words of advice are to embrace all the experience and education that you can so you can find what setting and therapy style best fits for you. During your start, you will feel positively about helping people make change, and also stressed, confused, and frustrated along the way. Make room for the discomfort and continue doing self-reflection and discovery, reminding yourself of your values and why you started in this field.
If you are starting a private practice, just know it takes time, dedication and effort. But, once it’s up and running, things smooth out and flow much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.openacceptance.com
- Other: https://insighttimer.com/valerieakins
Image Credits
Professional portraits credit to Robert Lambert Photography.
