Created by Valerie Simon, LCSW, TEP, CET III, The Inner Stage™ is an innovative group practice and training facility in NYC that incorporates cutting-edge experiential therapies. The Inner Stage practitioners utilize creative modalities such as psychodrama and Internal Family Systems therapy, along with DBT, Sensorimotor, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, customized for the diverse needs of individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds and identities.
Valerie Simon
Valerie Simon, LCSW, TEP, CET III, creator of The Inner Stage®, uniquely blends her entertainment industry background with her expertise as a certified Experiential Therapist, a Trainer, Educator & Practitioner of psychodrama, and a Certified Internal Family Systems therapist. Most recently, Valerie has created Play Your Parts℠ , a hybrid healing method that incorporates IFS and psychodrama. She also trains practitioners in this hybrid approach.
Valerie graduated with honors from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Film/Television production and has worked in various aspects of the industry. Valerie worked in production and post-production on feature films and television movies. She also read scripts at Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment and was the coordinator at Jim Henson’s world famous Muppet Workshop.
After receiving an MSW with a 4.0 GPA, along with a research award, from NYU School of Social Work, Valerie began extensive training in psychodrama with noted psychodramatist and author, Tian Dayton, PhD, and has received the highest certification as a Trainer, Educator & Practitioner. Additionally, Valerie is a Certified Level III Internal Family Systems Practitioner and an Approved IFS Consultant, having trained with the creator of the method, Richard Schwartz, PhD, as well as notable IFS trainers Chris Burris, Cece Sykes, Pamela Krause, Kay Gardener, Fran Booth and Susan McConnell.
Recognizing the importance of culturally competent psychotherapy practices, she and her staff have completed Anti-Racism Training through the Diversity and Resiliency Institute, Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace Compliance Training, and LGBTQIA2+ Ally Training through The Meadows. Valerie uses she/her pronouns.
Valerie has worked in a variety of psychological settings including hospitals, addictions facilities, public schools, and mental health clinics. She provided services to those affected by September 11th through Project Liberty, and she also aided Gulf Coast musicians after Hurricane Katrina through her work at the Jazz Foundation of America. For the last decade, Valerie also has run trainings and intensives at Onsite Workshops in TN.
Valerie has been a psychotherapist for over twenty five years. Her practice suite is conveniently located in the Midtown West neighborhood of Manhattan, with easy access to most MTA subway lines. Click here for directions.
Please contact Valerie here.