Meet Sharika Bleu Valerio | Mental Health Therapist, Movement Artist, & Intimacy Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharika Bleu Valerio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharika Bleu, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
As a mental health therapist and movement artist, my ultimate goal is multifaceted. Professionally, by the end of my career, I aspire to have made a significant impact in the field of mental health and healing. My mission is to address and heal sexual trauma within marginalized communities through the integration of movement and mental health therapy. This involves incorporating practices such as pole dance and yoga to help individuals reconnect with themselves on a holistic level. Through my private practice, I envision providing comprehensive support for survivors of sexual trauma, guiding them on a journey towards empowerment and wholeness.

In addition to offering one-on-one and group therapy sessions, I plan to extend my services by conducting workshops for various organizations. These workshops will serve as spaces for communal healing and empowerment, utilizing movement and therapy to foster resilience and self-discovery among participants.

Furthermore, I am committed to working as an intimacy coordinator, advocating for consent and authenticity in on-screen portrayals of intimacy. By providing support to artists and actors on set, I aim to ensure they feel comfortable expressing intimacy on camera with full consent and respect for boundaries.

Ultimately, my goal is to facilitate healing and empowerment for individuals within therapeutic settings and the broader cultural landscape. I would love to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, advocacy, and transformative healing in the lives of those I serve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As someone who has endured sexual violence, I faced significant challenges in accessing appropriate resources to process my trauma, and the lack of aftercare was truly disheartening. This experience drove me to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker, driven by the determination to provide the support I didn’t receive to fellow trauma survivors. Alongside this journey, pole dance and yoga have been instrumental in helping me reconnect with my body and reclaim my sensual energy. I refused to allow anyone to exploit my vulnerable state.

It’s crucial for individuals to know that they are not alone in their experiences. It’s perfectly acceptable to take time to find one’s voice and rediscover one’s identity. My professional journey is centered on guiding others back to themselves, fostering self-empowerment and resilience.

Community support plays a vital role in the healing process, providing a space where individuals feel both held and heard. I’m excited about creating environments where people can openly discuss challenges and explore topics often neglected in traditional settings, such as sex education, consent, and healing. Through my work, I aim to continue providing these safe and supportive spaces for growth and healing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a week-long trip with visiting friends, I’d recommend starting with some outdoor adventures at Reynolds Nature Preserve and The Ridge Nature Preserve. Then, as a vegetarian foodie, you can’t go wrong with spots like Herban Fix, Cafe Sunflower, Hippie Hibachi, Planta, and Waddada. For ramen lovers, Okiboru is a must-visit, and Jinya Ramen Bar as a close second choice for me. Don’t miss out on cultural experiences like Frequency Fridays at the High Museum and Beats + Ballads. And for those interested in queer events, ALT ATL and BLAQ ATL are fantastic options. If you’re into pole dancing, check out Fit & Fancy Dance Studio, Pink Poles Studios, Secret Garden and Pole, and Excluzive Pole Dance Studio. Atlanta truly offers something for everyone!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A heartfelt shoutout to my incredible wife, whose support has been the cornerstone of my journey as an entrepreneur. Her encouragement and belief in me have empowered me to pursue my dreams fearlessly. Through every challenge and triumph, she has been my rock, cheering me on and celebrating every milestone. Her faith in my vision has given me the strength to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. I am endlessly grateful for her love, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in me. Here’s to my amazing wife, Kasey L. Martin, my partner in both life and business, whose support knows no bounds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleu.sv/

Image Credits
Orange Outfit Yoga Pose – Grant Henry
Eiffel Tower Photos – Aerial Flow Creations
I am Her, I am Me, I am Him Photo – The Adrianne Photo
Lava Rock Yoga Pose and Personal Photo – Kasey L. Martin
Group Photo and Pole Pose with glitter shoes and white background – VDVERASOR