Dr. Valerie L. Zar, Psy.D. in Encinitas holds California psychology license PSY24558 with a dual clinical background combining doctoral-level psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois Medical Center. This OT-psychology combination informs structured social skills group therapy for adolescents on the autism spectrum, a therapeutic framework supported by the mindfulness and movement-based programming at Soul of Yoga in Encinitas. Individual and group modalities address eating disorders, school refusal, mood disorders, and ADHD across adolescent and adult populations on Saxony Road. Concurrent process groups for high school students target peer conflict, self-esteem, and pro-social decision-making — neurodevelopmental goals also addressed through the functional neurology assessment model at Calispine Functional Neurology. Telehealth sessions extend access for clients navigating major life transitions including relocation, career change, and divorce. Highest-complexity cases involve comprehensive psychoeducational assessment and individualized social pragmatics intervention for young adults with autism spectrum disorder transitioning into post-secondary academic environments.