Valerie Bertinelli has been sharing her journey of healing and resilience, offering a glimpse into her personal struggles and the progress she's made. The star of One Day at a Time recently took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, October 22, to reflect on a walk that brought back some difficult memories. She described the experience as one filled with "pretty horrible experiences" that reminded her of past challenges.
During this walk, Bertinelli stopped by Saks Fifth Avenue to try out some perfume, but the visit also triggered a wave of emotional turbulence. She admitted to having "some mental, emotional beatdowns" that were unlike anything she had experienced before. Despite these moments, she emphasized how far she has come in the last year and a half, noting that it's easy to forget just how much progress she's made.
Bertinelli spoke about the importance of healing and how the human body and mind are capable of overcoming trauma. She highlighted the role of therapy, specifically mentioning EMDR (eye movement, desensitization, reprocessing) and talk therapy, which have played a significant part in her recovery. "It's really a tribute to our brains and our hearts and our human bodies because it does, our bodies do hold trauma," she said. However, she also acknowledged the positive changes she's experienced, such as being able to walk through certain areas without feeling the same emotional weight she once did.
On Thursday, October 23, she shared a repost of the clip on her Instagram account, adding a heartfelt message to her followers. "I encourage you to get help if you need it and I want you to know, it gets better," she wrote. She also mentioned her book, Getting Naked, which includes healing meditations that helped her during her journey. The memoir is set to be released on March 10, 2026, and is already available for pre-order.
This revelation comes after Bertinelli appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show on Wednesday, October 15, where she opened up about her long-standing issues with body image. During the episode, she showcased a white strapless gown she once wore to an event that triggered her body dysmorphia. The Hollywood veteran shared how she felt uncomfortable in the dress, believing it made her look fat and disliking the way her shoulders appeared.
Despite these feelings, she ended up feeling beautiful in the outfit. "I just think there’s some sort of… I think all of us have a little bit of body dysmorphia, because we’ve been trained to think that we’re not enough and our bodies are wrong and they’re not," she explained. She encouraged her audience to embrace their bodies and recognize their inherent beauty. "Our bodies are our bodies. Our bodies are beautiful. Just put it in everything and anything you want to put it in!"
Barrymore echoed Bertinelli's sentiments, agreeing that looking back at oneself can provide a new perspective. "When you look back at yourself, it’s a perspective where you’re like, ‘I can’t believe I told myself those things. I don’t see them now,'” she said. Their conversation shed light on the importance of self-love and acceptance, resonating with many who struggle with similar insecurities.
Bertinelli's openness about her personal challenges and her journey toward healing serves as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to confront past traumas. Her story highlights the importance of seeking support and the transformative power of self-compassion. Through her work and public discussions, she continues to inspire others to embrace their own paths to healing and self-acceptance.