Valerie Bertinelli says Mike Goodnough helped her "heal from some old childhood wounds"

On Instagram, she wrote: "I feel so lucky to have gotten to know him, and to really see him and soak up his insights.

"I value all of our long conversations and they have lead me to interesting and fascinating places I rarely thought to go.

"I look at life with a different perspective and caring because of my experiences and conversations with him.

"And he's been a big part of helping me heal from some old childhood wounds I never knew what to do with or even where to start."

She shared the heartfelt post - in which she confirms they are no longer together - a year after they first crossed paths.

She said: "I met the @therealhoarse in person a year ago today and I am irreversibly changed by him for the better.

"I know I am becoming a much stronger and more benevolent human for having met him and spent time with him.

"Before I had the pleasure of meeting Mike, I was initially and immediately attracted to his writing. It's heartfelt, authentic, smart, funny, sensitive, caring, and from the soul.

"And the way he puts words together is just sooo ridiculously beautiful. I'm a big fan, can you tell?

"And as luck would have it, the human being in person is exactly as heartfelt, authentic, sensitive and caring as his writing. And wickedly witty."

The former 'One Day at a Time' star - who was initially married to late rock star Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until 2007 - confirmed their split, but insisted they remain close.

She concluded her post: "Thank you, Mike, we may no longer be a couple, but you'll always hold a very special place in my heart. Love you."