Valerie Smith
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
About Valerie
I have practiced as a clinical social worker for over 20 years in public, general hospital, psychiatric hospital and private settings treating all ages, genders and races. I have training in PTSD, critical incidence debriefing therapy, childhood trauma, and alcohol and substance abuse treatment. My approach is more conversational then interrogational. Most people come to me with relational, self-image or work issues, depression or anxiety and we work through ideas to overcome these dilemmas.
Married late in life and with a child in college I now come to the office with a wealth of lifetime experiences. From fast food restaurants to general district courts to law firms to corporate to not-for-profit agencies, I have encountered all types of work situations and peoples. I actually draw from many of these experiences to validate, give wisdom and help others in similar places.
Many of us today lack the family or community support to deal with day to day issues. That’s why I’m here – to make suggestions for practical solutions, to make connections to childhood belief systems – and change them if beneficial, to provide reassurance and to give comfort. You don’t need to do it alone. Try at least one session and see if you don’t feel better!
What Valerie helps with
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- LGBT
- Parenting issues
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Sleeping disorders
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
Show 22 more areas
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Domestic violence
- Family of origin issues
- Fertility issues
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Hearing impaired
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
How Valerie works
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
What clients say
- “Great discussion”
- “Valerie was very knowledgeable regarding my issues that I was experiencing . She also gave me referrals to programs to address my concerns. Valerie was a pleasure. I high recommend her services.<br /> Former Client”
- “She is so lovely and knowledgeable! She listens so well and gives me such helpful feedback. I appreciate her so much!”
Show all 8 reviews
- “Takes the time to truly listen and address concerns, even offering additional resources such as helpful literature, etc. Very accommodating schedule-wise.”
- “Valerie is seriously great! She has understood me and my situation, has been able to read between what I say and what is really going on.”
- “Valerie listened and provided validation and support. She is easy to relate to and offered helpful comments. I felt much better after speaking with her. Her faith-based perspective was reassuring.”
- “I’m so grateful to have had Valerie Smith as my counselor.”
- “Valerie is very personable and makes difficult conversations feel lighter. Her response time is always beyond expectations, and she provides actionable tips and helpful “homework” which are greatly appreciated. I feel that Valerie takes the time to validate and explore emotions and reflections as they naturally arise; she has never left me feeling unheard nor rushed on to the next topic too quickly. Highly recommended!”
These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.
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