Grief counselors and therapists in Billings, MT

You have probably been managing this longer than you let on, to yourself or to the people around you.

I work with people across every stage of life, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors, and I have been doing this work long enough to know that no two people carry things the same way. Whether you are navigating anxiety, processing something painful from your past, managing shifts in mood, or simply trying to figure out who you want to become, I want to help you get there. My goal is to help you find the version of yourself that you actually want to be.

I love the outdoors, my family, pets, books, and art/theater/dance. I have a passion for validating and encouraging individuals. I look forward to walking along side you on your therapy journey.

Hello, I'm Valerie!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana and Ohio with a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves.

​I founded Wild Living Therapy not only because of my deep love for wildlife and nature but also because I believe we all carry untamed, misunderstood aspects of ourselves—parts that may feel "too wild" or difficult to accept. My goal is to create a space where you can honor these parts, step into your power, and recognize your worth.

You're not broken—you are whole. Let’s navigate this journey together.

Having worked in community care settings, the school setting, and in private practice, my strengths are working with teenagers, individuals, adults, families, and couples experiencing challenges in relationships and connection. With 15 years of counseling experience, I offer a depth of compassion, wisdom, and appreciation for the difficulties that we all face in life. I expect my clients to engage in therapy with intent and the expectation that they will gain the skills and strategies to empower themselves to live their best lives.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.

As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I enjoy learning about ways we can change and understand our human existence. We are thinking, feeling and doing beings. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides a framework to identify ways to do it differently and better. Trauma treatment modalities like EMDR may support processing neurological and physiological reactions and being able to feel secure and safe while staying connected to others more fully. Our story is just that; we write it and edit it. We get to choose the chapters and path of our lives, through the unknowns, mysteries and celebrations.