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 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.

I am a licensed therapist in Montana with extensive experience supporting clients through life's most challenging transition and struggles. I work with clients across the lifespan, bringing particular sensitivity to the concerns of older adults and those navigating midlife transitions. My practice focuses on helping individual heal from trauma, manage anxiety and depressions, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I specialize addressing isolation, loneliness self-esteem concerns, and communication difficulties. I also support clients working through grief, loss, abandonment, attachment challenges and family dynamics- including blended family issues and family of origin work.

I am experienced in helping people navigate career transitions, financial stress, workplace challenges, and life purpose questions. I work with veterans and military families, those experiencing domestic violence, and individuals managing mood disorders, panic, and seasonal affective patterns. I also support caregivers managing stress and burnout.

It isn't easy navigating our complex our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, especially in our chaotic world. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses; life transitions; chronic illness; caring for a terminally ill loved one; or other issue affecting your life, I am here to help. My name is Barbara. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Helena. I have spent the last 25 years supporting children, adults, the elderly, couples, and families through therapy, care coordination, and counseling to meet their treatment goals. So, let's get started and contact me for a 15-minute consult or to schedule an appointment.

I earned a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling at The University of Great Falls in Montana. Simultaneously, I pursued credentials for a License in Addiction Counseling. Understanding the all-too-common relationship between menal illness, aspects of addiction, and trauma is imperative to helping people in our society. I am also certified in E.M.D.R. Therapy, found to be highly effective treating P.T.S.D. I have applied all of these techniques to various mental health issues and demographic populations.

In Montana, winter presents some of the greatest outdoor activities; hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and splitting firewood. Technically, fire wood is not a recreational activity but there is something spiritual between a man and his chainsaw.

I am a seasoned therapist of 30 years, and I learn something new with each individual I connect with. My goal is to address the issues of life we all face with grace, compassion and a little humor. I might not know all the answers... but together we will develop strategies to make a better life.

I am a licensed psychologist offering telehealth therapy for adults in early and midlife across Montana. I work with people who feel lost, overwhelmed, unseen, or trapped. Whether you are carrying trauma, struggling with depression or anxiety, stuck in painful relationship patterns, or functioning on the outside while feeling depleted underneath, therapy can help you understand and move through what feels most painful or stuck.

My style is active, honest, and collaborative. I am warm and direct. I listen carefully, ask real questions, and provide thoughtful feedback to help you better understand what is happening and what may need to change.

My background includes doctoral training in clinical psychology, additional education and experience in trauma and crisis work, and clinical experience in medical and academic settings. I also had a previous career as a hospital chaplain. I am comfortable working with both symptoms and deeper concerns: suffering, meaning, faith, conscience, identity, loss, and major life transitions. Spiritual or religious concerns can be part of the work when they matter to you, but they do not have to be.

I offer telehealth only, so you can meet with me from anywhere in Montana. I accept insurance through Headway and offer a free 15-minute consultation to see whether working together would be a good fit. I have limited openings, so please reach out if you are interested.

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.

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.