Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Independence, OH covered by United Healthcare

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio, dedicated to helping individuals break old cycles and reclaim their peace. Since 2018, I have provided specialized mental health therapy across diverse settings, including college-based community mental health with BIPOC programming, inpatient addiction care, and private practice. I am an in-network provider with many insurance companies, including Providence Health Plan through the Headway network. My practice focuses heavily on supporting women, students, individuals experiencing various life transitions, and those, who are exhausted from people-pleasing, overcommitting, and ignoring their own boundaries. Together, we work to heal past and present wounds to build a deep, lasting foundation of self-trust and self-love.

I am a licensed mental health counselor with a passion for helping couples, families, and individuals, especially teens and women, navigate emotional pain, trauma, and identity challenges with clarity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed and holistic approach, recognizing the deep connection between the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.

I hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and have experience working with adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings. I specialize in supporting clients struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational difficulties. I also integrate evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused interventions, and practical coping strategies to help clients build emotional awareness, stability, and resilience.

In addition to clinical work, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals rediscover their sense of identity, purpose, and inner strength. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow at their own pace.

Feeling comfortable in our shoes is essential to a creative and self-fulfilling journey and

life. The struggle to reach out for support can be an obstacle that leads to isolation,

loneliness, anxiety, and depression and is often the first and most challenging step to

take. I congratulate you on your courage and willingness to imagine and hope for

changes that will help you be more comfortable in the shoes that you wear!

I have worked as a mental health practitioner for over 40 years and have encountered

many of the challenges that people face in their daily lives. Along the way, I have

discovered my own creative needs and now walk as a transgender therapist willing to

join you as a partner on a path to self-discovery. Giving voice to our hopes, dreams,

and desires is often an essential part of that journey, and I would be glad to join you as

a partner in your self-discovery and growth.

I became a therapist because I believe our struggles deserve to be understood, not just fixed. Too often, people come to therapy feeling like a problem to be solved or a checklist to work through, and that's exactly what I want to push back against. My goal is to help you feel more human, not more clinical.

I earned my Master's in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University in 2014 and hold a certificate in ADHD treatment. I work with adults navigating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, and I bring both professional training and personal familiarity to these areas. I know this stuff isn't abstract. It shows up in real life, in real ways, every day.

Hello, I'm Valerie. Whether you're new to therapy or looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, I'm here to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore life's challenges. Together, we'll work to better understand what's holding you back, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with confidence.

I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in the State of Ohio and a Certified Case Manager. I hold a bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and Child and Family Studies, as well as a Master of Social Work. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

My work in therapy is focused on helping individuals heal from trauma through education, inner healing sessions, interventions, and effective communication techniques. I'll encourage and help enable you to heal from the wounds of dysfunctional families, abusive relationships, and from the mental and emotional distress of narcissistic and codependent relationships.

Here are what some clients have said about me in notes and texts sent to me:

"You have taught me so much about myself...I've worked with many counselors, but you're the first one to ever really understand me...I don't think I'll ever be able to work with anyone else after this".

"The work we have done together has been life changing. I actually knew what to do and say to my sister this past week...it was so rewarding and made me feel free from my past with her."

"I know the first session just happened a few days ago, but I had to text and tell you I learned more from you in that session than in all the years I've been in therapy. It's like you know me. And yes, I've washed my dishes and put them away every day since we met and I can't wait for next week."

" I wish I wasn't moving...I'll never find another therapist like you".

"I appreciate you bringing the best out in me. I was able to (redacted) at our family reunion, just like I did when I was younger and it felt so good to be recognized for myself, my gifts and my contribution to the party. I feel loved again".

"I just hope you know that you are the best therapist in the whole world".

Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you’re afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or unsure whether therapy will actually help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or like you’re barely holding things together on the outside, you’re not alone.

My approach is warm, direct, practical, and collaborative. I help clients not only process emotions, but also understand why certain patterns keep happening and how to create meaningful, lasting change. Together, we focus on building emotional awareness, healthier coping skills, nervous system regulation, and stronger relationships.

Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, attachment wounds, self-esteem issues, or difficulty managing intense emotions. I work to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, understood, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

If any of this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support you in your healing process.