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!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, 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, Immigration issues, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
VA LCSW 0904005575
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Valerie Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Great discussion
Written on Feb 21, 2023 after therapy with Valerie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
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.
Former Client
Written on Mar 30, 2022 after therapy with Valerie for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
She is so lovely and knowledgeable! She listens so well and gives me such helpful feedback. I appreciate her so much!
Written on Jan 05, 2022 after therapy with Valerie for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes
Takes the time to truly listen and address concerns, even offering additional resources such as helpful literature, etc. Very accommodating schedule-wise.
Written on Dec 10, 2021 after therapy with Valerie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
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.
Written on Nov 09, 2021 after therapy with Valerie for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
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.
Written on Aug 28, 2021 after therapy with Valerie for 3 weeks on issues concerning career difficulties, and coping with life changes