- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Client-centered work
About Valerie
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 30 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, grief, and related areas listed in her profile.
She spent many years in residential mental health and residential substance abuse settings. Valerie also taught for 16 years in schools for students with learning differences, autism, emotional needs, and developmental delays. While teaching she ran a private practice in evenings and weekends and later worked in homes and day treatment programs in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Valerie describes therapy as a team effort. She explains that different approaches suit different people and that small changes in daily life can make a difference. Sessions focus on practical skills for coping, noticing internal self-criticism, and changing how people respond to stressors.
Her background includes work with faith transitions and what some call religious trauma syndrome, and she supports people dealing with identity topics such as LGBT concerns. She has helped people across a wide age range in both agency and private practice settings.
In sessions she aims to build trust and reduce judgment so people can speak about difficult feelings. Her clinical methods include approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and client-centered work. She draws on these methods to support coping, relationships, and life changes.
People considering therapy are invited to review the options and follow the site steps to match and schedule a first session. Valerie practices in Florida and lists English as her working language.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, then choosing actions that match personal values. It can help when anxiety or self-criticism get in the way of everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, mood, and behavior changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and supporting a person to find their own solutions through reflective, non-directive conversation.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels helpful, and then recommend methods to try together. That process is collaborative and can change as needs shift.
The original biography did not list specific online session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Many people find online work helpful for fitting sessions into a busy week, keeping check-ins short when needed, or avoiding travel time. Licensed professionals can use different approaches online to teach coping skills, run exposure practices, or work on communication and values-based action in a way that fits day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and related concerns listed in her profile.
What is her general therapy style?
She uses a team-based, practical approach and draws on ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, and client-centered methods to work on coping and behavior change.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of experience in residential, school, agency, and private practice settings.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LMHC licensed in Florida and practices from Florida locations noted on the site.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
She accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.
What session formats does she offer?
The original profile does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Session cost varies with location and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.