- 30 years experience
- LMHC in Florida
- Focus on stress
About Valerie
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 30 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, grief, and life changes. Valerie aims to build a trusting relationship where clients can talk about difficult feelings without judgment.
She spent part of her career as a school teacher for 16 years, working with students who had learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. She has practiced in Florida and Pennsylvania and has experience in residential mental health and residential substance abuse programs. That mix of school, clinical, and community work shaped a practical, down-to-earth style.
Valerie uses several well-known therapy approaches and adapts them to each person. She believes teamwork matters - therapist and client decide together which tools to use. She often focuses on changing responses to stress and learning small, steady habits that improve day-to-day life.
Her background also includes work with faith transitions and what is sometimes called religious trauma syndrome. She has worked with children, teens, adults, and older clients across home, day treatment, and private-practice settings. This variety gives her experience with many life stages and situations.
In sessions she pays attention to the inner critic people carry and helps them learn kinder self-talk. Her goal is to help clients find calmer ways to respond to stress and to support practical changes that make life more manageable.
She spent part of her career as a school teacher for 16 years, working with students who had learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. She has practiced in Florida and Pennsylvania and has experience in residential mental health and residential substance abuse programs. That mix of school, clinical, and community work shaped a practical, down-to-earth style.
Valerie uses several well-known therapy approaches and adapts them to each person. She believes teamwork matters - therapist and client decide together which tools to use. She often focuses on changing responses to stress and learning small, steady habits that improve day-to-day life.
Her background also includes work with faith transitions and what is sometimes called religious trauma syndrome. She has worked with children, teens, adults, and older clients across home, day treatment, and private-practice settings. This variety gives her experience with many life stages and situations.
In sessions she pays attention to the inner critic people carry and helps them learn kinder self-talk. Her goal is to help clients find calmer ways to respond to stress and to support practical changes that make life more manageable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyHypnotherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English
How therapy approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck by them and then choose actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on emotions and how they shape close connections, helping people understand and reprocess strong feelings to improve relationships.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie collaborates with each person to try methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts tools as progress is made so therapy stays practical and relevant.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and help continue care across locations. Licensed professionals can use these sessions to teach skills, review real-life situations, and practice coping strategies between meetings.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Valerie help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and body image concerns, parenting strain, and related life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
She takes a team-based, practical approach and adapts methods to each person. Sessions focus on learning new responses, reducing self-criticism, and building steady coping habits.
How many years has she practiced?
She brings 30 years of clinical and teaching experience, including work in residential mental health and substance abuse settings and school-based services.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and practices in Florida, with prior experience in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.