Valarie Johnson, LICSW

Valarie Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with three decades of counseling experience. She has worked in varied settings and has supported people through common and complex life problems. Valarie brings a steady, straightforward presence and a focus on helping people take practical steps forward.

She commonly helps with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. She also addresses relationship concerns, parenting strain, eating issues, addictions, low self-esteem, and compassion fatigue. Additional areas include caregiver stress, hospice and end-of-life concerns, adoption and foster care matters, and women's issues.

Her style is described as kind but direct. She supports clients in making their own choices while also offering gentle challenges to encourage progress. Valarie aims to combine warmth with clear guidance to help people move toward their goals.

Valarie draws on client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused strategies. She adapts these approaches to fit each person and their situation. If Christian-based counseling would be useful, she can incorporate that while honoring the client's background and preferences.

Valarie has long experience with cross-cultural adjustment and has worked internationally in the past. She practices in Washington and conducts sessions in English. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on her availability.

How Valarie’s approaches work in online therapy

Client-centered work focuses on the person in front of the therapist. It emphasizes listening, respect, and helping people name their own goals. This approach is useful when someone needs acceptance, reflection, and steady support.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It uses practical exercises and small experiments to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, depressive moods, and stress management.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Valarie collaborates with each person to choose methods that fit their needs and goals. She may blend client-centered listening with CBT tools or brief solution-focused steps depending on what will help most.

Confirm current session formats before booking, since the profile does not list exact options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - sessions can be scheduled around work, caregiving, or other responsibilities. Some people find phone or video sessions reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins, or make it simpler to keep appointments. Discuss practical needs when you first connect so you can agree on a workable plan.