About Valerie

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a licensed mental health counselor with 30 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and ADHD. She practices in Florida and has worked in a range of settings, including residential mental health and substance use programs.

Valerie also taught for 16 years, supporting students with learning differences, autism, and emotional challenges while running an evening independent practice. She works with adults across many life stages and backgrounds.

Background and approach

Valerie draws on straightforward, practical ways to reduce day-to-day strain. She focuses on small, manageable steps people can use right away. Therapy centers on clear communication, identifying unhelpful self-criticism, and building healthier responses to life’s demands.

Her background includes school-based work, home and day-treatment visits, and agency practice in Pennsylvania as well as clinical roles in Florida. That breadth gives her a practical view of how challenges show up at work, at home, and in school settings. She uses a mix of client-centered listening and structured methods to help people notice patterns and try new behaviors.

Valerie emphasizes teamwork with each person to choose approaches that fit their goals and daily routines. Valerie is especially interested in helping people who struggle with identity, faith transitions, and the harsh inner critic that undermines self-worth. Her aim is to build trust so people can speak freely and practice new ways of coping.

Sessions emphasize steady progress rather than quick fixes. Valerie helps people learn skills, test them in real life, and adjust as needed. She frames change as a process and supports clients through each step.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take small steps toward those values while noticing painful thoughts without letting them control behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to change mood and functioning. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding emotional responses and improving how people express needs and connect with others.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Valerie will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they decide which approach or combination to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is useful when visual cues matter, while phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging are helpful for shorter check-ins, ongoing skill practice, or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, school, and family demands.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Valerie address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, trauma, grief, self-esteem, career strain, and related issues listed in her specialties.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions combine client-centered listening with structured techniques to identify patterns and try new behaviors. The focus is on small, practical changes that fit daily life.
How long has she worked in mental health?
Valerie has 30 years of experience across schools, residential programs, independent practice, and agency settings.
Where is she licensed and located?
She is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and practices in Florida.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

What this therapist works with

Also listed

Experience
30 years
Licensed
Florida
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.