About Valerie

Valerie Keller Gates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma who focuses on helping adults manage stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, and ADHD. She speaks plainly and meets people where they are. Her style aims to make conversations feel direct and supportive so clients can talk through what matters most to them.

She draws on client-centered methods that prioritize each person's goals and pace. Valerie also uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful patterns.

Background and approach

When trauma or intense emotional memories come up, she may incorporate EMDR-informed steps alongside mindfulness and narrative work. Valerie trained with a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology from Southern Nazarene University and earned a Masters of Human Relations with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Counseling from the University of Oklahoma.

She has seven years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and groups in a range of concerns including bipolar disorder, addictions with dual diagnosis, and OCD-related problems. Her sessions are straightforward and practical. She aims to be transparent, honest, and caring so clients feel comfortable naming difficult topics.

Treatment plans are built together and adjusted as needs change. Parents and individuals looking for help with parenting stress, blended family issues, communication problems, or life changes will find a therapist who blends real-world guidance with evidence-informed techniques. Valerie prefers to tailor each plan to the person rather than follow a fixed formula.

Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions support them

Client-centered work focuses on the person's priorities and pace, giving space for them to set goals and guide session topics. This approach helps when someone needs acceptance, practical problem solving, and steady support while they make changes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) highlights the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses clear exercises to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and managing day-to-day routines affected by ADHD or mood challenges.

EMDR-informed steps paired with mindfulness techniques can help when past events or intense memories continue to cause distress. Mindfulness adds simple attention and breathing practices to reduce overwhelm and improve focus.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Valerie will work with each person to try methods that fit their goals and comfort level, adjusting techniques over time based on what helps most.

Online therapy makes these approaches more flexible. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and guided exercises. Phone sessions can be a lower-bandwidth option for brief check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for shorter updates, skill practice, or when someone prefers writing over speaking. These formats let people fit therapy into busy schedules and maintain continuity even when life is hectic.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Valerie address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, grief, depression, bipolar concerns, ADHD, trauma, and issues like OCD and addiction with dual diagnosis.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and direct, using cognitive behavioral techniques and narrative and mindfulness elements to help people change patterns and process experience.
What background and experience does she bring?
She has seven years of clinical experience working with adults, families, and groups and has supported people with a wide range of mental health concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Oklahoma.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
7 years
Licensed
Oklahoma
Languages
English

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