Valerie L Jenkins
I’m Dr. Valerie Jenkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals and couples find renewed hope, healing, and growth. With deep experience in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, infidelity, and suicide prevention, I provide a safe and inclusive space for every client — including those in the LGBTQ+ community.
First session
In your first session, clients can expect to feel heard, gain clarity about what is bringing them to therapy, and leave with a clearer sense of how you can work together. The goal is not to solve everything in one meeting, but to create safety, direction, and hope. Early therapy is built around trust, shared goals, and an agreed-upon process. � What clients receive A safe, compassionate space to share their story at a pace that feels manageable, without judgment. An opportunity to name the real concerns—such as relationship conflict, betrayal, anxiety, trauma, grief, faith struggles, or life transitions. Greater clarity and validation around their feelings, patterns, needs, and the impact of their current circumstances. A collaborative starting plan that identifies priorities, initial goals, and possible next steps for treatment. An understanding of the therapy process, including confidentiality and its limits, communication, scheduling, fees, telehealth expectations when applicable, and each person’s role in the work. Informed consent helps clients make an informed choice and supports autonomy and trust. � A sense of fit and connection—clients can begin deciding whether they feel understood and whether your approach aligns with what they need. One practical takeaway, such as a reflection prompt, a communication tool, a grounding strategy, or a next-step action to use before the next session. Client-facing wording Your first session is a place to exhale, be heard, and begin making sense of what you have been carrying. Together, we will talk about what brought you to therapy, explore what you would like to be different, and identify meaningful goals for your healing or relationship. You will also learn what to expect from therapy and have space to ask questions.
Strengths
My approach blends evidence-based therapy with genuine empathy and respect for each person’s unique story. Whether you’re facing overwhelming emotions, navigating loss, or rebuilding trust after betrayal, therapy with me is about restoring connection — to yourself, to others, and to a life that feels meaningful again.
Ideal clients
Your ideal client is a faith-oriented adult or couple who wants clinically sound counseling that also honors their Christian values. They are motivated for change, open to structured therapeutic work, and want a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to heal, communicate, and rebuild. Ideal Client Profile Your best-fit clients are likely: Christian individuals and couples, including those who want their faith respectfully integrated into treatment rather than treated as separate from emotional or relational concerns. Couples experiencing communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, intimacy concerns, recurring conflict, or the aftermath of infidelity. They want practical tools—not just a place to vent—to restore safety, trust, and closeness. � Individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, PTSD, or significant life transitions who want trauma-informed care grounded in hope, compassion, and personal values. Clients who are ready to participate actively by reflecting between sessions, practicing communication skills, completing structured exercises or workbooks, and applying insights in daily life. Your approach is especially well suited to people who appreciate clear goals and practical guidance. � Telehealth clients across the states where you are licensed who value privacy, convenience, and consistent counseling from home.
Origin story
I draw from evidence-based modalities to help clients build emotional insight, strengthen communication, and restore trust during times of pain or transition. My goal is to create a safe, structured environment where clients can process difficult emotions, identify patterns that keep them stuck, and move toward lasting healing, resilience, and relational growth. I utilize integrative therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s needs, helping them develop coping strategies, emotional insight, and resilience.
Ongoing work together
What sessions include A nonjudgmental, confidential environment where clients can discuss concerns honestly; confidentiality has legal and safety-related limits that will be explained clearly. � Time focused on their goals, whether that involves healing from trauma, managing anxiety or depression, strengthening relationships, recovering from betrayal, navigating life changes, or deepening alignment with their values. Compassionate listening and thoughtful feedback that helps clients understand emotions, patterns, triggers, beliefs, and relationship dynamics. Practical tools and strategies tailored to their situation, such as grounding skills, communication practices, boundary-setting, emotional regulation, reflection exercises, or between-session support activities. Ongoing collaboration, including checking in about what is helping, adjusting goals when needed, and making decisions together about the direction of treatment. Psychotherapy is intended to be collaborative and grounded in dialogue. � Respect for their pace and autonomy; clients may ask questions, decline an approach, discuss concerns about therapy, or end services. Informed consent includes the voluntary nature of treatment and the client’s right to withdraw.
Treatment methods
Faith-based therapy
I use faith-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational therapy
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 149031492
- MaineLicense LC25898
- Rhode IslandLicense CSW03593