LCSW, 25 years of experience
Welcome to my practice, CALM Therapy Group. I am a clinical social worker licensed in Indiana and Louisiana. I received my Bachelors degree at Purdue University and my Masters degree from IUPUI. I have worked in the behavioral health field for 25 years treating people with a variety of needs and conditions. I am an empathetic and genuine therapist who believes in the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. We all need someone to listen to us without judgement about our feelings, emotions, and past decisions. Life offers us a variety of challenges and we will work together on moving through them and understanding how our past experiences have affected us. I am a wife, mother of six, and understand the trials and tribulations of working full time and managing a household.
I know therapy can feel scary and overwhelming so in our first session we will focus on building a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship. We will discuss your needs, goals, and life challenges. We’ll explore your personal history, background information, and present challenges. We will set goals together to ensure you receive the best treatment possible in a safe environment.
My greatest strengths as a clinician include being relatable, authentic, incorporating humor, and a great sense of compassion and understanding for all people. I am very pationate about helping others and I want nothing from you, except to help you.
By seeking out therapy, you have acknowledged and identified that you are ready to seek help. I serve adult individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, parenting struggles, and major life changes and transitions. I have worked extensively with individuals who have suffered from disorders affecting the brain including traumatic brain injuries, strokes, Parkinsons Disease, ADHD, tumors, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
ACT is a type of mindful psychotherapy that helps you stay focused on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings about things you cannot change. We will work on moving you forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative. I have found it helpful to those who have injuries of the brain including traumatic brain injuries, dementia, stroke, tumors, Parkinson's, and Alzhemier's which I have worked with over the past three years.
CBT is a goal oriented and collaborative approach that focuses on the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We will discuss coping strategies to manage intrusive thoughts and emotions effectively.
TF-CBT is an evidenced based psychotherapy that directly addresses the impact of traumatic events. I will help guide you through the process of acknowledging and facing how the trauma has affected you and your relationships. We will go at your pace and comfort level.
9 ratings with written reviews
August 12, 2025
Just not a great fit for me.
June 13, 2025
Valarie seems very down to earth and relatable. I really felt good about our first session and look forward to healing and growing with her help.
May 6, 2025
This provider was the first one I saw that I thought I might have some luck with. She has been easy to talk to. She seems interested in my life and what is important to me. She always ends the sessions asking what my plans are for the upcoming week. Helps me think ahead instead of what's behind me or what may be troubling me that day.