Life is challenging for all of us at times. I’m glad you’re here, taking the steps necessary to care for yourself. I am Valerie Rutherford, a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in Ohio since 2006. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, navigating a life transition, or working through the effects of trauma, you don’t have to do it alone. You’ll find a safe, welcoming space in our work together where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. With a collaborative, client-centered approach, we’ll work side by side to explore the challenges you’re facing and move toward meaningful change.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Starting therapy is a big step, and I’m here to make the process feel as safe and manageable as possible. Our first session is a chance for us to begin getting to know each other in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask questions about your background to help me better understand your experiences, but we’ll go at your pace; there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my biggest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I bring a calm, compassionate presence to our work together, while also offering practical tools and honest feedback to help you grow. With nearly two decades of experience, I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches—including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care—which allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to balance deep empathy with thoughtful guidance, helping them make meaningful progress while feeling supported every step of the way.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with adults who are feeling burdened by the demands of life, struggling with anxiety or depression, coping with grief or trauma, or navigating unexpected changes. You may come to therapy feeling stressed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward—but you know something needs to change. Together, we’ll create a path forward that aligns with your goals and feels both empowering and manageable.
About Valerie Rutherford
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Integrative
Often, I take an integrative approach to therapy, which means I draw from several different therapeutic models to best meet your unique needs, goals, and preferences. Rather than sticking to just one method, I tailor our work together by using tools and strategies from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and others. For example, we might use CBT techniques to understand and shift unhelpful thought patterns, while also drawing on mindfulness or grounding skills to manage stress or trauma responses. This flexibility allows me to respond to what’s most helpful for you in each session. The goal is always to create a space that feels supportive and effective, helping you gain insight, develop new coping skills, and move toward the changes you want to see in your life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my work with clients, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a practical and research-based approach to understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. When we’re feeling anxious, down, or stuck, it’s often because of patterns that we may not even be fully aware of, like unhelpful thoughts or habits that keep us feeling overwhelmed. CBT helps us slow down and take a closer look at these patterns. Together, we identify the kinds of thoughts that come up in difficult situations and explore how those thoughts might be influencing your emotions and actions. From there, I help you learn how to challenge those thoughts and replace them with ones that are more balanced and realistic. We also work on identifying small steps you can take to feel more in control, build confidence, and create change in your daily life. CBT is very collaborative, which means we’ll work together as a team to help you better understand yourself and feel more empowered to make the changes that matter to you.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
When using Solution-Focused Brief Treatment, I focus on helping you move toward your goals by identifying and building on your existing strengths and resources. Rather than spending a lot of time exploring the problem in depth, we focus on what’s already working in your life and how to do more of that. I’ll ask questions that help you clarify what you want to achieve and explore times when you’ve successfully coped with a problem or made progress, even in small ways. These conversations are designed to help you recognize your own abilities and feel more hopeful and capable. The approach is practical, goal-oriented, and collaborative, we work together to create realistic steps that can lead to meaningful change, often in a relatively short amount of time.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients manage intense emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships. DBT focuses on building practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s a balanced approach that helps you accept yourself while also working toward meaningful change. I tailor these skills to your specific needs, supporting you in creating more stability, confidence, and resilience in daily life.