Valerie Riddle
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based practices that help individuals understand their experiences, build resilience, and create meaningful change. I work with adults who may be struggling with the effects of traumatic experiences, overwhelming stress, persistent sadness, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and difficulties with self-esteem. I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward healing and personal growth. My therapeutic style integrates trauma-informed care with practical tools that empower clients to regain a sense of control, strengthen emotional well-being, and improve their quality of life. I believe that healing is possible and that each person possesses unique strengths that can be leveraged to overcome challenges and achieve lasting transformation. My goal is to help clients move beyond survival, develop healthier patterns of thinking and relating, and build fulfilling, balanced lives marked by greater confidence, connection, and emotional wellness. Areas of Specialty: Trauma and PTSD Depression Anxiety and stress management Life transitions and adjustment issues Self-esteem and personal growth Relationship and interpersonal challenges Emotional regulation and resilience building
First session
You do not need to prepare anything perfectly for your first therapy session. Simply showing up is often the hardest and most important step. My role is to guide the conversation and help you feel comfortable throughout the process. If you'd like to prepare, consider the following: Think about what brought you to therapy. What concerns, challenges, or life experiences would you like support with? Reflect on your goals. What would you like to be different in your life, relationships, emotions, or overall well-being? Consider your symptoms or struggles. You may want to note feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related concerns, sleep difficulties, relationship issues, or other challenges you've been experiencing. Be prepared to discuss relevant history. This may include significant life events, family background, previous counseling experiences, medical concerns, or current stressors. Bring questions. The first session is also an opportunity for you to learn about my approach and determine whether I am a good fit for your needs. Come with an open mind. There is no right or wrong way to participate in therapy. You are welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Most importantly, you do not need to have your thoughts organized or know exactly what to say. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to explore your concerns at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. Many clients leave their first session with: A sense of relief from sharing their concerns Greater clarity about their challenges and goals An understanding of how therapy can help A personalized plan for moving forward Hope that positive change is possible Remember, the first session is about beginning the conversation, not having all the answers.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences. I bring a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to therapy, helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, and the effects of trauma while building resilience and self-awareness. Through active listening, empathy, and evidence-based interventions, I partner with clients to foster healing, personal growth, and lasting change. My goal is to empower each person to recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. They simply need a willingness to show up, be curious about themselves, and engage in the therapeutic process. Together, we work to identify strengths, overcome barriers, and create a path toward greater emotional well-being, balance, and fulfillment. I specialize in working with adults experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety who are seeking healing, personal growth, and greater emotional well-being. My ideal clients are motivated to better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and create positive change in their lives. I provide a compassionate, trauma-informed environment where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the evidence-based approaches I use to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that the way we think about situations can significantly impact how we feel and respond to them. Through CBT, I help clients: Identify unhelpful or negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Challenge self-defeating beliefs and develop more balanced, realistic perspectives. Learn practical coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Develop healthier behavioral patterns that support their goals and well-being. Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills. Build self-confidence and resilience when facing life's challenges. CBT is a collaborative and goal-oriented approach. Together, we explore how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and work to create positive changes that can improve daily functioning and overall quality of life. For clients experiencing trauma, depression, or anxiety, CBT can be especially helpful in reducing symptoms, increasing self-awareness, and developing tools for lasting emotional wellness. My approach integrates CBT within a compassionate, trauma-informed framework, allowing clients to gain insight while feeling supported and empowered throughout their healing journey.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and strengthen their motivation for change. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I partner with them to identify their own goals, values, and reasons for making positive changes in their lives. Using Motivational Interviewing, I help clients: Explore feelings of ambivalence or uncertainty about change. Identify personal strengths, values, and motivations. Increase confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes. Clarify goals and develop achievable action steps. Build commitment to healthier behaviors and coping strategies. Overcome barriers that may be preventing growth and progress. Foster a greater sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. I believe that lasting change is most effective when it comes from within. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and a supportive, nonjudgmental approach, I help clients discover their own solutions and build confidence in their ability to move forward. For individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, Motivational Interviewing can be a valuable tool for increasing self-awareness, strengthening motivation, and creating sustainable change.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences in a safe, structured, and supportive way. As a trauma-informed therapist, I use principles of TF-CBT to help clients understand how trauma affects their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Through TF-CBT, I help clients: Develop coping skills to manage difficult emotions, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. Understand the impact of trauma on their daily lives and relationships. Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs that may have developed as a result of traumatic experiences. Learn healthy ways to regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Process traumatic memories in a safe and gradual manner. Strengthen feelings of safety, empowerment, and resilience. Build confidence in their ability to move forward and create meaningful change. My approach emphasizes creating a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe, supported, and in control of their healing process. I recognize that trauma affects each person differently, and I tailor treatment to meet each client's unique needs and goals. By integrating TF-CBT techniques with compassion and collaboration, I help clients reduce the emotional impact of past experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim a greater sense of well-being and self-confidence.
Location
Virtual sessions