About

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is an experienced licensed mental health counselor with three decades of clinical work in Florida and Pennsylvania. Her background includes roles in residential mental health and residential substance abuse programs, as well as many years in education where she taught students with learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. Over the years she also maintained an evening and weekend practice serving people of varied ages.

She brings a broad clinical lens to concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family dynamics, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and body image issues, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Her familiarity with faith transitioning and religious trauma syndrome informs support for individuals navigating shifts in belief and community connections. Valerie also works with matters related to attachment, abandonment, caregiving stress, and co-occurring difficulties.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration and practical coping skills while honoring the unique contours of each person s journey. She aims to build trust, reduce the influence of an internal critic, and create an environment where individuals can express difficult feelings without judgment. Valerie frames change as a process and partners with people to identify manageable steps toward greater calm and self-compassion.
Location:
Florida, United States
Years Experience:
30
Gender:
Female
Languages Spoken:
English
Therapist of Color:
Yes
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Depression
Other areas of experience: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Traumatic brain injury, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Therapeutic approach:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: FL LMHC MH5690
  • NPI Number: 1194098004
  • License: LMHC (Florida)

Remote sessions combining ACT, CBT and DBT tools

Valerie offers online care that draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address day-to-day struggles. With ACT she helps people clarify values and practice small, values-aligned actions when thoughts and emotions feel overwhelming. CBT is used to examine patterns of thinking and behavior and to develop concrete coping strategies for symptoms like anxiety or low mood. DBT skills are introduced for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness when emotional intensity is high.

People who prefer a collaborative, skills-oriented process may find this blend fits well; sessions are framed as teamwork where therapist and individual explore what works for that person. Communication during care includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing flexibility in how interactions take place. Information about scheduling and the subscription model for sessions is available through the intake pathway.

Whether addressing stress, relationship concerns, trauma-related topics, or life transitions, Valerie aims to tailor interventions from these approaches to match each person s priorities and pace.

What is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso s professional background?

She has worked as a mental health counselor for 30 years in settings that include residential mental health, residential substance abuse, school-based teaching, homes, and day treatment facilities.

What credentials does she hold?

Valerie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the credential LMHC and is listed under license FL LMHC MH5690.

Which languages does she speak?

The profile indicates she provides services in English.

Where is she located?

Her practice is based in Florida, and her professional history also includes work in Pennsylvania.

How can people work with her remotely?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

Does she accept international clients?

Yes. The profile indicates she is accepting international clients.

What does it cost to work with Valerie?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time according to the profile.

How does someone get started?

To begin, use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to initiate the intake and matching process.