Prof. Valerie Starr, LCPC, LCMHC

Prof. Valerie Starr helps people coping with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, trauma, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. She also supports those facing addiction, parenting challenges, anger, and concerns related to identity or LGBT matters. Valerie uses straightforward talk and steady support to help people move forward.

She has 38 years of clinical experience and holds both a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential. Valerie has worked in community mental health and independent practice. She has experience with a wide range of concerns from depression to recovery after trauma.

Valerie takes a person-centered approach in sessions. She listens without judgment and focuses on each person's strengths and goals. Sessions are practical and aimed at building skills and insight for everyday situations.

Her background also includes teaching at the graduate level. She spent eleven years as an adjunct professor teaching Family Systems Therapy and Ethics in the Counseling Profession to students preparing for careers in mental health counseling.

People working with her can expect a warm, compassionate tone and steady guidance. Valerie prefers to avoid labels and meet each person as an individual. She helps people identify clear steps for change and supports them as they practice new ways of relating and coping.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Attachment-Based Therapy emphasizes understanding how early relationships shape current patterns. In online sessions this can help people notice how they relate to partners and loved ones and practice different ways of connecting. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and showing acceptance so clients set the pace. It is useful for building confidence, exploring identity, and working through grief or self-esteem concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Decisions about which methods to use are made collaboratively and can change as progress is made.

Discuss the practical arrangements before beginning therapy online. Confirm the current session options, fees, and appointment schedule, and raise any access needs or communication preferences. The aim is to understand the next steps and decide whether the proposed arrangements work for you.