- Direct and practical
- Client-centered approach
- Focus on daily habits
About Valerie
Valerie Wolfinger is an Ohio-based licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, and relationship challenges. She focuses on everyday thoughts and habits that shape how people respond to life. Valerie takes a direct, down-to-earth approach and aims to help clients find clearer ways to cope and move forward.
She believes many long-held beliefs and habits made sense once but no longer serve people today. In sessions she gently challenges thinking errors and looks for small, practical shifts that make daily life easier. Valerie uses humor and straightforward questions to keep work focused and productive.
Her background includes 15 years in clinical practice and a master's degree from the University of Dayton, where she graduated magna cum laude. She previously studied Health and Human Services with a family studies focus at Ohio University in Athens.
Valerie draws from client-centered and humanistic ideas while also using cognitive-behavioral tools, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques. That mix supports both short-term goal work and deeper pattern change.
When she is not working she spends time with her four children, reads, watches streaming shows, and cooks. She aims to build a practical, collaborative relationship so clients leave sessions with something they can try between meetings.
She believes many long-held beliefs and habits made sense once but no longer serve people today. In sessions she gently challenges thinking errors and looks for small, practical shifts that make daily life easier. Valerie uses humor and straightforward questions to keep work focused and productive.
Her background includes 15 years in clinical practice and a master's degree from the University of Dayton, where she graduated magna cum laude. She previously studied Health and Human Services with a family studies focus at Ohio University in Athens.
Valerie draws from client-centered and humanistic ideas while also using cognitive-behavioral tools, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques. That mix supports both short-term goal work and deeper pattern change.
When she is not working she spends time with her four children, reads, watches streaming shows, and cooks. She aims to build a practical, collaborative relationship so clients leave sessions with something they can try between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
Ohio
Languages
English
Approaches that guide online sessions
Client-centered work puts the person’s own goals and experiences at the center; the therapist listens closely and follows what matters most to the client. This approach helps people feel heard and helps shape goals that fit their life.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts and habits affect feelings and behavior. It uses practical exercises and simple experiments to test thinking patterns and build new, more helpful routines for stress, anxiety, mood, and everyday problems.
Mindfulness therapy brings attention to the present moment and teaches skills to notice thoughts and bodily reactions without getting swept away. It can help with anxiety, chronic stress, and managing strong emotions.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and pace. Clients and therapist adjust the plan based on what helps in real life.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as current options are set by the therapist. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time so clients can focus on real-world practice between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she commonly help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship challenges, parenting strain, trauma and related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is direct and personable, often using humor and challenging questions to keep work practical and focused on change.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has about 15 years of experience working in counseling roles and holds a master’s degree in clinical fields.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an Ohio LPCC and practices out of Ohio.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.