- Client-centered care
- CBT-informed work
- Practical coping skills
About Valerie
Valerie Keller Gates is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Oklahoma. She provides straightforward, respectful care for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and parenting concerns. Her approach emphasizes meeting people where they are and working from that point. Valerie aims to create a calm space where clients can talk honestly about what’s hard right now.
Valerie earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology from Southern Nazarene University and a Master of Human Relations with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. She has seven years of experience supporting adults, families, and groups through a range of concerns, including trauma, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, addiction with dual diagnosis, and behavioral challenges.
In session she combines client-centered methods with cognitive-behavioral ideas, and also uses narrative, mindfulness, and EMDR-informed perspectives when appropriate. She adapts the counseling style to fit each person rather than using a fixed method. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and stronger daily habits.
Valerie describes herself as transparent, honest, and caring, and she brings that same attitude into sessions to help people feel more comfortable sharing. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and goals, with an emphasis on building coping skills and improving everyday routines. Her background in family studies informs work around blended family issues, communication problems, and parenting strain.
She supports people dealing with intimacy-related struggles, codependency, grief and loss, infidelity, money issues, multicultural concerns, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and life purpose questions. Valerie believes everyone deserves respect, compassion, and added support when it’s needed.
Valerie earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology from Southern Nazarene University and a Master of Human Relations with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. She has seven years of experience supporting adults, families, and groups through a range of concerns, including trauma, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, addiction with dual diagnosis, and behavioral challenges.
In session she combines client-centered methods with cognitive-behavioral ideas, and also uses narrative, mindfulness, and EMDR-informed perspectives when appropriate. She adapts the counseling style to fit each person rather than using a fixed method. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and stronger daily habits.
Valerie describes herself as transparent, honest, and caring, and she brings that same attitude into sessions to help people feel more comfortable sharing. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and goals, with an emphasis on building coping skills and improving everyday routines. Her background in family studies informs work around blended family issues, communication problems, and parenting strain.
She supports people dealing with intimacy-related struggles, codependency, grief and loss, infidelity, money issues, multicultural concerns, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and life purpose questions. Valerie believes everyone deserves respect, compassion, and added support when it’s needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderADHD
Additional focus areas
Blended family issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
7+ years
Credentials
Oklahoma
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person's experience and priorities. It involves listening closely, reflecting what the person says, and shaping sessions around their goals. This approach helps with relationship stress, parenting strain, and ongoing life transitions.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and everyday habits. Work often includes identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, or compulsive routines.
EMDR-informed work uses guided attention and processing to address traumatic memories and intense distress. When used carefully, it can help reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms and make daily life feel more manageable.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit best based on current needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change as progress is made or challenges shift.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, save travel time, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and accommodate quieter or lower-bandwidth setups. Talk with the therapist about scheduling and the kind of session that will work best for everyday routines.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Valerie commonly help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and related life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and practical, often blending cognitive-behavioral ideas, narrative, mindfulness, and EMDR-informed perspectives to fit each person.
What is her clinical background?
She has seven years of experience and has supported adults, families, and groups through issues such as addiction with dual diagnosis, behavioral problems, and grief.
What credentials and location apply?
She holds the LPC credential as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and practices in that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Valerie?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.