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Valerie LaPorte

Therapist

Valerie LaPorte

LICSW

Minnesota · 21+ years of experience

Compassionate, goal-focused therapy for complex challenges

Continue with Valerie

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Step 1

  • Attachment-informed
  • Skills-oriented
  • Collaborative planning

About Valerie

Valerie LaPorte is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 21 years of professional experience. She offers calm, practical support for people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and the strain of life changes. Her style is approachable and goal-focused, with an emphasis on listening and clear problem-solving.

Valerie draws on attachment-based ideas to help people understand relationships and emotional patterns. She uses client-centered methods to make space for each person's goals and perspectives. Cognitive behavioral tools and dialectical behavior strategies are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and build healthier coping skills.

Her career includes long-term work with people who have serious mental illness and with adults across the lifespan. That experience shapes how she structures sessions and sets realistic short-term goals. She also brings experience supporting parents, caregivers, and people managing caregiver stress.

Therapy sessions focus on practical steps you can use between meetings. Valerie helps people develop emotion regulation skills, improve communication, and rebuild routines like better sleep. She emphasizes dignity, respect, and collaboration in every interaction.

People are encouraged to bring specific problems or general worries. Valerie works with issues such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, anger, low self-esteem, intimacy and relationship concerns, and stress related to adoption, aging, or disaster recovery. She aims to tailor a clear plan that fits each person’s needs and goals.

Step 2

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Credentials

Minnesota

Languages

English

Step 3

How Valerie's Approaches Translate to Online Work

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how past relationship patterns shape current feelings and reactions. Online sessions can use this approach to notice patterns, practice new ways of relating, and strengthen emotional connections with others.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and collaboration. In remote sessions the therapist follows the person's lead, clarifies goals, and helps set achievable steps that fit everyday life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Over video or phone, CBT tools can be taught, practiced, and adapted to real situations between meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their goals, needs, and preferences. That may include mixing strategies and adjusting homework or skill practice so it feels manageable.

Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed. It also makes it simpler to fit skill practice into a daily routine or to meet from different locations when life is busy.

Step 4

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy problems, sleeping difficulties, parenting strain, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related issues.

What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?

Her style is empathetic and goal-directed. She blends attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, cognitive-behavioral tools, dialectical strategies, and mindfulness to create practical plans.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 21 years of professional experience and over a decade of direct clinical practice, including extensive work with people who have serious mental illness.

What credentials and location apply to this therapist?

She holds a Minnesota Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker credential, shown as LICSW, and practices in Minnesota.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

Session formats are not listed in the biography. Please confirm current session options with the service before scheduling.

How is cost handled for therapy?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Step 5

Your next step

If this is for you

  • Check that the location and license details fit where you live.
  • Write down one or two things you want to talk about.
  • Take your time. You can read other profiles first.

If you are helping someone

  • Read this page together, at a pace that suits them.
  • Ask what they think about this therapist.
  • Let the person make the choice.
Valerie LaPorteContinue with Valerie