Valerie Engel, LPC, LMHC

Valerie Engel is a licensed counselor who helps people navigate midlife transitions and related challenges. She draws attention to strengths people already have and listens closely so clients feel heard. She works with common concerns like depression, low self-esteem, sleep problems, addictions, and relationship or intimacy-related issues.

Valerie uses practical strategies to help people manage stress and change. She helps clients build skills for clearer communication, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and create routines that support better sleep and daily functioning. Her background in addiction and recovery informs how she approaches substance use and co-occurring concerns.

Her work combines client-centered conversations with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy. That means sessions often focus on understanding what matters to the person and testing small behavior changes that can reduce distress. Valerie also uses mindfulness techniques and stress-management tools to help with emotional regulation.

She began counseling in 2007 in addiction and recovery settings and expanded into broader mental health therapy in 2017. Over 18 years she has supported people facing trauma, grief, caregiver stress, career transitions, codependency, and the emotional strain of divorce and separation.

Valerie holds LPC and LMHC credentials and practices in Washington. The approach is collaborative and paced to the individual, with attention to practical steps people can apply between sessions.

How Valerie’s approaches work in online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building on each person’s own strengths. It involves open conversation and reflection so people can clarify values and goals and feel understood. This approach is useful for people coping with midlife transitions, relationship questions, or uncertainty about next steps.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises to test new ways of thinking and small behavioral changes to reduce symptoms like low mood, anxiety, or sleep problems. CBT is often used when someone wants concrete tools to try between sessions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Valerie will discuss goals and preferences and suggest whether client-centered work, CBT techniques, or a mix makes sense. Together the therapist and client review progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know which online formats are available. Online work can make scheduling easier, help sessions fit into a busy day, and allow continued support when in-person meetings are difficult. It also lets people try short check-ins or longer skill-building sessions depending on what fits their routine.