Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC
LMHC with 30 years counseling experience
- 30 years experience
- Works with all ages
- Accepts international clients
About Valerie Johnson-Cardoso
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with three decades of experience supporting people across the lifespan. She has worked in Florida and Pennsylvania in residential mental health and residential substance abuse settings, and she spent 16 years as a school teacher working with students who have learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. During her years in education she also maintained a private practice in the evenings and on weekends, and in Pennsylvania she provided services in homes and day treatment facilities for both children and adults.
Her practice draws on a broad clinical background that includes work with religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning. She approaches therapy as a collaborative effort, believing that different strategies work for different people and that small, sustainable changes can lead to greater calm and balance. Valerie emphasizes helping clients recognize patterns of self-criticism, learn new ways to respond to life changes, and cultivate self-compassion. Her goal is to build trust and create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore feelings and develop practical coping skills. Valerie combines long-term clinical experience with a team-oriented approach to support each person on their journey toward greater well-being.
Her practice draws on a broad clinical background that includes work with religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning. She approaches therapy as a collaborative effort, believing that different strategies work for different people and that small, sustainable changes can lead to greater calm and balance. Valerie emphasizes helping clients recognize patterns of self-criticism, learn new ways to respond to life changes, and cultivate self-compassion. Her goal is to build trust and create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore feelings and develop practical coping skills. Valerie combines long-term clinical experience with a team-oriented approach to support each person on their journey toward greater well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Hypnotherapy Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso have?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso has 30 years of experience as a mental health professional.
Is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her Florida license is FL LMHC MH5690.
In which languages does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso located?
She is located in Florida.
How can I work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso as my therapist?
You can work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso work with international clients?
Yes, Valerie Johnson-Cardoso works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Valerie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and cognitive behavioral strategies into her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them while focusing on values-based actions - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and navigating life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, listening, and unconditional positive regard so clients can explore feelings at their own pace and build self-trust - this approach supports growth around identity, relationships, and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thinking patterns and develops practical skills to change behaviors and emotions, which can help with depression, anxiety, and coping with daily challenges.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Valerie works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress unfolds. The aim is to tailor treatment in a way that feels respectful and effective for each person.
Online therapy with Valerie is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from different locations, and choose the communication style that best supports each client’s healing and growth.
Ready to start therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso?
Take the first step toward a better you.