Valerie LaPorte , LICSW

Valerie LaPorte is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with 21 years of professional experience, including more than 10 years in direct clinical work. She is an approved clinical and non-clinical licensing supervisor by the Minnesota Board of Social Work, supporting other social workers in their professional development. The LICSW credential indicates advanced training and authorization to provide independent clinical social work services.

Her career spans work with clients from young children to older adults, addressing a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, anger management, trauma related to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, incarceration, disability-related issues, and serious mental illness. She has developed extensive experience helping people cope with life transitions, grief, addictions, parenting challenges, attention concerns, and compassion fatigue.

Valerie’s approach to counseling is both empathetic and goal-directed. She emphasizes approachability, attentive listening, and practical problem solving so people feel heard and empowered to reach their goals. She combines solution-focused brief therapy, strengths-based techniques, and cognitive-behavioral methods within individualized treatment plans, and she delivers care with dignity, respect, and compassion. Valerie looks forward to partnering with individuals seeking thoughtful, experienced support.

Approach-Focused Online Therapy with a Licensed Clinician

Valerie LaPorte integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address emotional and behavioral concerns in online sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores early relationship patterns and how they influence current connections, helping with intimacy-related issues, abandonment concerns, and family dynamics. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the person’s experience guides the work, supporting self-esteem, coping with life changes, and grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while building practical skills.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Valerie collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds so therapy remains tailored and effective.

Online therapy sessions are offered by licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from varied locations, and choose communication styles that feel most helpful for the individual.