- Client-Centered approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Blended family issues
About Valerie
Valerie Keller Gates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma with seven years of clinical experience. She works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, and relationship and parenting struggles. She also lists blended family issues and other family-related topics among her focus areas.
Valerie draws on client-centered work alongside cognitive behavioral methods. She aims to adapt sessions to each person's current circumstances and preferences. Sessions typically involve direct conversation, practical strategies, and checking what is or is not working for the person in front of her.
Her training includes a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology from Southern Nazarene University and a Masters of Human Relations with an emphasis in Licensed Professional Counseling from The University of Oklahoma. Valerie has experience supporting adults, families, and groups across a range of difficulties from mild to severe mental illness to adjustment challenges.
In practice she favors openness and straightforward feedback. That approach is used to encourage honest discussion about problems like parenting strain, mixed-household dynamics, control issues, and communication breakdowns. Work can include identifying patterns, practicing new interaction skills, and planning small behavior changes.
Clients can expect collaborative sessions focused on practical steps and reflection. Valerie combines cognitive-behavioral techniques, narrative elements, and mindfulness-informed activities when they fit the person's goals. She describes treatment planning as a cooperative process that follows the client's needs and pace.
Approaches used in online work and practical fit
Client-centered work focuses on the person’s perspective. It involves listening, reflecting what matters to the individual, and letting their priorities guide the session. This approach helps people who need support sorting out feelings and deciding next steps.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses clear exercises and homework to change unhelpful patterns and is often applied to anxiety, depression, and stress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method used to process traumatic memories by combining focused recollection with guided bilateral stimulation; it can be helpful where trauma or abuse is part of the history.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, past experiences, and preferences, then choose or blend methods that fit. That decision is collaborative and can change as needs evolve.
Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, since the profile does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits often help people maintain consistency while they focus on changes in relationships, blended household roles, or personal coping strategies.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Oklahoma
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to blended households?
She lists blended family issues along with relationship strain, communication problems, parenting stress, and loyalty conflicts as areas she works with.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is primarily client-centered paired with cognitive behavioral techniques. Sessions focus on practical conversation, feedback, and small changes to behavior and thinking.
How long has she been practicing?
She has seven years of experience working with adults, families, and groups on a range of concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Oklahoma.
Can I meet with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not specify session formats; confirm current online and in-person options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.