Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC
Experienced, collaborative counseling for life’s complex challenges
- Over 30 years experience
- Team based therapy approach
- Support for life transitions
About Valerie Johnson-Cardoso
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with over 30 years of experience supporting people across a wide range of life stages and concerns. She has worked in Florida and Pennsylvania in settings that include residential mental health care and residential substance use treatment, and she has also provided counseling through agencies as well as in private practice.
Alongside her counseling career, Valerie spent 16 years as a school teacher, working with children, teens, and adults with learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. During that time, she maintained a private practice on evenings and weekends, which broadened her experience with individuals and families navigating complex needs and transitions.
Valerie brings specific knowledge in religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning, and she recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process, emphasizing that different strategies work for different people and that meaningful change often comes from learning new ways to respond to life’s challenges. She also pays close attention to the role of self-criticism and how early experiences can shape an inner voice that feels harsh or relentless, with a personal and professional focus on building self-compassion over time.
In her work with clients, Valerie aims to build trust and create a space where feelings can be expressed openly without fear of judgment.
Alongside her counseling career, Valerie spent 16 years as a school teacher, working with children, teens, and adults with learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. During that time, she maintained a private practice on evenings and weekends, which broadened her experience with individuals and families navigating complex needs and transitions.
Valerie brings specific knowledge in religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning, and she recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process, emphasizing that different strategies work for different people and that meaningful change often comes from learning new ways to respond to life’s challenges. She also pays close attention to the role of self-criticism and how early experiences can shape an inner voice that feels harsh or relentless, with a personal and professional focus on building self-compassion over time.
In her work with clients, Valerie aims to build trust and create a space where feelings can be expressed openly without fear of judgment.
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 in mental health counseling.
Is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso a licensed therapist?
Yes. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a licensed professional with the credential LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). Her license is listed as FL LMHC MH5690.
In which languages does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provide therapy?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provides therapy in English.
Where is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso located?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is located in Florida.
How can I work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso as my therapist?
You can work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso through online options that fit your schedule and comfort level, including 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 is simple. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help 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 That Translate Well to Online Care
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso uses evidence-informed approaches that can be effective in online therapy, with a focus on practical skills and supportive conversation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice unhelpful thought patterns and practice new ways of responding, which can be especially useful for stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier communication. It can be a helpful fit when feelings become intense, when relationships feel hard to manage, or when a person wants more steadiness in day-to-day life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on making room for difficult thoughts and emotions while taking steps toward values-based goals, which many people find supportive during transitions or periods of self-criticism.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Valerie works collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked before, then adapts the work over time to better match what the client needs.
Online therapy also offers flexibility in how sessions happen. Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to stay consistent with support from almost anywhere.
Ready to start therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso?
Take the first step toward a better you.