Valerie LaPorte, LICSW

LICSW specializing in trauma and anxiety

Trauma and abuse
Depression and anxiety
Family and relationships

About Valerie LaPorte

Valerie LaPorte is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota with 21 years of professional experience and more than 10 years of direct clinical practice. She is an approved clinical and non-clinical licensing supervisor with the Minnesota Board of Social Work and has built a lengthy career supporting clients across the lifespan, from young children to older adults. Her work has focused extensively on individuals with serious mental illness as well as people facing a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, anger management, grief, trauma and abuse, incarceration-related challenges, and disability-related issues.

Her counseling style is empathetic and goal-directed, grounded in approachability, attentive listening, and practical problem solving. Valerie emphasizes treating clients with dignity, respect, and compassion and seeks to help each person feel heard and empowered to reach their goals. She draws on a mix of therapeutic perspectives tailored to individual needs, including solution-focused brief therapy, strengths-based approaches, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and develops personalized treatment plans to support measurable progress. Valerie offers seasoned guidance for those navigating complex emotional and life challenges and is committed to collaborative, outcome-oriented care.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Valerie LaPorte have?

Valerie LaPorte has 21 years of professional experience, including more than 10 years of clinical practice working directly with clients.

Is Valerie LaPorte a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LICSW, which stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. License details: MN LICSW 18275.

In which languages does Valerie LaPorte provide therapy?

Valerie provides therapy in English.

Where is Valerie LaPorte located?

Valerie LaPorte is located in Minnesota.

How can I work with Valerie LaPorte as my therapist?

You can work with Valerie LaPorte through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Valerie LaPorte work with international clients?

Yes, Valerie LaPorte works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Valerie LaPorte 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 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 Care with Valerie LaPorte

Valerie LaPorte integrates several evidence-informed approaches to meet each client's needs. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape emotional patterns and helps clients strengthen secure connections and improve relationship functioning. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client's lead, which can be especially helpful for building self-esteem and clarifying personal goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and many everyday challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Valerie collaborates with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts interventions over time to reflect progress and changing priorities, aiming for a plan that feels both realistic and meaningful.

Online therapy offers flexible options for engaging in this work, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access care from different locations, and maintain continuity of support. Licensed professionals can use these tools to deliver effective, goal-focused treatment tailored to each person’s circumstances.

Ready to start therapy with Valerie LaPorte?

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